He Plays so that they Find their Way

After a degree in music and earning his place among Delhi’s best musicians, Takar Nabam felt music was a gift everyone should experience, learns Blessy Mathew Prasad
He Plays so that they Find their Way

This twenty-five-year-old musician always believed in sharing. So it was no surprise when he decided to use his coveted music school degree to teach music to underprivileged kids in Dwarka, New Delhi. Born in Arunachal Pradesh and later educated in Delhi, Takar Nabam got exposed to music at an early age and took a fancy for the guitar. Excerpts from an interview.... 

When did you start playing the guitar?

My cousin played the guitar and I grew up listening to him. There was something about it that fascinated me. I started watching guitarists on TV. I was hooked to it. In college, I was part of the music society through which I got to take part in a lot of inter school competitions.

What kind of training did you undergo?

I did two semesters in music production at Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, Chennai. My experience at SAM is what brought me here. For the first time, I learnt the concepts and theories of music, imbibe the disciple to practise and prepare for gigs. I was exposed to a lot of talented musicians including those from other countries and other genres like jazz and world music. There were a lot of dots before I joined SAM, but after I did, the dots were connected.

Tell us about your first album

I just released my first album Same Sky in February this year. There are seven songs, mostly pop, all of which are composed, sung and accompanied on the guitar by me. The songs are mostly about important events in my life.

What prompted you to teach underprivileged kids?

I heard about Music Basti, an NGO based in New Delhi, that trains underprivileged kids in music.  I thought about it and felt that we’ve been privileged, we do whatever we want, what about people who don’t have access to such opportunities. The joy of learning music was such an important part of my growing up, that I felt everyone should have a chance. Whether they continue in the field of music or not, it would at least make them better human beings.  Music Basti was something that helped develop a community, develop character and  leadership through music.

Mention one moment in your teaching stint that you’ll always remember

My happiest moment was we managed to put up a concert Resound at the end of the academic year in April 2015, with two kids performing their own compositions. I will never forget that moment they bought me gifts for my birthday. Music has transformed these kids. The otherwise noisy and agitated kids have now calmed down.

What’s next?

It’s just a thought, but I would like to open an institute for music in rural Arunachal Pradesh.

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