Dhan Bahadur Gurung is a Basuri (bamboo flute) teacher and Basuri maker. In his 15 years’ stint as a teacher of the instrument, he has delivered this art to thousands of students. But he says that only a handful of his students have become top class Basuri players. Born in Harmi of Gorkha district in 2041 BS, Gurung has a Bachelor’s Degree in Basuri from Ilahabad University in India. He was inspired to play Basuri by his elder brother Resham Gurung.
He won a gold medal in the classical music competition in 2064 BS. He received the award for Young Basuri player from Kirateshwor Sangeet Ashram. He has also topped from Nepal for Ilahabad University in his Bachelor’s Degree as well.
Renuka Dhakal of The Rising Nepal talked to Gurung about different aspects of Basuri teaching at Kalanidhi Indira Sangeet Mahavidhyala, Pulchowk, where he teaches. Excerpts: 

When were you attracted to Basuri and started to play this instrument?
I was fascinated with Basuri from my childhood. Basuri is a natural instrument. As a kid, I used to hear my brother playing the Basuri, which attracted me to this musical instrument since my childhood. My brother lived in Kathmandu and he brought me to the capital when I was studying in Grade six in Harmi. I started studying here in Kathmandu and also joined the Basuri class. Later, I graduated from Ilahabad University and this is how my musical journey started.

When did you start to teach Basuri? Which music schools did you teach in? Approximately, how many students have learned to play Basuri from you so far?
Even though, I have been playing the Basuri since I was young, I formally started to learn Basuri from 2059 BS.
I started to teach Basuri in schools from 2064 BS. Initially, I used to teach in various schools including JEMS School but, now, I am teaching full time at Kalanidhi Indira Sangeet Mahabidhyala. By now, I must have taught 10 to 12 thousand students of different age groups.

Where are you engaged these days?
In addition to teaching full time at Kalanidhi Indira Sangeet Mahabidhyala, I play Basuri for songs at recording studios. I teach at Kalanidhi four days a week and at other times I am busy to play at recording studios.

Do you play any instrument other than the Basuri?
I play both classical Indian sanahi and Nepali sanahi. And, I am the only person in Nepal who plays classical music in a sanahi.

Could you please say something about the features of Nepal’s original instrument Basuri?
Basuri is a natural musical instrument and has been played since time immemorial. Its specialty is that it can be played in all kinds of songs and music. The tune of the Basuri adds melody and sweetness to any song.

What is the difference between Nepali Basuri and the western flute?
The bamboo flute is played especially in Asian countries while the metal flute is played in western countries.
Music has twelve notes or sound in all and so there are 12 flutes to play each scale. Each note has two variation, the bass and the high pitch. For this reason, we need to have 24 flutes for all 12 notes with both pitches. In a Basuri, the tune is played according to scale, while in the Western flute the tune is played according to key. Unlike the Nepali flute Basuri, the western flute can play all the range of notes and scale in a single instrument. A Basuri is more melodious than the metal flute.

What is the current trend of Nepali youths interested to learn Basuri?
Basuri has remained popular all the time, but with the development of IT, it is becoming more popular in the younger generation. Many people come to learn Basuri, but only a few can make a career in it. Constant effort is needed to make a career as a Basuri player. Only those who have the passion to keep trying can be a good Basuri player.

In addition to being a Basuri teacher, you also make the instrument. What are the requirements to make a good Basuri?
As I told you, Basuri are made on different scales. A Basuri maker should understand the diameter of the hollo scale and length of the bamboo needed. And to produce right sound in it, different holes have to be drilled in right distance. Proportion tuning work can take a bit longer.

Where do you get the bamboo to make Basuri?
We bring bamboo from Assam of India. Bamboo is found in Nepal also but we buy it from Assam for the reason of quantity and quality.

Is this profession financially sustainable?
I want to call it a financially sustainable profession. Anyone who wants to make a professional career in this should be excellent. For the best Basuri player, this can be a good profession to make a dignified living.

What kind of impact did the coronavirus pandemic have in your work?
I had the opportunity to study and design Basuri during the lockdown. The lockdown gave me time to study and revitalised my knowledge. I also taught online classes for students in France, USA, UK, Korea, and other countries.