Beginner trying to start learning Bansuri flute

[vikram]

Hi I am a resident of pennsylvania, united states. I live in a small town with a very little indian community. I am really intersted in learning the Bansuri flute and I don't think there would be any options available in the area where I live. I am looking for online options to pursue this passion of mine. I see that there are several interesting discussions in this forum. I have no previous music experience but I was able to take some lessons for a month in the past when I was in India. I hope you guys will give me some directions. Thanks.

Vikram.

[bibhas]

Vikram,
Where in PA do you live? If at all possible, I'd advise a real guru when you are a beginer. Once you gain some level of comfort and command over technique, then online lessons become rather productive. Is the teacher below a possibility for you to travel to, perhaps once a month at least?
Bibhas

Name: Pandit Vishwanath Shrikhande
Email: vishwashri@yahoo.com
Field: North Indian classical and light Vocal, Sitar, Flute, Tabla, harmonium and Keyboard
Address: 600 Old Street Rd Trevose, PA 19053
Telephone: (215) 357 3612
Misc. Info: Highly experienced performer, teacher and composer, Ex-Music Producer in All India Radio, Principal Music colleges in India and abroad, Director State Academy of music, dance and drama in India. Learnt the art under Late Ustad Amir Khan Saheb and Pt. Bholanath Bhatt. Private and group classes availablen on week days and weekends.

[vikram]

Hi Bibas,

Thank you very much for the prompt reply. I live in Sayre, PA which is right near the border of New York State and Pennsylvania up north. I looked up Trevose, PA and it is about 3 and a half hours driving distance. I am currently doing my residency in Internal Medicine and as a resident we get one weekend off every 3 weeks, atleast for the next year, this will be the situation. So it will be a long drive on the only free weekend. My location is close to Vestal(1hr), Binghamton(1hr), Syracuse(2hrs), Rochester(2hrs) and even Albany will be 3 hrs drive. All these cities are in New York Upstate. Places in PA like Williamsport are 1.5 hrs away. So these are some of the cities close to me. I am glad you suggested someone who seems to have an extraordinary background but I would like to know if there is any body you know in the Upstate New York area or even in parts like Edison, NJ or Parsippany, NJ are good for me to go.

Thanks for supporting this endeavour and I eagerly look forward for your response.

Vikram.

[bibhas]

Vikram,
I understand the life of a resident well. It is commendable that you're even considering starting bansuri lessons at this stage of your life rather than wait until after the residency. Here is a link that will hopefully lead you to teacher near you:
http://chandrakantha.com/teachers/
Also try http://www.stevegorn.com/contacts.php
Bibhas