By Natasha Nair for BIS Mumbai

On September 26, the Stellar Don Bosco Academy hosted a masterclass by Groovegen Drum School, led by Mr Ishan Jadwani a talented drummer and teacher at the prestigious Furtado School of Music who started playing at the age of 4, and has developed his unique style under the tutelage of accomplished musicians Gino Banks, A Sivamani and Ranjit Barot. The session, provided an engaging experience for participants eager to improve their drumming skills.

Mr Jadwani began the session by emphasizing the importance of practice, timing and becoming familiar with the drum set. "You reach a point where you instinctively know what sounds will complement each other," he said, encouraging everyone to work consistently with their instruments. To illustrate his points, he invited a participant from the audience to play something on the drums and offered insightful feedback based on what he observed.

He had the entire group practice rhythm patterns by tapping their thighs, demonstrating how even the simplest exercises can improve timing and control. This interactive element kept the audience engaged and helped them grasp the basics of drumming without even needing a drum kit. Later, he called upon Mr Geet Gupta, to join him on stage. Together, they demonstrated the synergy between drums and bass, playing a dynamic piece that captivated the audience.

When asked about progressing from basic drumming to improvisation, Mr Jadwani candidly shared his own struggles. "I used to find it difficult too," he admitted. His advice was to listen to a lot of music, practice regularly, and develop familiarity with the drums. Mr Gupta added his perspective, likening improvisation to a conversation. "You don’t overthink it, just pick a topic and start talking," he explained. He also made a valuable point: improvisation isn’t always about adding more; sometimes, it's about knowing when to take things away. "Silence is powerful," Mr Gupta said, light-heartedly adding, "especially in Mumbai, right?"

The session continued with Mr Jadwani giving advice on improving weaker drumming hands. He assured the participants that many drummers struggle with their left hand and advised them to focus their practice on it. Towards the end, Mr Jadwani and Mr Gupta had an impromptu jam session with some of the participants, followed by another Groovegen instructor, Mr Shravan Kumar, who also showcased his skills on the drums.

Ishaan spoke about his experience with Groovegen founder, Mr Terence Pascal, whom he described as incredibly supportive and skillful. He shared how playing in live settings had helped him grow as a musician and encouraged everyone to keep learning. He advised health while traveling and performing. Ishaan stressed the importance of balance, urging the audience to enjoy the moment, visit gigs, learn as much as possible, and get plenty of rest. The masterclass concluded with Ishaan distributing certificates to the participants and posing for photos, leaving everyone inspired and eager to apply what they had learned.