Samuel Dass

Infobox musical artist
Name = Samuel J Dass


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Born = birth date and age|1968|03|16|mf=y
Malaysia
Origin = Malaysia
Instrument = Sitar, Composer
Bands = Prana
Genre = Hindustani Classical Music
Occupation = Musician, Founder of Samuel J Dass school of Music K.L.
Years_active = 1980 - present
URL = http://www.myspace.com/samueljdass
Email = [e-mail]

Samuel Dass is a Malaysian based sitarist and disciple of Shahid Parvez Khan

Early life

Sam started playing Sitar at the tender age of 7. His first guru was his father, Mr. Jabamalai Dass, who drilled into him the basics of sitar playing. He then joined "The Temple of Fine Arts" Malaysia, where he learnt the finer nuances of this traditional art-form from Mr. Maheswaran Orme. At the same time he also sought the guidance of Giani Bachitar Singh, who inculcated in him the characteristics of the various Hindustani Raagas. He underwent training under the tutelage of Mr. Raj Kumar Sharma and Professor Haridev of Chandighar University under whom he was able to obtain the "‘Sageeth Bushan’" which is equivalent to a senior diploma in music.

Current

In 2002 Sam had the good fortune to study the finer intricacies of the sitar under the world renowned sitar maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan in Pune ,India. He was under Shahidji’s guidance for 7 months and his talent was acknowledged by the maestro himself. He then formed the successful group Prana, which toured South East Asia extensively for 2 years and recorded a studio album

Recently silencing all critics, Samuel won seven gold world championships at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Samuel was also the only Malaysian to perform in the finals.

chool

Leaving PRANA on hold temporarily Samuel has moved back to his roots and has recently opened his new school the "Samuel Dass School of Hindustani Music" in K.L, Malaysia.

Discography

* Sitarasa
* Sitarasa Nostalgia
* Vrajalila
* Biography of Swami Sivananda
* Vidiyal
* Raga Moods
* Prana

Awards

* Cameronian Arts Awards 2004 – for the best original composition and best solo performance
* World Championship of Performing Arts in Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA 2006 . He won 7 gold medals and one silver medal for the eight categories he took part in. He also won 7 Champion of the World plaques.