08 Oct GMI Students Speak: Raghav Kathuria
The student community at GMI cuts across age groups, musical backgrounds, and interests. The Student Speak Series aims to give a platform to their voices and stories, share what drew them to GMI, how they see their artistry maturing, and their path forward.
Raghav Kathuria // Piano, Voice, Production
Delhi // India
Fresh out of high school, Raghav Kathuria is a pianist, vocalist, and producer. Raghav began his journey at GMI in July 2021, on the Berklee track through the Artist Diploma program. Exposure to a structured musical curriculum in boarding school, and getting his first performance opportunities, changed his perception of, and relationship with, music.
Enamoured by Western Classical pieces such as Fur Elise by Beethoven, to the music of Hindustani Classical Music stalwarts such as the legendary Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Kaushiki Chakraborty, his inspirations are varying and dynamic. Raghav aspires to marry the traditions of the East and the West to create enriching musical compositions. Below is an excerpt from an engaging conversation exploring his musical identity, influences, and aspirations as a musician.
When did you become interested in music?
From my childhood I was learning to play the keyboard. Those were not very strict lessons- I would spend my evenings there, play tunes and listen to music. It was something I enjoyed a lot. When I went to my boarding school, Welham Boys School, I started having lessons. I started with the Trinity College performance exams and started learning Hindustani Classical Music. Alongside, I met my Guru, Pandit Devashish Dey, through a non-profit in Varanasi called Shilpayan, and started learning from him.
What drew you to study at GMI?
I had applied to Berklee last year, and fortunately I got in but I couldn’t go that year. GMI was always my second option which is why I came here.
A memorable experience at GMI:
Each and every class is a new and memorable experience for me. I have learned a lot. Hindustani music with Ujwal Sir is my favourite class. I also love Harmony because I get to learn a lot of new things and things I can apply to compositions.
How have you managed to stay creative during the pandemic?
During the pandemic, music was the only thing I was doing. I was at school and there were a lot of music competitions that were on which kept me going. I was also practicing everyday.
A fun fact about yourself:
I’m colour blind
Your favourite food:
Italian food
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?
Music teacher
An artist that currently inspires you:
Kaushiki Chakraborty
A track that currently inspires you:
Jab tum paas ho
Your musical idol:
Salim Merchant
Your dream collaboration:
Salim-Sulaiman
How do you spend your free time?
I like exploring music lessons on Youtube and play basketball three to four times a week
A quote that keeps you going / inspires you:
“Work hard in silence and let success make the noise”
An instrument you wish you could play / want to learn:
Drums
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