An introduction to the sitar and basic Indian music. Features how sitar was introduced into American pop music via Beatles. Features Ravi Shankar and his two daughters.

1. The instrument
The sound
Its connection to American music & artists

2. 
How do these relate to each
other and the Sitar?
Beatles
Movie
‘Help’
Nora Jones &
Anoushka Shankar
And how American Music was affected…
Ravi Shankar

3. The Sitar
A plucked instrument used mainly in Hindu music and Indian classical music.
It has between 18-20 strings. Some are used to play a drone while the others are
used to play the melody.

4. Ravi Shankar
1920-2012
Famous Sitarist
• Famous for bringing Indian
Classical Music to the West
(here)
• Raga Sangeet: Indian music that
can be traced back 2000 years in
Hindu temples
• He’s collaborated with famous
musicians such as the Beatles
• Both of his daughters are
famous musicians
Can you hear the
drone vs. the melody?

5. 
Compare
Norah Jones Anoushka Shankar

6. 
Compare & Contrast
Norah
 ‘Don’t Know Why’
Anoushka
 ‘Your Eyes’
Describe:
(one word each on your worksheet)
Pitch
Tone
Mood
Style
Describe:
(one word each on your worksheet)
Pitch
Tone
Mood
Style

7. 
Compare & Contrast
Norah
 ‘Don’t Know Why’
Anoushka
 ‘Your Eyes’
Describe:
(one word each on your worksheet)
Pitch – clear ‘flat’ tones
Tone – smooth & clear
Mood – calm, soothing
Style – jazz, pop, ballad
Describe:
(one word each on your worksheet)
Pitch
Tone
Mood
Style

8. 
Compare & Contrast
Norah
 ‘Don’t Know Why’
Anoushka
 ‘Your Eyes’
Describe:
(one word each on your worksheet)
Pitch – clear ‘flat’ tones
Tone – smooth & clear
Mood – calm, soothing
Style – jazz, pop, ballad
Describe:
(one word each on your worksheet)
Pitch – bending, wavering
Tone – curvy, nasal, tinny
Mood – meditative, energy
Style – Indian classical

9. In the early 60’s, the Beatles wanted
to expand their musical knowledge
& ideas. During a break in making
their movie ‘Help’, George picked
up a sitar and started to learn how
to play. He incorporated it into
songs such as ‘Norwegian Wood’
and ‘Across the Universe’.
Let’s combine pop &
Indian music!

10. Guess Who Collaborated?
Who are the artists?
Describe the style, pitch & mood?
What do you think the song is about?

11. 
 Beatles – especially George Harrison?
 Their movie ‘Help’?
 Nora Jones & Anoushka Shankar?
 American Rock Music?
 Ravi Shankar?
How do these relate to each
other?

12. Guess you can say the Sitar rocks!
Complete your notes/ answers and turn it in!