Discover the journey of Dr. P.V. Bose an award-winning musician and educator!

Join us for an exclusive interview with Dr. P.V. Bose, an acclaimed musician and educator. Learn about his musical journey, his experience with the InterContinental Music Awards, and his insights on blending classical and global music traditions.

Dr. Bose, welcome to the show! We’re so happy to have you here today. Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself so our viewers can get to know you better?

Thank you so much, Merry! I’m thrilled to be here. Well, it’s a bit odd talking about myself, but I’ll give it a go.

I’ve been a musician since I was eight years old. It’s been many years, but I’m still searching for the perfect musical notes. Music is such a vast journey, and I’m constantly learning. I started my training in Carnatic classical music, and I’ve been performing since then.

I’m also passionate about teaching, and I currently teach at a graduate college, where I get to share my knowledge with others. Over the years, I’ve released several music albums and sung for many films – more than a few, actually.
In 2019, I was honored with the Global Music Award for Best World Music Fusion, and this year, I received the prestigious InterContinental Music Award 2024. My journey is ongoing, and I’m currently working on new albums and collaborating with incredible artists. The adventure continues!

Dr. Bose, how did you first hear about the InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA), and what was your experience like being a part of the ICMA family?

After receiving the Global Music Award in 2019, I was on the lookout for a bigger platform to showcase my music. That’s when I came across the InterContinental Music Awards. I heard about it through some of my friends, as well as from browsing music websites. I was really excited to just participate in the competition, not necessarily thinking about winning at that time, but I hoped to be part of such an esteemed international musical community. I wanted the chance to connect with fellow artists and gain recognition on a global stage.

So, I worked on a traditional classical composition with my band, collaborating with fellow musicians. We put a lot of effort into it, and I’m happy to say that it resonated with the ICMA judges. The recognition was truly humbling! I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the ICMA family, and it’s been an absolute honor.

Dr. Bose, you’ve also written a book. Could you tell us a bit about it and its key themes?

Yes, I’ve written a book that explores Indian art, specifically focusing on the five elements, which we refer to as Panchaka in Indian philosophy. The book delves into how these elements influence not just Indian art but also music around the world.

For example, in Indian classical music, we have a deep connection to the five elements, and the concept of these elements can also be found in international music traditions. One interesting parallel is the pentatonic scale, which is central to both Chinese music and various other global musical styles. It shows how the relevance of the number five and these elements cross cultural boundaries.

The book is an exploration of how these fundamental concepts shape art, music, and performance, both within India and internationally. It’s an exciting topic because it bridges traditional Indian philosophy with global musical practices. I hope it encourages readers to think about the universal connections between art and the natural world.

You received acclaim for your album at the Avalonia Festival in Rhode Island, which is incredible! How do you approach creating music that connects on a global scale?

Thank you! Yes, the Avalonia Festival recognition in 2016 was a memorable moment. The album was based on a traditional composition, created alongside my fellow musicians. One of my students, Goind, who is also a talented filmmaker, came up with the idea to turn it into a visual album. He took the initiative to bring the project to life and even sent it to the Avalonia Festival. The album ended up winning the Best Musical Short for that year, which was a huge honor!

When it comes to creating music that connects globally, I focus on blending traditional elements with a modern sensibility. The goal is to bring people together through the universal language of music, regardless of their cultural background. Music has the power to transcend borders, and that’s something I keep in mind when creating any album. I want to ensure that it resonates with people from all walks of life.

Dr. Bose, are you working on any new projects or collaborations right now? Any albums on the way?

Yes, I’m currently working on a few exciting projects! One of them is an album focused on folk music. This is a genre I haven’t explored yet, and I’m really excited to dive deep into it. I believe folk music connects to the very roots of humanity, and I’m eager to see how this exploration unfolds.
In addition to the folk music album, I’m also working on some new classical compositions. These projects are in the works and will be ready this year. I’m looking forward to sharing them with everyone soon!

As a passionate educator, how do you balance your teaching responsibilities with your music career?

Balancing both can be challenging, but it’s all about passion. I’ve been learning music since I was eight years old, and over the years, I’ve realized that the best way to preserve music is to pass it on to the next generation.

As I grow older, I feel a deep responsibility to teach and share whatever I know with my students. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about finding the right disciples who are disciplined and dedicated to carrying the tradition forward. When you invest time in teaching, you’re not only preserving the art form, but you’re also nurturing the future of music.

I have a few great students who I believe will carry the torch. And while I teach, I continue to perform and sing, so it never feels like a separate task. Teaching and performing are intertwined, and I enjoy both equally. It’s not just a job for me; it’s a way of life.

Dr. Bose, what advice would you give to students and aspiring musicians who are just beginning their music careers?

My advice to aspiring musicians is that while artistic talent can be innate, becoming a successful artist requires proper training and practice.

Many people are born with artistic qualities, but that doesn’t mean they will automatically develop into great artists. To truly refine your craft, you must understand the fundamentals—just like learning the grammar of a language. Without a strong foundation in music theory, it’s like writing without knowing grammar. You might have natural talent, but to communicate your art effectively, you need to understand the “rules” of music.

Even if you’re a gifted musician by birth, training is crucial. It’s important to learn the technical side of your art, including how to read musical notes and understand music theory. Think of it this way: you might be a natural swimmer, but you still need to know the proper technique and rules to teach or perform at a higher level. The same goes for music.

So, my humble advice is to combine natural talent with disciplined learning. Mastering the “grammar” of music is essential for anyone who wants to succeed in their musical career.

Dr. Bose, do you have any final words you’d like to share with your fans and our viewers?

First of all, I’m so excited to have been part of this live interview! Being recognized by the InterContinental Music Awards has given me so much courage and motivation to continue moving forward on my musical journey.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, every musician should strive to get better every day. Platforms like the InterContinental Music Awards provide the encouragement and push necessary to keep going and spreading one’s music across the world.

For me, music has the unique power to connect people and prove that the world is truly one. The sense of oneness that music brings is something I deeply believe in. It’s a universal language that transcends borders, and I’m grateful to be a part of that global harmony. Thank you again for this opportunity, and I truly hope to be back on Star Spot soon!

Dr. P.V. Bose Contact Info:

Website: https://linktr.ee/dr.pvbose

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.pvbose

Click here to watch Dr. P.V. Bose‘s  full interview on Instagram