Rhythm Divine Academy of Music and Fine Arts

‘Oh not the second string again’

He has broken the second string of the guitar while playing a song. The problem with that is, that he only keeps one set of strings extra with him. And he had already used the second one of the spare set.

Now he would have to go Connaught place, or if he would want to buy the same product much cheaper, to Dariyaganj, which is in old delhi, reaching where can cause a migraine.

‘Man, I cant go to old delhi again for a stupid single string. I mean, its ok if you wanna buy a guitar. But for a single string? The same problem comes when you gotta buy a Plectrum’

Plectrum is the small triangular plastic thing through which you struck the strings of the guitar. You cant find a plectrum anywhere except a good music shop. And there were hardly any near his place. Or so he thought.

‘Let me try and find out here in Dwarka’

He had recently shifted to Dwarka. While driving, he suddenly came across a two storeyed structure with Rhythm Divine Academy of Music and Fine Arts written on it. He entered enthusiastically and found a lady sitting in a hall, in front of a desk, who looked like the owner as well as the manager.

‘Yes’

‘Ma’am do you teach how to play guitar here too?’

‘Yes we do’

‘Ok then, I guess you would know where, in the nearby area, can I buy guitar strings from?’ (Please don’t say Dariyaganj)

‘You can get them right here.. Which one do you want?’

‘Really??? Oh, the second’ (Sighs of relief)

‘Monu betaaa, guitar ki ek nayi second string nikal de’

‘Madam store mein check karna padega, upar to nahi hai’

‘Thik hai tum le aao… uh.. He would have to get it from the store, it will take 5 minutes, why don’t you sit down’

A batch of students just appeared out of a room. All were kids; age varying from 7-8 to 14-15. Some were holding guitars, some were just carrying bags.

‘What else do you teach here?’

‘We have got courses for keyboard, drums, and flute in music, and kathak and western in dance’

‘wow’

‘So, you are also learning guitar??’

‘Uh.. I know how to play.. Although the learning process never stops I guess’ (Smiles)

(Smiles back) ‘ok, how long have you been playing?’

‘Around 7 years’

(eyes widening) ‘So, you are like a proper guitarist, or you know other instruments also?’

(Smiles) ‘Well, I can play keyboard and drums too’

‘Do you teach also?’

‘I haven’t professionally. Otherwise I have’ (Ok lady, I see where this conversation is going)

‘What do you do otherwise?’

‘I am in the army’

(Blown look) ‘You are an army officer??’

‘uh.. Yes ma’am, I am on leave currently’

‘Ok.. ‘ Monu enters with the string.

‘Here is your string’

He paid for it and left. A thought kept bothering him. It was his dream to teach music to children. There was even a time when a wild fascination had become his goal. He wanted to open several Indian Institutes of Music, on the lines of IITs and IIMs. He decided to go back.

‘Ma’am, I don’t know whether you would consider this appropriate or not, but if you need an instructor for the next 16 days, I will be available.. And I wont charge anything..’

(Smiles) ‘uh.. Ok.. Actually we do wanted a substitute for our Keyboard instructor, He sometimes is not available.. But before that, we would like you to meet him and show him your skill a little.. If you don’t mind..’

‘Not at all.. when and where?’

‘Give me your contact no, I’ll let you know’

It turns out that the instructor of the school himself wanted to learn a few techniques of playing from him. Naturally he was taken in. He usually gets to teach once in 2-3 days for 3-4 hours. His heart rejuvenates everytime.