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AI eroding classical Guru-Shishya Parampara of Indian classical music: Tarun Bhattacharya

by TRANS WORLD FEATURES | @twfindia 12 Aug 2024, 12:46 pm

Indian Santoor icon Tarun Bhattacharya recently said he feels the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara in Indian classical music is getting eroded due to the recent implementation of Artificial Intelligence by the next generation of musicians.

He said, “One of the core aspects of the Guru-Shishya Parampara is the personal bond between the guru and the shishya. This relationship goes beyond mere transmission of knowledge; it encompasses emotional and spiritual guidance."

"The digital learning environment lacks this depth of personal interaction, potentially leading to a more transactional approach to music education," the Santoor icon said.

He said that the loss of oral tradition on which Indian classical music heavily relies on, nuances of ragas, intricate rhythms, and the emotive aspects of performances are best conveyed through live demonstrations and personal corrections.

"Digital platforms and AI, despite their advancements, cannot fully capture or transmit these subtleties. This can result in a more mechanical understanding and rendition of the music," he said.

Tarun Bhattacharya said, “The Guru-Shishya Parampara is a time-honoured tradition in Indian classical music. It is a deeply personal and immersive form of mentorship. This ancient pedagogical method involves a lifelong commitment, where knowledge is transmitted orally and experientially from the guru (teacher) to the shishya (student) in a close-knit relationship. However, the advent of technology has profoundly impacted this venerable tradition."

He mentioned the need to adopt a hybrid approach that can provide a balanced solution, combining the strengths of both worlds.

Supplementing traditional learning through AI-based apps is helping students with pitch correction, rhythm practice and improvisation techniques, reinforcing their learning from their gurus.

He said digital platforms enable gurus to reach a wider audience and connect with students from different parts of the world.

He said preserving and documenting knowledge with digital archiving, recordings, and AI-driven documentation ensures valuable knowledge and rare compositions are not lost with the passing of older generations.

Tarun Bhattacharya concludes, “ Guru-Shishya Parampara in Indian classical music faces significant challenges in the digital age. While Google and AI have democratized access to knowledge and made learning more convenient, they risk diluting the personal, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of traditional mentorship. However, by adopting a balanced, hybrid approach, it is possible to harness the benefits of technology while preserving the essence of this revered tradition. The future of Indian classical music may well depend on our ability to integrate these two worlds harmoniously.”