English percussionist Pete Lockett is in Mumbai for a lecture demonstration with schoolchildren where they will be exposed to the nuances of percussion and music instruments from around the world
Musician Pete Lockett will offer lessons on percussion instruments
Acclaimed English multi-percussionist Pete Lockett can play 20 percussion instruments from around the world. He is currently in the city to conduct a 40-minute demonstration lecture on percussion instruments for school students as part of an event conceptualised by Banyan Tree Events.
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Musician Pete Lockett will offer lessons on percussion instruments
Lockett will also be playing a few pieces on hand drums exploring the variety found in percussion. Arabic Darabouka, Latin Bongos and Indian Kanjira will be the traditions explored.
Beat matters
"Besides playing specific pieces, I will talk about diverse traditions and performance techniques as well as how different communities think about rhythm and music making. I hope to show them some of the amazing colours of World Music but also to make them aware that very close to home is the holy grail of world rhythm, namely that found in India," he explains.
Lockett admits that such lessons are important for children as they find it exciting to listen to different sounds and rhythms. "Sharing is so important, and youngsters are sponges for positivity. That's why I have so many free lessons on my website," he shares.
Lockett reminisces that at the start of his musical journey, it was the Indian tabla that mesmerised him: "It was such an incredible sound. When I started my first lessons, each new step was intriguing and exciting. It gave me such a deep satisfaction that in that very moment, I felt complete. Rhythm does that to people, it completes the circle and makes them whole."
Percussion power
Among various percussion techniques, Lockett admits that some of the most fascinating are taiko drumming from Japan, the finger drumming of India, the danceable rhythms from Arabia and the Trance-like families of drums that make up African rhythm.
"I am amazed when I observe so many world traditions where techniques and musical formalities are so different. Even instruments are so far apart — from the detailed craftsmanship of the Indian Classical drums to Brazil's street samba instruments made from tin cans and bottle tops. It is an exciting kaleidoscope," he admits.
Lockett emphasises that being a multi-percussionist, he tries to bring together various instruments and create "a hybrid rhythmic smörgåsbord," which reflects his individuality as well as retains the integrity of the traditions.
Next on Lockett's itinerary is the Sirpur Music Festival (January 14 to 17) in Chhatisgarh where he will collaborate with a huge troupe of tribal drummers from the state. Post this he will perform in LA, USA at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) followed by a series of concerts in India with Selva Ganesh.
On: Today
At: Shishuvan, Shraddhanand Road, King's Circle, Matunga (10.30 am onwards); Oberoi International School, Oberoi Garden City, off Western Express Highway, Goregaon (E), (2 pm onwards).
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