In recent days, learning a musical instrument in Bangladesh has become quite easy due to the availability of various learning platforms, both online and offline. Offline lessons are available in major cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet. In rural areas, learners mostly depend on online platforms to learn. The steps for learning a musical instrument are described below:
I. Take Decision: Deciding which instrument you want to learn is the most important and key decision to make at the beginning. Choose an instrument in which you have proper interest and passion; otherwise, you will lose motivation at some stage for sure.
II. Make Budget: After choosing the instrument, start searching for the cost of your preferred instrument on the internet. Do not buy an instrument from online sources; just check whether the cost of the instrument is within your budget or not. Many experts suggest buying a cheap instrument initially, which is totally the wrong approach. For example, the cost of acoustic guitars ranges from 4k to 50k in the Bangladeshi market. The low-budget guitars are very poor in quality, which would be difficult for a beginner to handle. Guitars costing between 10k and 15k are recommended for beginners. So, it is preferable to set your budget in a medium range. A budget is also needed to buy accessories with the instrument; for example, if you want to buy a guitar, you may need a tuner, a bag, 2-3 guitar picks, and a stand or holder. These additional items cost around 2k, which needs to be considered when setting your budget.
III. Buy the Instrument: To learn any musical instrument, you need to buy it. It is recommended to buy instruments from an offline shop so that you can check the quality and user-friendliness of the instrument. If possible, bring an expert with you or bring someone who has experience with the instrument when buying. Most shops in Bangladesh do not have fixed prices, so negotiate the price after choosing an instrument. If you want to buy online, it is essential to take an expert’s opinion before purchasing.
IV. Sources of Learning: If you are determined to learn, search for offline experts. Learning from an experienced teacher offline will make your learning process faster and more effective. Normally, in Bangladesh, guitar teachers offer one class per week, with a cost of BDT 600 to BDT 1,500 per month. There are institutions that offer contractual learning through one- or two-year contracts. In that case, they offer two to three classes per week, and contract fees vary from 7k to 12k per year. It is recommended to learn from an offline teacher who teaches near your location. If you want to learn online, it is essential to find a well-organized lesson. Free or unorganized lessons are not helpful for beginners.
V. Practice Patiently: The process of learning an instrument requires 3 Ps – Passion, Patience, and Practice. In the beginning, for the first two or three months, it will be harder for someone who is new to learning an instrument. But you need to trust your teacher and the learning process. Eventually, you will learn the basics within six months.
VI. Practice Time: For beginners, shorter but regular practice sessions are recommended. A beginner should practice for 15-20 minutes per day. Practice time will gradually increase with experience.
VII. Collaborate with Musicians: Collaborating with other musicians will accelerate your learning progress. Discuss your problems with them, whether they are technical or basic, and listen to their experiences on how they overcame difficulties.
VIII. Reward Yourself: Celebrate small successes, like completing a complex exercise, mastering a technique, or playing a difficult solo on the guitar or keyboard. This process is key to keeping yourself motivated.
4. What is the role of music in Bangladeshi culture?
Music has been a powerful medium to express the nation’s history, values, emotions, and identity. People in Bangladesh are bound by music of various genres; let’s discuss it below:
I. Cultural Identity and Heritage:
To explain the nature and history of Bangladesh, music plays a vital role. Songs written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, famously known as Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Sangeet respectively, reflect the country’s diverse history and richness.
II. Social and Political Expression:
Music played a significant role during the liberation war in 1971. Patriotic songs were played on the radio to support and boost the morale of the freedom fighters. Even now, music continues to serve as a platform for addressing social issues, promoting unity, and advocating for change. Music is also used as a rebellious language against poverty, injustice, and human rights.
III. Religious and Spiritual Significance:
Bangladesh is well-known as a country of communal harmony. In addition to the main state religion, Islam, people who follow other religions like Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism also use music to express their devotion to God. Local musical genres like Baul and Lalon also represent spiritual themes.
IV. Celebration and Social Gatherings:
Celebrations and social gatherings are quite unimaginable without music in Bangladesh. From weddings and festivals to religious ceremonies and national holidays, music plays a strong role in bringing people together to celebrate. Folk music also reflects the country’s communal spirit in rural areas.
V. Education and Personal Development:
In the educational sector, music is mostly involved in celebrations such as national days like International Mother Language Day, Victory Day, and Independence Day, during which patriotic songs are performed to instill patriotism among students. Cultural clubs are very common in schools, colleges, and universities; these are involved in celebrating the special days of the organization.
VI. Entertainment and Popular Culture:
In the realm of entertainment, music is a dominant force in Bangladesh’s popular culture. Whether through film music, pop, rock, or contemporary fusion genres, music is a major source of entertainment and a reflection of modern trends and influences. The country’s music industry has grown significantly, with artists and bands enjoying widespread popularity both domestically and internationally.
Conclusion
In Bangladesh, music is much more than an art form; it is a vital part of the nation’s cultural fabric. It connects people to their history, expresses their collective experiences, and enriches their daily lives. From traditional folk tunes to contemporary pop hits, music in Bangladesh continues to evolve, yet it remains a powerful and enduring symbol of the country’s identity, unity, and resilience.
The Bangladeshi music industry has undergone significant transformation with the rise of digital platforms. The creation, distribution, and consumption of music have all been influenced by the rise of digital platforms. Here’s how:
I. Accessibility and Globalization:
Digital platforms have made Bangladeshi music more accessible to global listeners. Artists now have the opportunity to share their music with a global audience through Spotify, YouTube, and other digital platforms, allowing Bangladeshi culture to cross geographical boundaries and be exposed to the world.
II. Democratization of Music Production:
In the past, there were only a few production houses through which music was released to the general public. Digitalization offers musicians the opportunity to create, record, and edit music at home and publish it to a global audience. As a result, the dominance of production houses has been broken down, and democracy has been established in the music industry.
III. Shifting of Revenue Model:
Artists used to earn from production houses and often received bonuses if album sales went well. The earning model has changed drastically. Nowadays, artists can earn independently. On digital platforms like YouTube, after creating and recording quality content, an artist uploads it and starts earning by monetizing after a certain number of views according to YouTube’s terms and policies. Popular artists can also earn through crowdfunding and selling merchandise online.
IV. Building-up Relationships:
Due to social media, artists have the opportunity to interact with their fans and followers directly, bypassing traditional intermediaries like record labels and media outlets. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube play a significant role in building healthy relationships between artists and their fans.
V. Introduction of New Music Genres:
With the rise of digital platforms and social media, a young musician who likes hip-hop and lives in the city can now access a folk song sung by a boatman living in a rural area many miles away. The opposite scenario also happens. Because of this globalization, new genres may arise with the mix of folk music and hip-hop. In my childhood, I used to listen to Rabindra Sangeet, which was, most of the time, performed with tabla and harmonium. But nowadays, it is performed using guitars and drums. Some people name it “Classical Rock.”
VI. Negative Impact of Digital Platforms:
While digital platforms have brought many opportunities, they have also introduced challenges, particularly in the areas of piracy and copyright infringement. Unauthorized distribution of music through illegal downloads and streaming sites remains a significant issue, impacting the revenue potential of artists and the industry. However, the growing awareness of copyright laws and the use of digital rights management (DRM) tools are helping to mitigate these challenges. Another rising problem is the proliferation of poor-quality content. The emergence of singers like Hero Alam and Mahfuzur Rahman highlights the dark side of digitalization. People with very little knowledge about music are becoming popular through social media ads and promotional policies. Because of them, quality artists do not receive the proper respect, which leads to demotivation.
Conclusion
The rise of digital platforms has revolutionized the Bangladeshi music industry, making it more accessible, diverse, and interconnected. While challenges like piracy persist, the benefits of digital transformation are evident in the increased global reach of Bangladeshi music, the empowerment of independent artists, and the growth of new genres and fan communities. As digital technology continues to evolve, the Bangladeshi music industry is likely to see further innovation, ensuring that music remains a vibrant and integral part of the country’s culture.
Music has been a powerful medium to express the nation’s history, values, emotions, and identity. People in Bangladesh are bound by music of various genres; let’s discuss it below:
I. Cultural Identity and Heritage:
To explain the nature and history of Bangladesh, music plays a vital role. Songs written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, famously known as Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Sangeet respectively, reflect the country’s diverse history and richness.
II. Social and Political Expression:
Music played a significant role during the liberation war in 1971. Patriotic songs were played on the radio to support and boost the morale of the freedom fighters. Even now, music continues to serve as a platform for addressing social issues, promoting unity, and advocating for change. Music is also used as a rebellious language against poverty, injustice, and human rights.
III. Religious and Spiritual Significance:
Bangladesh is well-known as a country of communal harmony. In addition to the main state religion, Islam, people who follow other religions like Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism also use music to express their devotion to God. Local musical genres like Baul and Lalon also represent spiritual themes.
IV. Celebration and Social Gatherings:
Celebrations and social gatherings are quite unimaginable without music in Bangladesh. From weddings and festivals to religious ceremonies and national holidays, music plays a strong role in bringing people together to celebrate. Folk music also reflects the country’s communal spirit in rural areas.
V. Education and Personal Development:
In the educational sector, music is mostly involved in celebrations such as national days like International Mother Language Day, Victory Day, and Independence Day, during which patriotic songs are performed to instill patriotism among students. Cultural clubs are very common in schools, colleges, and universities; these are involved in celebrating the special days of the organization.
VI. Entertainment and Popular Culture:
In the realm of entertainment, music is a dominant force in Bangladesh’s popular culture. Whether through film music, pop, rock, or contemporary fusion genres, music is a major source of entertainment and a reflection of modern trends and influences. The country’s music industry has grown significantly, with artists and bands enjoying widespread popularity both domestically and internationally.
Conclusion
In Bangladesh, music is much more than an art form; it is a vital part of the nation’s cultural fabric. It connects people to their history, expresses their collective experiences, and enriches their daily lives. From traditional folk tunes to contemporary pop hits, music in Bangladesh continues to evolve, yet it remains a powerful and enduring symbol of the country’s identity, unity, and resilience.