Tanushree Vyas, India Fellow

I must have been around 10 or so, when at my maternal grandfather’s place in one of the rooms, I was humming a melody which caught my aunt’s attention. In a way, it was she who discovered that music was in me and that I was endowed with a faculty to sing well. And that is how it all started perhaps…

​I remember singing and listening to the old songs of the Golden Era (of the time of my parents’ and grandparents’ generation) and it was only with time that I realized music was a part of my family too. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that I’ve received it in inheritance from my father’s side of the family.

Occasionally, when I used to visit my extended family in my native state (Rajasthan), there used to be sessions where the elders, my cousins and I used to gather around and sing songs. Years went by and it was only after I entered middle school that I started taking formal lessons and training in Hindustani Classical Vocal music. All this while, (and even now, to some extent) my music remained confined to me and my family, for I never got into the performance aspect of it, and hence (needless to say), refrained from going up on stage and performing.

I was (and have been) pursuing music as a side passion along with my academics. Music Basti as an organization had been known to me for quite some time during my undergrad years too, but it was only when I started pursuing my Master’s that I applied for the role of a Teaching Artist there. And what a wonderful journey it has been — full of inspiration and learning. My experience at Music Basti gradually started to incline me towards the domain of arts and education, in general. I realized the potential that music (and the arts, in general) holds for bringing about positive social change. I have been with the organization for over two years now, and I have had no regrets or qualms whatsoever. This is actually the thing that I would love to do and continue further in life too, if possible. To me, the combination of music and education seems to be just about the right match.

​One fine day that I had my usual class at one of the schools where I teach, I get visited by the founders of this wonderful initiative (Bob and Derek) for an observation session. Ideas and thoughts get exchanged, discussions ensue and I ultimately end up being a proud fellow of the first cohort of the TTL Fellowship program. I wish to be able to make use of this opportunity and use music to bring about larger, meaningful changes in society.