Having lived in Australia for a long time, I've come across many talented musicians who have taken up Hindustani music (mainly tabla players). I've often wondered if Hindustani music can actually be taught or learnt fully outside India's cultural influence?
In my personal case, I find that living in Australia has given me the following benefits: (a) a much quieter environment - I remember my flat in Andheri in Mumbai where there was an incessant background noise. Here, I have absolute silence, which is great - (b) I have much more time to spend on riyaz - in India, the daily commute was killing my music and (c) genuinely interested (albeit niche) audiences. ( By the way, I believe that the hardcore music audience in India has dwindled significantly, and risks becoming extinct -major metros are largely free of such people)
I have the advantage that I learnt music in Varanasi, where walking on to the steps of the Ganga gives an environment where ragas can be visualised. The constant chanting of Sanskrit shlokas from the numerous ashrams provide a cultural backdrop to the music. So, I can close my eyes and go back to the ghats in Varanasi, which helps me in my raaga elaboration.
However, imbibing the "true essence" of Indian music in a Western city is quite difficult. I see many musicians here who are immensely talented and passionate, yet, they miss the heart of the raaga. On the other hand, I wonder if the situation is different in major urbanised centres in India - disconnected from the roots of the music, how will the musician visualise Malhar, Darbari or Yaman sitting in a flat in Delhi or Calcutta? (with irritating background noise as well)
Hmm, seems like there is no simple answer to my question. Gaining musical insight requires exposure to the culture of the music, and while that might be difficult in New York, Melbourne or Paris, I have a feeling that New Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai are not that different at all.
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