How is playing for a dancing crowd (like during a garba) different from playing for a listening crowd?
Shawn: When performing for people who are listening, you have to be more precise. You have to choose what you are going to do and what you are going to sing – depending on the mood and environment. Since people are just listening, you have to be very good. In garba, where everybody is dancing, the beat is more important. Garba also has a lot of energy, since it is very upbeat and festive. They have their own feel and expression. Amit: Sometimes you accompany a singer singing a garba that you have never heard. How do you blend in? Shawn: The first thing you do is get the notes that they are using to sing. With experience, it comes naturally. When you have learnt different ragas, distinguishing one song from another becomes easier. Once you have the notes and the tune in your mind, you can be creative without throwing the singer off. It is important that you really listen to what is happening. I think this is what makes a person a professional. Amit: What kind of musical training do you
