Dharambir Singh is one of the most prominent North Indian Classical musicians based in UK. A student of the legendary Ustad Vilayat Khan he also studied for his MA at the School Of Oriental and African studies at the University of London and is fellow of NESTA (National Endowment for Science Technology and Arts) and FTCL (Fellow Trinity College London). He has been awarded the MBE award for the 2011 and Guru Ratna a lifetime achievement award by MilapFest in 2018.
Apart for his extensive performance career Dharambir’s reputation as an educator is unparalleled in England. He worked as a tutor with Leicester Music Service, lecturer at Leeds College Of Music and an adviser at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on their BMus Degree in Indian Music in collaboration with Trinity College Of Music. He founded South Asain Arts-uk in Leeds. He was the founder and the artistic director of SAMYo the first national south Asian music youth orchestra and artistic adviser for Tarang, UK’s first South Asian senior ensemble. He was a trustee with Darbar Heritage.
He works as a freelance performer, tutor and consultant.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
England. After moving to UK in 1979 all my life experiences and acquaintances have been made in UK through varies interactions as a teacher, mentor, lecturer, performer and adviser. Now whenever I go abroad I want to come back and feel safe knowing that I am well looked after by the NHS and the Rule Of Law.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
My proudest moments have been witnessing my students maturing into full musicians. The creation of South Asian Youth Music Orchestra was one of the most memorable achievements. Receiving MBE was another very rewarding experience.
3) What inspires you?
Watching a musical performance or other miraculous arts event inspires me. Performing for new audiences and listening them share experience of the music. Being in the company of an enlightened master or another extraordinary human being is most inspiring for me.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Initially the typical aspects of an immigrant, with a turban and of a different culture was difficult. Many times, I used to feel that it was an obstacle. In actuality the biggest obstacle has been my own fear which manifested in its many guises. 5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
His holiness Satguru Jagjit Singh, Ustad Vilayat Khan (Sitar Maestro and my teacher) and Sadhguru (Jaggi Vasudev of ISHA). I have been influenced by the principal of Leeds College Of Music, David Holt.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
In my current role I am semi-retired and thus it is of much more freedom and very good for self-exploration musically and spiritually. It is a joy once again to have quality time to mentor some newcomers to Sitar Music. Being part of a team to present the Opera L'Orfeo with Opera North is very exciting.
7) And the worst?
Some health issues which resulted in getting ICD implanted. Managing things including time management and balancing different activities.
8) What are your long-term goals?
I do not believe in setting Goals now as I have realised that these can be rewarding and at the same time stressful and open to dissatisfaction. I live moment to moment and listen to my inner voice and inspiration. Generally, my main Goal is to evolve to the peak of human potential.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would bring a major shift in the education system by emphasizing the Yogic principals of Unity in Diversity and sowing the seeds of Inner Wellbeing through a variety of activities including Yoga and Arts.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
I would like to spend time with Swami Vivekanand listening to his knowledge of the great Indian Books, philosophy and his outlook on the modern take on spirituality and playing music and meditating with him.
