"The Art of You: Developing Your Personal Style on the Santoor"

Sharanya naidu
Sep 15
3 min read

Hey music lovers and fellow Santoor enthusiasts!

Have you ever listened to a performance by a master musician and felt something truly special? It's not just the technical perfection; it's the emotion, the personality, the unique style that shines through. As you embark on your journey with the Santoor, you're learning the scales, the ragas, and the intricate compositions. But what comes next? How do you move from being a good player to an artist with a distinct voice?

Developing your own style on the Santoor is one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of the learning process. It’s about taking the foundational knowledge you’ve acquired and making it your own. It's not about rejecting tradition, but about building upon it to express your own musical identity. Here’s a roadmap to help you navigate this creative journey.

1. Master the Fundamentals (The Foundation)

This might sound counter-intuitive, but to break the rules effectively, you first need to know them inside and out. A strong foundation is the bedrock of all great artistry.

Riyaz (Practice): Dedicate time to consistent, focused practice. Strengthen your hands, build your speed, and perfect your tone.
Study the Masters: Listen to as many Santoor masters as you can—Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Pandit Bhajan Sopori, and others. Don't just listen for the notes; pay attention to their phrasing, their dynamics, and their emotional expression.
Understand the Raga: A raga is more than just a scale. Learn its character, its mood, and the nuances that make it unique. This deep understanding will give you the freedom to improvise authentically.

2. The Art of Listening (Beyond the Santoor)

Your musical style is a reflection of your aural world. Expand your horizons beyond the Santoor.

Listen to Other Instruments: Explore the work of masters on the Sitar, Sarod, Flute, and even other genres of music like jazz, classical, or folk. How do they tell a story with their instrument? How do they use silence, space, and dynamics?
Listen to Nature: Pay attention to the rhythms of life around you—the sound of rain, the chirping of birds, the hum of a city. These can inspire new rhythmic patterns and melodic ideas.

3. Find Your Unique "Voice" (The Creative Process)

This is where the magic happens. Your "voice" is the sum of your technical skills, emotional understanding, and personal experiences.

Experiment with Strokes and Techniques: The Santoor offers a wide range of sonic possibilities. Experiment with different meends (glides), tremolos, and strikes. Try new combinations of mallets. What kind of sound do you want to create—gentle and ethereal, or strong and percussive?
Explore Melody and Rhythm: Don't be afraid to improvise. Start with a small phrase and see where it takes you. Try playing the same raga with different rhythmic cycles (taals). How does that change its character?
Tell Your Own Story: What do you want to express with your music? Is it joy, sorrow, peace, or a mix of emotions? Use your personal experiences and feelings to infuse your playing with genuine emotion. This is what truly connects with your audience.

4. The Courage to Be Different (The Final Step)

Developing your own style requires confidence and the courage to be different.

Record Yourself: Listen back to your own playing. What do you like? What sounds unique to you? Identify the elements that you want to develop further.
Perform for Others: Share your music with friends, family, or at local gatherings. Performing is a great way to test your ideas and get feedback. It also helps you build the confidence to express your unique style in front of an audience.

Remember, developing your own style is a journey, not a destination. It’s a continuous process of learning, listening, and experimenting. Embrace the process, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, let your love for the Santoor guide you. The Santoor is an instrument of immense beauty and versatility. It’s waiting for you to tell your story.

Happy playing!