Ashwin Batish is a composer, sitar and tabla player, teacher of music, and a recording artist. Currently, Ashwin teaches four classes at various times during the year: MUSC 55 - Rhythms of North India, an intro to Tabla course (2 credits); MUSC 55A - Intermediate Rhythms of North India (2 credits); MUSC 77 Raga Jazz: Application of Indian Music to Western Instruments, an exciting East / West fusion music class (5 credits); and MUSC 78: Popular and Raga Based Songs of South Asia (2 Credits). Check the UC scheduling Catalog to know which one is being presented, during which quarter.
Over the past 45 years, he has taught at San Jose State University, Mills College, UCSC and Cabrillo College, and at his Santa Cruz based private school - the Batish Institute of Indian Music and Fine Arts. He is the son of Bollywood music director, composer, author, and vocalist Pandit S.D. Batish, who was invited to teach Indian Music at UCSC's Merrill College at the university's inception in the early 60s.
The Batish Institute was formed in 1973. It was Ashwin and his father's vision to aid Western and Eastern students' understanding of Indian Music. Starting in 1974, they spent almost 35 years researching the numerous ragas of the Hindustani and Carnartic music systems of Indian music. This effort resulted in the authorship of fifteen pedagogical texts on the music of India. Ashwin helped his father compose, arrange, record and produce almost 5,000 compositions with the aim of making them a tool for learning Indian music.
Ashwin has also directed and produced numerous self-help tutor videos to teach Indian musical instruments such as the Tabla, Sitar, Dilruba, Dholak, Tanpura, Vichitra Veena, and Harmonium. He is also the editor of an online music magazine called "RagaNet" where he posts regular lessons on sitar, tabla, singing, harmonium etc. along with articles pertaining to Indian music theory and practice.
In 1986, Ashwin released a critically acclaimed album called "Sitar Power" where he composed and recorded raga based tunes on Western electronic rhythm and instrumental tracks. It was the first of its kind and was hailed with helping rekindle worldwide interest in the sitar. Ashwin followed this with two more albums that fused Indian classical raga with elements of pop, rock, jazz, calypso, funk, R&B and classical Western orchestra.
Languages Spoken:
English– speak fluently and read/write with high proficiency
Hindi– speak fluently and read/write with high proficiency
Urdu- Hindi– speak fluently
Punjabi- Hindi– speak fluently
Memberships:
ASCAP - The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
Harry Fox Agency - Licensing
Sound Exchange – Digital Copyrights Agency
Tabla Tutors and Articles Published (1976 – Present)
Tabla Tutor #1 (Instructional Video), 1995. "Introduction to Tabla", Batish Publications. Length 1 hour. ISBN 1-882319-50-8
Tabla Tutor #2 (Instructional Video), 1995. "Tabla Bols", Batish Publications. Length 1 hour. ISBN 1-882319-60-5
Tabla Tutor #3 (Instructional Video), 1996. "10 Tabla Thekas", Batish Publications. Length 1 hour.
Tabla for Accompaniment or Practice (32 tape or 10 CD set), 1991. 10 of the most popular tabla rhythm grooves. Played in Slow, Medium, and Fast tempos. 15 min. per tempo. Batish Publications
Tabla Lesson #1, RagaNet article, July - Sept 1995. Batish Institute.
Tabla Lesson #2, RagaNet article, Oct - Dec 1995. Batish Institute.
Tabla Lesson #3, RagaNet article, Jan - Mar 1996. Batish Institute.
Tabla Lesson #4, RagaNet article, April - June 1996. Batish Institute.
Tabla Lesson #5, RagaNet article, July - September 1996. Batish Institute.
Tabla Lesson #6, RagaNet article, July - December 1996. Batish Institute.
Tabla Lesson #7, RagaNet article, July - December 1999. Batish Institute.
Tabla Lesson #8, RagaNet article, July - January 2000. Batish Institute.
Sitar Tutors and Articles Published (1976 – Present)
Sitar Tutor #1 - "Introduction to Sitar" (Instructional Video), 1995. Batish Publications. Length 1 hour.
Sitar Tutor #2 - "Begining Sitar Exercises", (Instructional Video), 1995. Batish Publications. Length 1 hour.
Sitar Tutor #3 - Tweaking Your Sitar (Instructional Video), 1996. Length 1 hour.
Sitar Tutor #4 - Changing Your Sitar Strings Batish Publications
Sitar Buying Tips, RagaNet article, Issue 1. Batish Institute.
More Sitar Buying Tips and repairs of the sitar gourd, RagaNet article, Issue 2. Batish Institute.
Picking the right sitar for you, sitar tuning tones, RagaNet article, Issue 3. Batish Institute.
Sitar Tuning Chart, RagaNet article, Issue 4. Batish Institute.
Sitar Adjustments, Sitar Tuning issues, Tuning the Sitar using Harmonics, Correcting the sitar's action, RagaNet article, Issue 5. Batish Institute.
Sitar String Gauges, RagaNet article, Issue 6. Batish Institute.
Stringing Your Sitar, RagaNet article, Issue 7. Batish Institute.
Traditional and alternative sitar holding and sitting positions, RagaNet article, Issue 8. Batish Institute.
Harmonium Tutor and Articles Published - by S.D Batish and Ashwin Batish (1976 – Present)
Harmonium Tutor #1 (Instructional Video VHS), 1995. "Introduction to Harmonium", Batish Publications. Length 1 hour. ISBN 1-882319-52-4. Available in PAL and NTSC formats.
Singing Lesson 2, RagaNet Issue 4
Dilruba Tutors and Articles Published - by S.D Batish and Ashwin Batish (1976 – Present)
Dilruba Tutor #1 (Instructional Video VHS), 1995. "Introduction to Dilruba", Batish Publications. Program duration 62 minutes. ISBN 1-882319-54-0 Catalog#: BRV13 Available in PAL and NTSC formats.
Dilruba Article, RagaNet Issue 5
Dilruba Information Page, Batish Institute
Dholak Tutors and Articles Published - by Ashwin Batish (1976 – Present)
Dholak Tutor #1 (Instructional Video VHS), 1995. "Introduction to Dholak", Batish Publications. Program duration 62 minutes. Available in PAL and NTSC formats.
Dholak Article, RagaNet Issue 7
Vichitra Veena Tutors and Articles Published - by S.D Batish and Ashwin Batish (1976 – Present)
Vichitra Veena Tutor #1 (Instructional Video VHS), 1995. "Introduction to Vichitra Veena", Batish Publications. Program duration 62 minutes. Cat# BRV16. Available in PAL and NTSC formats.
Vichitra Veena Article, RagaNet Issue 6
Vichitra Veena Information Page, Batish Institute
S.D. Batish Plays Vichitra Veena in the Beatles movie "Help"
Tanpura Drone Tutors and Articles Published - by Ashwin Batish (1976 – Present)
Tanpura Tutor (Instructional Video VHS), 1995. Batish Publications. Program duration 62 minutes. Available in PAL and NTSC formats. Catalog#: BRV11. ISBN 1-882319-53-2
Tanpura Article, RagaNet Issue 2
Tanpura Article, RagaNet Issue 3
South Indian Raga Works by S. D. Batish and Ashwin Batish (1976 – Present)
72 Carnatic Melakartas: Introductory Songs on the 72 Melas of the South Indian music system are composed and sung by Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish with Instrumental accompaniment by Ashwin Batish.
North Indian Raga Works by S. D. Batish and Ashwin Batish (1976 – Present)
Ragopedia: Exotic Scales of North India Plastic Comb – August, 1989
by S. D. Batish (Author), Ashwin Batish (Author)
Ashwin Batish Format: Audio CD
YouTube Videos
East Meets West fusion by Ashwin Batish, Kuumbwa Jazz - Casbah Shuffle Sitar in Raga Bhairav
Sitar Power Man Ashwin Batish Plays Bombay Boogie - Fusion of Rock and Indian Music
Meditation for Global Peace by Ashwin Batish (sitar unplugged)
Ashwin Batish, Sitar, Matthews Opera House, SDPB Interview by Karl Gehrke (Spearfish, South Dakota)
Sitar Trek - Raga Sundar Kauns Jazz, Worldbeat, Fusion Concert. Ashwin Batish @ Kuumbwa Jazz
Ashwin Batish Sitar and Keshav Batish Tabla Raga Nat Bhairav Classical Music
Raga Jhinjhoti. Sitar World Beat, Jazz, Fusion Music. Ashwin Batish Live KFJC FM Radio
Sitar Mania by Ashwin Batish - a Raga Rock out Fusion Music Samba Keharwa
Raga Blues with Ashwin Batish - Sitar and Brad Kava - Harmonica
Bombay Boogie at Winnipeg Folk Fest Ashwin Batish, Sitar and Myron Dove, Bass
Ashwin Batish, Sitar Power Trio, KPIG Radio, West End Celebration, Sand City
Ashwin Batish Sitar & Zakir Hussain Tabla - Concert Part 1
India Beat by Ashwin Batish Sitar Power CD 1 World Beat Raga Rock Fusion
Indian Music Sargam Lesson by sitar maestro Ashwin Batish
Ashwin Batish, Sitar Power Interview, @ Kuumbwa Jazz, KMST TV News
Keshav Batish Drum Solo Ghanafest with Ashwin Batish Sitar Power Trio
Ashwin Batish and the Sitar Power Band, Kuumbwa 2014
Ashwin Batish & Keshav Batish Tabla / Drum Jam at Yoshi's San Francisco Sitar Power Concert
Raga Patmultani by sitar maestro Ashwin Batish music of North India
Steve Masters Feat. Ashwin Batish - Lost In Space (Mastersmixx) [Tripindicular] 1990
Ashwin Batish with his Sitar Power Band at Cabrillo Music Festival 2015
India Beat by Ashwin Batish at Winnipeg Folk Festival, Canada
Tabla Giant 4. Ashwin Batish demonstrating Tihais in Tintal
Sitar Mania by Ashwin Batish fusion of Samba and Indian Music
Ashwin Batish and his Sitar Power Trio Live, MUD Festival, Spain - Raga Jazz!
A TABLA GIANT! Dhira Bol usage by Ashwin Batish
Ashwin Batish and Sitar Power Live at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center 1-30-14
Ashwin Batish SItar & Keshav Batish Tabla at The Indpendent club in San Francisco
Ashwin Batish, sitar and Zakir Hussain, tabla - In Concert Sampler
Raga Manavati by S D Batish - 72 Melakarta of South India (Carnatic) tabla by Ashwin Batish
Sitar Maestro Ashwin Batish, Master Class, Indian Music, Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Ghalib Ghazal sung by Meena Batish, Music & harmonium by S D Batish, Ashwin Batish on tabla
A TABLA GIANT Par II! Ghe Ghe Ti Ta Bol usage by Ashwin Batish
Raga Encyclopedia - Exotic Music Scales of North India by S D Batish and Ashwin Batish
Live Performances
Chico World Music Festival, Chico State University, California (2017)
Ghanafest, Malta (2015)
Winnipeg Folk Festival, Canada (1986)
ISIM International Festival and Conference, USA. (2009)
The Fillmore, San Francisco with the Violent Femmes (2014)
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering "Tribute to India, Quail Lodge & Golf Club, Carmel, California (2014)
KPIG, Please Stand By with John Sandidge (2014)
West End Celebration, Sand City, California (Monterey Bay) (2014)
KWMR West Marin Radio, Point Reyes, California (Monterey Bay) (2014)
Fenix Music Club San Rafael, California (2014)
Throckmorton Theater, Mill Valley, California, (2014)
MUD, Music Festival, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain (2014)
Spearfish Elementary, South Dakota, USA (2014)
Matthews Opera House, Spearfish, SD 57783 (2014)
Swallow Hill Music, Denver, Colorado (2014)
Santa Clara Conference, Santa Clara, California, USA (2014)
International Peace Day, World Cup Soccer Center (2013)
Point Fermin Park, San Pedro, California (2013)
Ford Amphitheatre, Hollywood, CA 90068 (2013)
Ramona Bowl, Hemet, California (2012)
Le Petit Trianon Theatre, San Jose, CA, San JOse Chamber Orchestra, Taylor Igesti - tabla (2012)
UCSC Recital Hall, Santa Cruz, CA (2011)
The Independent, San Francisco, CA, Open for Cracker (2012)
Don Quixote's, Felton, CA (2011)
Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA (2011)
Kali Ray Triyoga Center, Santa Cruz, CA (2012)
Cabrillo College Crocker Theatre, Aptos, (2012)
KKUP Live 91.5 FM, Santa Clara, CA (2012)
Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA (2012)
KPIG Radio's Live "Please Stand By, Freedom, CA (2012
KSCO 1080 AM, Santa Cruz, (2012)
Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Santa Cruz, (2012)
Joshua Tree Music Festival, Joshua Tree, Ca (2012)
Vancouver Folk Festival, Canada
Montreal Jazz Festival, Canada
Earthsong Festival, Hamilton, Canada
Womad Festival, Toronto, Canada
Oxfam Worldfest, California, USA
World Music Festival, Michigan, USA
Quebec International Music Festival, Canada
Nassau Community College Folk Festival, New York, USA
Worldbeat Festival, Ottawa, Canada
National Arts Center, Ottawa, Canada
Club Nu, Miami, Florida, USA
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, USA
New Jazz Festival, Moers, Germany
UCSC Performing Arts Theatre, USA
The Independent Club, San Francisco, California, USA
Wetlands Preserve, NY, USA. Opened for Big Brother and the Holding Company
Johnny D's, Somerville, MA, USA
WorldOne Music Festival, California
Great American Music Hall, California, USA
SOBs (Sounds of Brazil), NY, USA
San Jose Chamber Orchestra
Catalyst, Santa Cruz, California
Music CD and Vinyl Releases Solo Albums
Sitar Power 1 by Ashwin Batish (1986) CD, Digital and Vinyl Release
Sitar Power 2 by Ashwin Batish (1996) CD and Digital Release
Sitar Power 3 by Ashwin Batish (2015) CD and Digital Release
Morning Meditation on Sitar (1999) CD and Digital Release
Ashwin Batish Live at KKUP Radio (2000) CD and Digital Release
Om Shanti Meditation on Swarmandal (1998) CD and Digital Release
Sitar Maestro Ashwin Batish & Family in Concert (2012) CD and Digital Release
The Third Stream – Sitar Guitar Jugalbandi (2012) CD and Digital Release
Jazz Is Where Is (2017) CD Single and Digital Release
Music CD and Vinyl Releases – Sideman on tabla, sitar, guitar, synths, singing. Producer and composer.
Lishkare Punjabi Songs by Meena Batish (1986) CD, Digital Release. Engineer and Producer. tabla, sitar, synth, guitar, programming.
My Favorite Bhajans (Hindu Devotional Songs) (2007) CD, Digital Release. Engineer and Producer. tabla, sitar, synth, guitar, programming.
Ram Bhajans – Devotional Hindu Folk Songs (1998) CD, Digital Release. . Engineer and Producer. tabla, sitar, Dilruba, Harmonium.
Educational CD Releases
Tabla for Accompaniment or Practice - Boxed Set by Ashwin Batish
Tabla For Accompaniment or Practice is a collection of 10 CDs of the hottest rhythm cycles of North India. This unique collection has been compiled especially for musicians wanting to practice classical and folk music of North India. It is also an invaluable resource for Jazz/World musicians and composers interested in jamming with Tabla grooves. Each CD consists of the Theka in three different tempos - slow, medium and fast. Each track is 15 minutes per tempo. In the case of Tintal and Ektal, we have included bonus tracks of the very slow Theka.
Rupak Tal - 7 Beat Cycle, Catalog# BR7501CD, UPC#: 745756750129
Dadra Tal - 6 Beat Cycle, Catalog# BR7502CD, UPC#: 745756750228
Keharwa - 8 Beat Cycle, Catalog# BR7503CD, UPC#: 745756750327
Dhamar Tal - 14 Beat Cycle, Catalog# BR7504CD, UPC#: 745756750426
Ek Tal - 12 Beat Cycle, Catalog# BR7505CD, UPC#: 745756750525
Jhaptal - 10 Beat Cycle, Catalog# BR7506CD, UPC#: 745756750624
Deepchandi Tal - 14 Beat Cycle, Catalog# BR7507CD, UPC#: 745756750723
Jaltital - 16 Beat Cycle, Catalog# BR7508CD, UPC#: 745756750822
Tintal - 16 Beat Cycle, Catalog# BR7509CD, UPC#: 745756750921
Jhumra Tal - 14 Beat Cycle, Catalog# BR7510CD, UPC#: 745756751027
Premiere of Original Works, Aaron Copland Award, San Jose Chamber Orchestra 2014
Big Read Grant, from the National Endowment for the Arts, and Arts Midwest 2014
Artistic Excellence, Calabash Award by Cultural Council of Santa Cruz, Ethnic Arts Network 2001
Honorable Mention, NAIRD Award, World/International Music, Sitar Power 1987
Batish Institute of Indian Music and Fine Arts, Santa Cruz, California (1974-Present)
Founder
40 years of organizing and teaching private and group classes at the Institute’s facility on Mission Street as a master instructor of sitar, tabla, harmonium, tanpura, dholak, dilruba, vichitra veena and santoor and singing.
San Jose State University, San Jose, California (1992-1993)
Music 140, Improvised Music Program
Teaching Effectiveness and Evaluation by Department Chair: “As expert on the music of India, Mr. Batish is in his first semester at San Jose State and therefore does not have student evaluations. He teaches in the Improvised Music program and assists in a course entitled Improvisation Techniques – Basics. His work to this point has been commendable.” Stephen French, Associate Dean.
Mills College, Oakland, California (1996)
Guest Lecturer North Indian Music, an oral tradition class. Filling in for position vacated by Pandit Pran Nath. Recommendation by Mr. Lou Harrison.
University of California, Santa Cruz, California
Universiy of California, Santa Cruz (Various Years)
Guest Lecturer on music of India for various Professors and classes including: Dr. Ralph Abraham, Professor Linda Burman Hall, Dr. Karlton Hester, Professor Fredric Lieberman, Professor Mary Holmes, David Kilpatrick, Randy Masters.
San Jose State University (Various Years)
Guest Lecturer on music of India for various Professors and classes including: Professor Dan Wyman–Music Appreciation, Dwight Cannon - Jazz, Randy Masters – Jazz and World Music.
Residency, Spearfish Elementary School (2014)
(National Endowments for the Arts "The Big Read.")
Lecture Demonstration for all 4th and 5th grade Elementary Music Classes
RagaNet – An online educational magazine to teach the music of India (1978 to Present)
Chief Editor and writer. Produced twice a year. It includes lessons to teach sitar, tabla, harmonium, singing and articles on the history and theory of Indian music. Focus is primarily on teaching North Indian music of India.