AN ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PLAYING TECHNIQUES FOR THE DUITARA

Abstract

This study aims at bringing out documentation on one of the plucked stringed instruments of the Khasi known as the Duitara and focuses on the different playing techniques and rhythms usually played on the instrument. An attempt has also been made to look at the different aspects of the instrument such as its origin and crafting. In addition to the musical facets, this study also aims in conserving, sustaining and promoting the culture and tradition of the Khasi through music and musical instruments. With immense appreciation of the fact that in today s world science and technology governs every sphere of life, an effort is being made by bringing out the oral tradition in an audio-visual as well as in written form. These endeavours look forward to an innovative reinforcement of the traditional music of the Khasi and the region as a whole. newline newlineThis research is based on the qualitative method with a non-traditional format. In order to obtain a clear picture about the topic, personal interviews, interactions, jamming and observation were tools used for the research. Secondary data were collected through books, articles, journals, internet, audio and audio-visual recordings, photographs, archival materials from All India Radio, Shillong, museums and libraries. newline newlineDSLR camera was used for photography and videography. A laptop, condenser microphone and headphones were used during audio recording. After the data were analysed, demonstration of the different tunings, rhythms and playing techniques were documented in audio-visual as well as notation form. newlineThe key findings of this study reveal that there are seven existing rhythms whereas only two rhythms i.e., Dum Dum Lyngngai and Shadwait are commonly used rhythms among all the respondents. The study also found that there were some other rhythms that were played on the drums and these rhythms can be used as a base for Duitara music as well. The study also shows that Duitara players used only a few techniques such as hammer-on, pull-off and slide. newline newlineBased on the findings, this study also aims at bringing out a teaching-learning module on the different types of tuning, rhythms and playing techniques. An attempt was also made to broaden Duitara music by incorporating new tunings, rhythms and playing techniques. newline newlineThe Duitara is believed to be the most well-known musical instruments of the Khasi. No doubt this instrument has captured a wide range of popularity in the society where it can be seen in different platforms such as secular music, church music as well as in the academic field. However, there is still room that needs documentation for this instrument to become more established such as origin, history and traditions, crafting and specifications as well as the playing techniques. newline newline newline newline newline newlineOverview of the content of the DVD newline newlineThis thesis comes along with a DVD which is the outcome of the research done on the Duitara. In the DVD you will witness and pin your ears back to the stories narrated by wise elders and experienced musicians about Khasi music and the Duitara in particular. You will also observe the demonstration of the various existing playing techniques and rhythms and a development of the new playing technique of the Duitara that has been described in the text part of the thesis. Simultaneously, these video clips can also be used as teaching-learning module for students as well as musicians who want to learn the different playing techniques of the Duitara. newline newline