Feature of the month: A glimpse into the life of a singer...

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

– Abraham Lincoln

The New Young Us is excited to start this feature in our blog. Through this feature we would like to take readers on a journey of the unknown. The New Young Us team went in search of the young achievers who have not only captured young hearts with their work but also taken an unusual route to achieve it.

These features are dedicated to all those youngsters who dream to be different and their parents for the continual support they give to their kids. 

The New Young Us is proud to introduce you a talent whose perseverance, hard work, and Arjuna type focus on her goal, made her dream become a reality. She started learning vocal classical  music at the age of 9, trained to be a scholar at ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkatta at the age of 20. She has a Masters in her field and is also a Sangeet Visharad. She has performed in various concerts in India and abroad. She recently cleared her NET exams and is now an Assistant Professor in Music. Now that's what we call "A Young Achiever"

Meet Teja Kale-Godse, all of 30 years and still in pursuit of her never ending dream to excel in music and singing. 

Teja Kale-Godse Hindustani Classical singer

The New Young Us team (TNYU) had the privilege to interview her. Here is how our interview went...

TNYU: We would like to begin with congratulating you on the recent passing of NET exams. How do you feel about it?

Teja: Thank you so much. It feels amazing to see how I am able to realise my dreams one by one.

TNYU: Tell us something about your journey into singing...

Teja: I am a professional and performing Hindustani Classical Vocal musician and have been learning for the last 14 years and performing for the last 6 years. I belong to the family of music lovers. I started my Hindustani Classical Music training at the age of 9 with Pandit. Gangadharbua Pimpalkhare. Later on, I pursued under Smt. Shaila Datar {the Grand Daughter in law of Late Pt. Bhaskarbua Bakhale}. Further I was commissioned as a scholar in ITC Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata under the guidance of Pandita Shruti Sadolikar-Katkar.I regularly perform in India at several venues. I just had my first international concert in Dubai in Jan 2015.

TNYU: Teja, tell us why did you choose to explore the world of singing? What was your inspiration behind it?

Teja: My father Mr. Chandrakant Kale is a theatre-vocal artist and my mother Sandhya Kale has been a tabla player.  I grew up listening the tunes of stalwarts like Pt. Kumar Gandharva, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, etc. My fascination for Hindustani classical has its roots in my childhood which was conducive to get me into this field. My parents inspired me to get into this field and pursue it as my career.

TNYU: Enlighten our readers as to how one can begin their journey in this field?

Teja: Actually Gurukul system is an only option in this field of Music. But there are some institutions like Gandharva Mahavidyalay, BharatGayan Samaj ,where every year exams are conducted for kids and beginner can learn the basics of music. They conduct exams from Prathama {1^st exam} to Alankar {equivalent to Masters}.

TNYU: Is there any academic training that needs to be pursued in this field?

Teja:  No. Not necessarily. After all this is a performing art. But it is always better to be an educated one, so that one can explain their art with technicalities to the people. You can enhance your knowledge.

TNYU: Did being a child of a theatre-vocal artist help your career? How difficult was it to break into this field?

Teja: No. Though I had a foundation to Hindustani classical music,  it never occurred to me that I should utilise my parent's contacts. The field of singing does not function like that. 

The most important factor in classical music is your Guru. It is considered that this association is based on a pure bond of seeking knowledge and there are no limits to this. It is seen these days, the shishya visits the Guru once or twice a week for music lessons. Seeking permission from the Guru, the shishya can perform starting at a small level which is called as ‘Baithak ’(house concerts). After attaining the level to perform public concerts, they can perform at a larger scale, like festivals. Getting a break is more of a perspective and for me, performing on the stage besides my guru Vidushi. Becoming a shishya of Shruti Sadolikar Katkar is something, I consider a break in this field. 

Teja Kale-Godse in concert

TNYU: What are the possible hurdles one can face in this field?

Teja: The way I see it, straying away from the guidance of a Guru or not being able to find a Guru at all, can be the only hurdles in this field. This field essentially is about passion and dedication.  Both combined together can only lead to being successful.

TNYU: Looks like this field takes lot of time and effort. Is it advisable to have an alternative career to be able to meet ends?

Teja:  It is an individual perspective. One can pursue their academics in singing itself to be able to learn, grow and teach music. There are amazing chances where the student can do their Bachelors and Masters of Arts in Music. One can teach in schools after completing their B.Ed, M.Ed or can clear the NET exams {National Eligibility Test} conducted by UGC and get a job as an Assistant Professor.  

TNYU: What type of pay scales can one expect when they pursue the academic side of things in music (both concerts and full time employment)?

Teja:  Everyone has their own scales when it comes to concerts. Some might sing as a favour in some venues or some may sing for a fixed amount of money. This is very individual and I cannot comment. 

               As for the teaching career in universities, a lecturer or an Assistant Professor can go about an average pay-scale of Rs. 40,000 per month. Again this depends on the academic pursuits of the singer.

TNYU: Teja, one advise you would like to give to our youngsters

Teja: I just want to convey my feelings to all my young friends, that this Classical Music both Karnataki and Hindustani is our own culture. This is an amazing field where you can always create something new. But you have to be very patient for that.You have to have full faith in your Guru. It is an understanding of the value, spirit and soul of music which develops within you. It is not just a career but a passion. It is a mode of life.

You can hear Teja's performance on below links.

• Raag Durga Sur Hindol, performed in Dubai (January 2015)

• Yaman Tarana

Teja currently lives in Pune, is married, happily balancing her career as well as home. Her next agenda is to apply for PHD. 

She can be contacted for programs and classes on this email id: kteja23@gmail.com

The team of The New Young Us wishes her all the very best in her rocking career and to keep inspiring the youngsters all around the world.