by Josh Ehlers
Nisha Joshi’s love for music is a bond forged through family and community. Joshi, a Rajastani Folk and Classical musician, teaches the craft at her own school, The Swaranjali Academy of Indian Music in Portland, Oregon. Joshi teaches vocals, harmonium, and the tabla. Rajastani songs describe the daily life of the villagers and incorporate aspects of nature, religion, festivals, and important life events such as childbirth. Being relatively simple to learn, Rajastani music encourages group participation and dancing.
Rajastani folk music is traditional music from Rajasthan, a region located in the northwestern part of India. Instruments such as harmonium, dholak, manjeera, and ravanhatha traditionally accompany the vocalist in Rajastani music. Under the guide of her father, who stressed discipline in her music studies, Joshi gradually learned Rajastani music as her siblings, relatives and neighbors passed down songs to her.
Joshi performs both classical and folk repertoire, as well as sitar, at numerous community events, festivals, and concerts in the Northwest. As a result of her work with the Jack Straw Productions’ Traditional Artist Support Program, Joshi performed at the Seattle Folk Festival in 1996. Joshi’s time with this program also allowed her to professionally record Rajastani music. Joshi holds a Doctorate of Philosophy and Masters in Indian Classical Music from University of Delhi, India and also holds a position on the concert committee for the Society for the Performing Arts of India.
The Swaranjali Academy of Indian Music website: