New beginnings: Saffia Beyg launches first book

“I am trying to replace Kalashnikov with Tanpura, the book shows my love for the classical music,” says author.

KARACHI:

Saffia Beyg has laid down her easy methods of teaching and learning music in her first book ‘Seven Notes that Constitute a Raag’, which was launched on Monday at Goethe-Institut Pakistan.

The book, published by Ushba Publishing International, is a non-fiction work and it offers fundamental instructions for aspiring musicians. “I am trying to replace Kalashnikov with Tanpura, the book shows my love for the classical music,” she said at the ceremony.

Beyg has served Pakistan as a musician and a teacher for the last 40 years. Friends, family and many of Beyg’s students were gathered at the launching ceremony. They talked about Beyg’s influence as a music teacher on their lives and music. Her youngest student, five-year-old Ayaan Zubair, mesmerised the audience with his singing skills.

Yousaf Kerai, former student and a tabla player, talked about Beyg’s influence on his music. “I learned about the difficulty of dealing with other musicians,” he said, adding that Beyg encouraged him to start a Tarz group to play non-orchestral music in orchestral style.

Beyg described her book as a two-year syllabus for anyone who wants to start a musical institution. “I am offering my experiences in this book to show a path for people interested in music.” The proceeds from selling the book will be donated to the Children’s cancer hospital.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2013.