Guitar Prasanna, a remarkable musician known for playing Carnatic music on the guitar and mixing it with Jazz, Rock, and Blues. He studied engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology and later music at Berklee College of Music, where he excelled. Prasanna has earned worldwide recognition, composing music for Oscar-winning films and sharing honors with famous artists like Pandit Ravi Shankar and A.R. Rahman. Named one of the top 50 creative minds in India by Open Magazine in 2010, Prasanna's work shows his unique ability to cross musical boundaries.

What People Say About Him:

“When Prasanna plays the blues, you can hear the world.” - Naresh Fernandes, TIME OUT Magazine, Mumbai, India

“I was left with the distinct feeling that I had seen a master at work.” - Tejas Ewing, The Hindu, India

“He just cannot strike a false note ever.” - R. Srinivasan, Indian Express

“Prasanna is a living hope for quality music.” - A.R. Rahman, Academy Award-winning composer

An Insightful Conversation with Guitar Prasanna

In an engaging interview conducted by Sandhya Anantharaman, Guitar Prasanna shared insights into his musical journey, particularly his unique approach to Carnatic music on the guitar.

Exploring Carnatic Music on the Guitar

When asked why he chose to play Carnatic music on the guitar, Prasanna responded with a laugh, highlighting a serendipitous beginning to his now illustrious career. "Actually, I did not love Carnatic music or have a deep interest in Carnatic music initially; I loved the guitar. I saw my neighbor playing the guitar in the church and fell in love with it," he explained. His curiosity was piqued when he overheard his sister practicing Carnatic vocals. This prompted him to experiment with those sounds on his guitar, marrying his passion for the instrument with the classical music form. "I first learned the guitar, fell in love with it, and the interest in Carnatic music came at a later stage," he added, illustrating his journey from a simple fascination with the guitar to a profound engagement with Carnatic music.

The Educator Behind the Musician: Guitar Prasanna's Teaching Philosophy

When asked about what motivates him to teach the art form and his diverse teaching roles, Guitar Prasanna elaborates on the intersection of his roles as both a revered musician and a dedicated educator. His insights reveal a deep commitment to teaching and a unique approach to musical education that transcends traditional boundaries.

Prasanna's journey as an educator began unusually early. "I have been a teacher all my life," he confesses. By the age of 12, he was already teaching guitar to his schoolmates, and this role has evolved significantly over the years. "My teaching trajectory has been very different compared to others," he notes, recalling how he has taught guitar to professional musicians, including some faculty members during his time at Berklee College of Music. His teaching philosophy is profoundly egalitarian; he asserts, "I do not have a hierarchy in teaching—I teach a 10-year-old with the same rigor and passion as I would teach a professional rock star guitar player."

This approach allows him to explore a variety of musical styles and techniques, blending Carnatic influences with other genres, and offering personalized, one-on-one instruction that can range from Carnatic guitar to the nuances of a Beethoven symphony and the complexities of Jazz.

When asked about the challenges of constantly switching between teaching different musical styles, Prasanna admitted it can be mentally exhausting, yet rewarding. "Yeah, I feel tired sometimes, and it feels like an intellectual drain," he shared, laughing. However, he compared the exhaustion to that of a refreshing workout, saying, "It is not a draining tired; it is a refreshing tired. You also know that you have gained energy by tiring yourself. It's like playing an active sport or strength training.Teaching helps me keep myself alive and it is a deeply spiritual thing for me”

Prasanna spontaneously decided to demonstrate his ability to switch between styles. Picking up his guitar, he performed a piece by Illayaraja, leaving Sandhya astounded by the ease with which he navigated complex musical transitions. "I had to learn all of the different styles to be able to make sense of my curiosity so I can give my listeners a good piece of music," he explained.

Prasanna's Guitar Workshop: A Melting Pot of Musical Styles

As Guitar Prasanna prepares to bring his renowned guitar skills workshop to London, anticipation is building among guitar enthusiasts eager to learn from the maestro himself. Prasanna’s approach to this workshop is inclusively designed to cater to guitarists of all levels and styles, emphasizing a community of learning and appreciation over competition.

A Workshop for All Levels

Prasanna explains that there are no stringent prerequisites for those wishing to join the workshop—just a passion for guitar and a willingness to learn. "As long as they can play the guitar and are keen to learn, they can come over," he assures. His confidence in managing multi-level skills simultaneously makes this workshop unique, as it promises personal growth regardless of a participant's starting point.

Prasanna’s overarching aim for the London workshop is to enhance each participant’s appreciation for their craft. "I want to create value for everyone and make them go back with a renewed appreciation for what they do," he emphasizes. He views music as a source of joy, not a field of competition, which he believes will make the workshop enjoyable for all. "Music is for everyone's enjoyment, and music is not sports, so there is no 'who is playing better than who,'" he notes.

Join the acclaimed musician Guitar Prasanna for an exceptional guitar workshop that promises to broaden your musical horizons and deepen your appreciation for the guitar.

Date: May 4th

Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: Up the Creek, Greenwich, London

Tickets for the workshop are available here

Exploring Musical Styles Across Continents: Insights from Guitar Prasanna

When asked about how the Indian approach to music is different from the western approach to music, Guitar Prasanna shares his unique insights on the differing approaches to music in India compared to the West. His extensive collaboration with both Indian and Western musicians offers a profound understanding of these diverse musical landscapes.

Prasanna highlights the contrasting methodologies of two titans of Indian music - Illayaraja and A.R. Rahman. Illayaraja’s approach mirrors the precision of classical composers like Mozart, where every piece of music is meticulously planned and noted before recording sessions. This method ensures a consistent and predefined output during recordings, relying heavily on a stable band to execute his vision.

Conversely, A.R. Rahman adopts a more fluid and dynamic approach, providing a basic framework and encouraging individual interpretation and improvisation. This openness allows for a more organic creation process, inviting contributions from a broader spectrum of talents, including specialists outside the traditional music industry.

When it comes to Western music, Prasanna notes significant differences depending on the genre. Classical Western music demands a comprehensive understanding from the composer, with everything precisely written out, much like Illayaraja’s method. Jazz, on the other hand, thrives on improvisation and personal interpretation, offering musicians more freedom to express their individuality. Meanwhile, rock music typically evolves from a collective jamming session, with band members creating and refining their music collaboratively without predefined notes or templates.

Guitar Prasanna Live - UK Tour

In anticipation of his upcoming live shows in the UK, Guitar Prasanna offers a glimpse into what audiences can expect and why he's excited to bring his solo concert experience to Tamil film music enthusiasts.

A Unique Solo Concert Experience

Prasanna draws inspiration from stand-up comedy shows, where a single performer can captivate an audience for hours. While there won't be any jokes, the essence of his solo concert is similar—immersing the audience in a musical journey filled with nostalgia, emotion, and joy. While solo guitar concerts are common in classical music, the fusion of Tamil film music in a solo setting promises a refreshing and memorable experience.

A tribute to Illayaraja's Magic - 3rd May (London) & 5th May (Edinburgh)

Prasanna's excitement peaks as he prepares to celebrate Illayaraja's 80th birth year through music. As a guitarist himself, he offers a unique perspective on how Illayaraja's compositions might sound if they were crafted solely with the guitar. This tribute concert promises to unravel the magic of Illayaraja's timeless melodies, presenting 80 of his most beloved compositions in a new light.

Decoding A.R. Rahman’s music - 4th May (London)

In addition to honoring Illayaraja, Prasanna pays homage to A.R. Rahman, a pivotal figure in his career and the Tamil film industry. Having collaborated extensively with Rahman, Prasanna curates a mix of Rahman's iconic songs for a special performance on May 4th in London, showcasing his versatility and mastery of the guitar.

For tickets and further details about Guitar Prasanna's live shows and workshops, visit here.

Prepare to be transported on a melodic journey through the rich tapestry of Tamil cinema's musical heritage, guided by the masterful fingers of Guitar Prasanna.