I am Shariq Parvez; musician and artist from Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

I have created a new musical instrument that I have named the Meditation guitar, as it is a unique hybrid Instrument that fuses the best qualities of both the Slide guitar and the traditional Indian Sarod.

The instrument has 33 strings (8 main strings and 25 Sympathetic strings and is made from Indian teak across which is stretched a thin layer of goatskin. I use for playing a steel plate for sliding and a Buffalo horn plectrum – a blend of both traditional and individual methods. It resonates with a deep Melodious sound rather than the more metallic, flat Sound of the Slide guitar. A unique synthesis of Musical traditions enhances the instrument, which is a Thing of beauty in its own right.

I come from a family of talented and respected Painters and myself have a Masters degree in painting. However, my first love has always been music and I have been playing the Slide guitar since childhood. Few years ago I decided to design a new instrument: The Meditation Guitar after which time I was ready to present my music to an international audience. In the summer of 2005 I was invited to perform in the UK and Gave concerts at:
a) Llangollen Fringe Festival
b) Wrexham Arts Center
c) Norwegian church, Cardiff.
Indian classical music is frequently played with tabla (Drums) accompaniment but though sometimes playing unaccompanied. I this way my instrument and I can become one to produce Truly contemplative, spiritual and inspirational Music. I have also given performances on "ALL INDIA RADIO" several times.

Thanks.