The Brand Called You

Tavan Shah, Concert Pianist & Music Pedagogue

Listen Later
Tavan Shah, Concert Pianist & Music Pedagogue
  • A toy keyboard he received on his fifth birthday became the starting point of his musical journey. His early fascination was noticed and encouraged by his parents, leading to formal training. He began with Indian classical harmonium and vocal music and believes that “music must have chosen him” (01:52).
    • Podcast
    Overview

    In this episode of TBCY, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with the gifted Mumbai-based concert pianist and music pedagogue, Tavan Shah. The conversation explores Tavan’s inspiring musical journey, his insights into classical music, and his vision for the future of concert culture in India.

    00:43-What sparked Tavan’s journey into music at age 5?
    • A toy keyboard he received on his fifth birthday became the starting point of his musical journey. His early fascination was noticed and encouraged by his parents, leading to formal training. He began with Indian classical harmonium and vocal music and believes that “music must have chosen him” .
      • 02:12- How did Indian classical training shape his approach?
      • His training provided a strong foundational “operating system” for understanding music. By analyzing tunes using “Saregama,” he developed a framework that translated effectively to Western classical music . This foundation helped him navigate complex harmony and musical structures with greater ease.
        • 04:11- What challenges did Tavan face moving from Indian to Western classical music?
        • The transition occurred around the age of 9 or 10. During this time, he was exposed to rock and pop music through the guitar, including bands like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. He also taught himself two-hand piano coordination using YouTube , driven by a growing fascination with the piano’s expressive depth and complexity.
          • 07:02- What fascinates Tavan about the piano as an instrument?
          • He is drawn to the piano’s elegant and commanding presence. Despite its structural simplicity, it offers infinite expressive possibilities. He describes the piano as a “symbol of power and refinement” .
            • 08:57- What did mentorship with Dr. Leslie Howard teach Tavan?
            • His mentorship led to a rapid expansion of his piano repertoire and a deeper appreciation of the oral tradition and lineage in classical music. He emphasizes that mentorship is essential for learning nuanced interpretation that goes beyond what is written in sheet music .
              • 12:10- How does teaching influence Tavan’s musical life?
              • Tavan began teaching at the age of 16 and has continued alongside his studies. He views teaching as a path to self-mastery, fostering patience and compassion . It also helps him approach his own practice with greater empathy and less self-criticism.
                • 14:04- What is the difference between performing solo and accompanying others?
                • Solo performance brings personal expression and visibility, while accompanying and chamber music emphasize collaboration. These experiences help dissolve ego and shift the focus toward serving the music . He strives to balance individuality with selfless artistry.

                  • RESOURCES:

                  Learn more about Tavan Shah: LinkedIn

                  Enjoyed this podcast?

                  Teaching isn’t a detour—it’s a mirror for self-mastery. Tavan Shah learned that patience and compassion with students reflected back on his own growth as a musician.

                  Share your thoughts in the comments and help spread these insights within your network.

                  Would you love to give us 5 stars? If yes, we’d greatly appreciate your review. Help us reach more people to keep them in the know as we talk to leaders, high achievers, and thought leaders from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Excellence can come from anywhere. Stay in the know, and hear from emergent high achievers and experts.

                  Stay updated with what’s shaping the world today through the latest The Brand Called You Podcast episode. Follow us on iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor.fm.

                  You can find us at:

                  Website: www.tbcy.in

                  Instagram: http://bit.ly/3HO7N06

                  Facebook:http://bit.ly/3YzJOaD

                  Twitter: http://bit.ly/3wMBOXK

                  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbcy/

                  YouTube: http://bit.ly/3jmBqfq

                  Chingari: https://chingari.io/tbcypodcast

                  Moj:http://bit.ly/3wOrmPv

                  Josh: http://bit.ly/3WWP0nB

                  Thanks for listening!

                  Profile
                  •  A toy keyboard he received on his fifth birthday became the starting point of his musical journey. His early fascination was noticed and encouraged by his parents, leading to formal training. He began with Indian classical harmonium and vocal music and believes that “music must have chosen him”

                    • The post Tavan Shah, Concert Pianist & Music Pedagogue first appeared on TBCY.

                    ...more
                    View all episodesView all episodes
                    Download on the App Store
                    The Brand Called YouBy tbcy.in