12 Sep The Students Speak
It’s hard for anyone to believe that Kumar Pratibimb was a part of a defunct metal band. This soft-spoken 21 year old guitarist has been a student at GMI for a year now. Anisha Saigal met up with him for a brief chat about his future plans pursuing music.
AS– When and why did you decide to enroll at Berklee College of Music?
KP– I was going with the flow after my college graduation in Delhi. Then, I joined GMI for a summer workshop and I really liked it here. I could see myself studying music because I really enjoyed the ambience and the feel of studying this. That’s when I started looking at colleges for music and one institution that always stood out was Berklee. Berklee is undoubtedly the best and some of my favorite players happen to be from there like Steve Vai, Pat Metheny etcetera.
AS– Has GMI helped you in your preparation for Berklee audition? If yes, then how.
KP– Yeah, a lot. In fact, when I went in for my interview, I was confident. It made me a strong candidate because I could read (music) a bit. There were some twisted chords you usually don’t play, and considering I’m from metal background, I prefer straight, fast playing. I had a better grasp at reading it. I didn’t even know about the interview and that they come to India for the audition. GMI told me what I’d be presented with, since some of the faculty members here have also given the audition and are Berklee alumni. They gave us tips which were very helpful.
When I stepped inside the room for interview, I was familiar with what will happen next. GMI gave me that edge August 8: out for a jog in Beverly Hills, California. during my Berklee interview.
AS– What classes, do you feel, have helped you the most at GMI?
KP– Last year I did the Summer and Fall workshop, I wasn’t a regular student. In those workshops I had ear training, harmony, private lessons and konnakol. My favorite amongst everything I’ve done so far has been the ensemble lessons. I intend to make a trio now. I really like the feel of trios and quartets. It’s all about solid musicianship coming together.
AS– Which faculty members have you studied the most with?
KP– Since I’m a guitarist, I’ve had most of my lessons with Aditya. I had harmony and private lessons with him. With Kartikeya, it’s really cool (having him as a teacher) because the age difference is not much and you tend to be relaxed. Besides, he’s studying at Berklee currently so you get to know certain things what’s really out there. That helps a lot.
AS– What major are you planning to take at Berklee?
KP– Performance major. I can actually see my journey, from metal to jazz. It’s intriguing and I really dig contemporary jazz now. Most of my taste in music was more or less guitar player driven so I like what I’m doing and will hopefully get to do the performance major from Berklee.
Photo by Aamena Khan
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