Courtesy: Daily Times
By Afnan Khan
LAHORE: At a time when fear and insecurity have put an end to most cultural activities, one art form, speaking the universal language of notes and harmonies, is still very much alive and kicking. One of the places still keeping musical traditions alive while promoting more contemporary forms, is The Guitar School. The brainchild of seasoned guitarist Hamza Jafri, the school, located in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), has already had 55 students since it opened its door in June this year.
Ravail Sattar, one of the teachers at the school, believes in the undying power of music. “It is like a flowing stream that is unstoppable. You cannot hold it back forever, it will break through,” he says. He insists that neither extremists’ threats nor criticism from the government could deter artists from their calling. Many artists have recently been criticised for including anti-US rhetoric in their lyrics.
“Initially, we were scared, thinking that we’d chosen the wrong time to launch the school, because today, being a musician automatically means that you are somehow trying to swim against the current. But seeing the overwhelming response we’ve had so far, the interest people are taking in learning music, its simply amazing,” said Ravail, who has a degree in music from the International College of Music in Malaysia.
Jafri, who is also the principal of the school, said the school had been a success from the very beginning, getting pupils as young as seven years old, young people from colleges and universities and even a few passionate professionals. His eyes sparkle as he proudly declares that people come from as far as the Walled City to learn music at his school. This is especially impressive, considering that’s the other end of town.
“Music is part of our culture and people have been practicing it for centuries in this part of the globe,” Jafri said. Our mystics have played musical instruments and sang at shrines and squares and other public places. That tradition has not only survived but also reached new heights. The fusion of the eastern tabla with the western guitar has created a new form of music unlike any other. “No musician cares how others interpret his work. He is an artist and he just pours out all his hopes and desires into the lyrics and the music,” Jafri says .
Today’s musicians are breaking the monotony of the stereotypical romantic songs in Pakistan. They are bold and vivacious, experimenting with an array of genres and producing the best of vocals and music. He said their work not only represents the best form of art but also depicts awareness and national concern among the youth. There are bands like Laal and Azal whose revolutionary songs have struck a genuine chord with the youth.
The academy is keen to promote this new wave of East-West fusion and offers special classes in East European, Balkan and Gypsy music, being taught by the famous East European musician and performer Gina Rubik. Other special classes include Music Theory and Ear Training and are being taught by foreign-qualified musicians Isa Najam and Raavail Sattar. The guitar teachers include Hamza Jafri, Abid Khan and Zeeshan Mansoor. Classes for beginners, novices and advanced learner are taught according to the calibre and desires of students.
Hamza is a veteran musician who has been rocking the airwaves since the early days of Coven in the 1990s. He has also played jazz and is currently working on a new album for Coven. Abid Khan is also a founding member of Coven and Zeeshan, who is from Islamabad, was a prominent musician during the 90s
Hi, I’m really interested in joining this Guitar School.
Do you mind sending me their contact information? Like, their website and phone number. Ah,and is this school only for boys? Or can girls join too?
Thanks~
If you guys want to learn guitar, We can arrange home tutors for you at a Very economical price as compared to the market rates. Just contact +923224665689 or +923454796293.
Regards,
The Guitarist’s Institute.
I need ladies teacher is it possible
Assalaam”o”alikum.i m guitarist.if any person(boy or girl) want learn guitar.contact me.0343-4440767
Guitar and Piano classes for Both Girls And Boys … IN ONE MONTH … GUARANTTED
Anyone interested can contact me on 03474455322
Assalam O Aliekum
Dear Afnan,
You may have noticed I write a regular column for Daily Times on every Wednesday. I have special interest in Punjabi gypsies. Can you give me some contact clues to Gina Rubik.
ginarubik@gmail.com she is currently in Hungary cell:+36705448896
Hi, I’m really interested in joining this Guitar School.
Do you mind sending me their contact information? Like, their website and phone number.
Thanks~
http://www.facebook.com/theguitariscool contact info on page
its my phone # 0321-7789636.
Learn Guitar With full music theory in Only 1 Month , With free tutorials… Home tutions also available for both Girls and Boys
Feel free to Contact me On 03474455322
brother i want to go to school..so kindly sum1 give info abt everythng related to school…plxxx
I want to Join this school
brother i want to go to school..so kindly sum1 give info abt everythng related to school
i want to join the guitar schoo nd i m crazy abt it l . plz give information abt school and can u give me the contact of school
If you guys want to learn guitar, We can arrange home tutors for you at an economical price as compared to the market rates. Just contact +92-322-4665689 or +92-345-4796293.
Regards,
The Guitarist’s Institute.
wanna learn guitar…want to know adress n contact number
WANA LEARN GUITAR
If you guys want to learn guitar, We can arrange home tutors for you at an economical price as compared to the market rates. Just contact +923224665689 or +923454796293.
Regards,
The Guitarist’s Institute.
hi. i want to learn.
Nida, we are starting off with our new batch pretty soon. register with us for the new batch and a new experience.
Rock!
Talha Munir,
The Artist’s Institute.
talha.munir@hotmail.com
plz sir send me the address n phone number of the school
hi how r u sir i can adminsoin to your college but how?
If you guys want to learn guitar, We can arrange home tutors for you at an economical price as compared to the market rates. Just contact +923224665689 or +923454796293.
Regards,
The Guitarist’s Institute.
Hi , do you have any female teachers.
Im vocalist.I have been teaching music in different schools.i have done some music projects with india.i hav you tube profile.im going to India next month to attand the music conference.i appreciate Hamza to starting the music school.i can send you my CV.i want to get job in your School as vocalist.I play Hamonium because i learned classical music also..i want to be a part of u.My ph #0321-8873581.thanx
i wan to learn guitar some buddy help me for this is any one there
my contact no is 0334-6365933
Hey Shahid,
We are starting off with our new batch pretty soon. Register yourself for the batch and a wonderful experience.
Rock!
Talha Munir,
The Musician’s Institute.
talha.munir@hotmail.com
hi sir,sir moje guiter ka bohat shoq he,main apka acdmy join karna chahta ho,sir moje apna contuct no aur apna adrees send karo.plz
Hi … I Can Teach U to play guitar and piano With Complete Music theory WITHIN A MONTH , I have been playing to more then 7 years … Anyone interested can contact me on my Number
0347-4455322
sir …. asalam-u-alaikum .. sir mujhe singing or guitar ka buhat shoq hai … sir mene academy join karni hai … ye mera num hai 03414786131 . mere thori madad kar di jiye . plz . mujhe msg ya cll kar k bta de k me kia karu … plz …..
FAIZAN ……
PLZ …. YE MERA SAPNA HAI
Anyone Interested to learn guitar can contact me On 0347 4455322
I Can teach U complete guitar in One Month Guaranteed 🙂
Anyone Interested to learn guitar can contact me On 0347 4455322
I Can teach U complete guitar in One Month with Complete Music Theory Guaranteed
i want 2 join dis school plz send me their contact details plzzz plzzz plzzzzzzzzzzz m waiting
thank u
i want to learn guittar ,, if any one can teach , contact plzzzz , or if u can gve me the contact of ths school
o305 4036384
The best place to learn guitar! IFAP in lahore. Talented instructor who makes sure that his students excel. Recommended!
The best place to learn guitar! IFAP in lahore. Talented instructor who makes sure that his students excel. Recommended!
i want to learn guitar.
Hi … I Can Teach U to play guitar and piano With Complete Music theory WITHIN A MONTH , I have been playing to more then 7 years … Anyone interested can contact me on my Number
0347-4455322
hi my name is Azeem Ali Pasha And I am very interested In Guitar learning and My contact num is 03219162832
i want to learn a guitar in western style… can you teach me?
I WANT TO LEARN GUITAR..
dear ali raza saab pakistani music ke khidmat kay leay ap meri maddad aur rehnumaai krr skty hn