Kaan-Sutra

One half part of communication is listening. And this is probably the more important part. Ofcourse, I refer to only the verbal part of the larger world of communication.

casper listening to raga bihagada

Whether it is a lecture, a conversation or music, listening is an art that must be consciously cultivated. One must do so with an open and receptive mind, setting aside all prejudices and with an eagerness that encourages the speaker or musician, as the case may be.

The most effective exchange of knowledge happens not merely when the speaker shares ‘pearls of wisdom’ or a musician, a good piece of music; it happens when the listening is active and effective enough to prod the speaker/musician to be at her/his creative best.

Sound conveys more than what meets the ears! It carries with it an emotion that can stir another in the listener - the wail of a baby expresses pain or discomfort, stirring in us a feeling of compassion. I often wonder if news channels check for the ‘pleasantness quotient’ in a presenter’s voice; some are so high pitched, shrill and loud that I wonder if news must be presented with such a dramatic effect!

But that’s besides the point I am trying to make…

In learning Indian classical music, listening plays a very crucial role. Since the tradition still remains largely aural, it is careful listening that helps a student capture the finer nuances of the music, replete with its mood, expression and emotion. Unfortunately though, sometimes it is the knowledge of music that makes us poor listeners; we are judgemental and critical of any music that we listen to.

My Guru always said “Tansen nahin ban sakte toh kaansen toh bano!”

If you can’t become a good singer (Tansen), atleast be a good listener(‘kaan’ in Hindi for ear)…..


Raga Yaman, Ustad Shahid Parvez 

'Listen to the Rain', Kenny Rogers