Social media is a great tool for budding musicians, says flautist Himanshu Nanda

Pune: The flute is a great tool for one's mental and physical health, said city-based flautist Himanshu Nanda, ahead of a concert by his students and faculty aimed at honouring the guru-shishya method.
A disciple of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Nanda has also accompanied his guru for many concerts in India and abroad before shifting base to Pune 10 years ago to start his own music academy, The Mystic Bamboo.His concert in the city featuring his students and faculty will ne held on August 6, at Ga Di Madgulkar Sabhagruha in Akurdi.
“These days parents are increasingly enrolling their children in traditional arts classes in the hope that it will bind them to their culture. College students and young working professionals, burdened with routine find playing the flute brings them calmness and relieves stress,” Nanda said.
Nanda added that music is not just for entertainment anymore, but it also has a positive impact on the player’s mental and physical health.
As an added bonus there have also been more opportunities for players to build a career as a flautist as there is a high demand across different genres of music. Nanda said, “Social media has opened up a world of opportunities for musicians. After learning the instrument for 5-6 years, students make audio for reels, if it starts trending then they get a call from some studio or production house for work. They collaborate with music producers and musicians. There is a shortage of teachers for the instrument, so that can be another career option as well.”
Nanda’s academy has also helped children on the autism spectrum to improve their focus and find the calm within. One student who is on the autism spectrum and will be performing at the concert, which will be held on August 6, at the Ga Di Madgulkar Sabhagruha in Akurdi.
“I have worked with another student, whose father currently runs an institution for special children in Kerala. This experience allowed me to witness first-hand how much music can help. The student now sits and performs in 60-90 minute concerts. Last year, I was teaching music therapy to students in Mumbai too,” Nanda told TOI.