Special Workshops
Offered By Arjun Verma & Tim White

August 16, 2026 at the AACM  | In-Person and Online

Sound Engineering for Indian Classical Musicians                         10:00 am – 11:30 am
Jawari (Bridge) Maintenance for Sitar                                                11:45 am – 1:15 pm

 

Sound Engineering for Indian Classical Musicians

10 AM – 11:30 AM Pacific time
Tim White and Arjun Verma

Learn the fundamental principles of amplification and recording, specifically tailored towards the unique aspects of Indian Classical Music.

This hands on, practical workshop covers the basics of sound checking for live performance, avoiding feedback, microphone selection, and overall strategies to capture a good sound on Indian instruments while managing some of the common challenges in live performance and recording.

In person students will have a chance to try out the processes for themselves and experiment with the basic principles, and all students will receive a video recording of the workshop.

Jawari (Bridge) Maintenance for Sitar

11:45 AM – 1:15 PM Pacific Time
Arjun Verma
This class will cover the basic hands-on process of jawari bridge resurfacing, while also giving participants a conceptual understanding of how changes in jawari shape affect tone on the sitar. Participants can also receive individual suggestions from Arjun on particular sitar jawari issues they may be facing.   

Change the upper bridge strings strings before the workshop–ideally immediately before, but within 1 day before if necessary.

Please be sure to collect all the following tools prior to the workshop if you wish to follow along.

Required Tools
  • Fresh set of sitar strings
  • Sandpaper of approximately these grits: 150, 220, 300, 400, 600, 800, 1000
  • Half-round file
  • chisel – 1/8″ to 1/4″ width
  • pencil
  • scissors
  • film negative, very thin cardboard, or other semi rigid thin material to slip under the strings to protect certain parts of the jawari

Optional, but highly recommended Tools