Two young guitarists from Goa, Myron Mascarenhas and Ashford D’Sa have been selected to represent Goa in the First Guitar Competition organized by the Embassy of Spain in association with the Delhi School of Music on 29 September in Delhi. Pro Musica requested twelve music schools and many private teachers to encourage participation in the competition in the Junior and Senior categories but the response was poor with only four entrants, two in each category. However, the enthusiasm of the entrants and committed exuberance of our representatives puts on a bright face on the event. We look forward to our very talented and hard working musicians to carry the banner of Goan music very ably in the competition.

It all began with a letter from the Spanish Embassy, Delhi, addressed to Pro Musica, a Society formed by dedicated Goan music lovers to foster the love of music in Goa. In their efforts to create an awareness of Spanish music and culture in India, the Spanish Embassy in Association with the Delhi School of Music organised a Guitar Competition to be held in Delhi on 29 September. Music Societies in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune and Goa were invited to conduct competitions in the Junior (14 -17 years) and Senior (18 – 28 years) categories.

The 6-string guitar originated in Spain, which has been the cradle of a special genre of guitar music with a distinctive flavour. It also boasts outstanding composers and performers who have enshrined Spanish guitar music in the hearts of millions. Appropriately, the Competition specifies that of the two compositions to be presented by each competitor, one should be by a Spanish composer.

A Spanish guitarist will join local experts on the jury panel and will give a performance and interact with the participants. The prizes too echo the Spanish connection. In the Senior category, the prize is a trip to Spain and lessons at the Spanish Festival while in the Junior category, the winner takes home a quality Spanish guitar. What a wonderful treat for our Goan representatives. You bet the light is shining in their eyes and inspiring them to give their best.

Ashford D’Sa was initially reluctant to enter the competition because he didn’t want anything to interfere with his Diploma examination later in the year but the selected pieces challenged and fascinated him into attempting something different. Myron Mascarenhas also hesitated but he “loves the guitar and wanted to do something for it”. The competition offered “scope” to both of them and prompted them to step onto the competition rollercoaster even though it meant more work and sacrificing other outdoor activities.

Myron etched out a new routine of practising both in the morning and in the evening for at least three hours per day: serious work with exercises and a thorough approach to the set pieces. His usual practice routine touches two hours but the competition has pulled him into a tighter, more disciplined approach and he has been rewarded with a greater love and appreciation of the guitar. Both of them came to realize the importance of “technical work” to give their fingers a greater command in their performance. Do they like the exercises? “Not really” comes the spontaneous answer from both of them but they are determined, disciplined young lads slowly and steadily climbing the ladder of mastery.

How did you come to the guitar?

MYRON: “I started learning pop guitar in the second standard singing with the guitar and accompanying others.” Favourites? ‘Speedy Gonzales’ and ‘Spanish Eyes’. “I prefer slow romantic songs – ‘that’s what the guitar does best’. I felt that there wasn’t much scope in continuing with pop guitar so I wanted to study classical guitar and took lessons from Schubert Cotta for the last four years.”

He hasn’t looked back. The path ahead lies full of opportunity in front of him and he is stepping on it, inspired.

ASHFORD: “I too started off with pop but was drawn to the classical guitar. This year I have to work hard for the Competition and then concentrate on my Performer’s Diploma.” He’s doing his second year, Bachelor of Arts, English and Psychology, at Dempe’s, Mirramar and sets aside at least four hours a day for his guitar practice. He took Arts because it allowed him to concentrate on the guitar, his chosen career.

He was inspired at the age of six by his father who played the guitar and taught him the basic chords. Now his father has stopped playing and listens to his son taking the inspiration to new heights.

He played extensively at Don Bosco’s and was involved with the Choir. He also formed a band “Prodigy” which has slipped away as his focus on the classical guitar gained intensity. Nonetheless he still loves the electric guitar but stays away from rock. Pop still finds a soft corner in his heart. “I’m studying classical guitar because I feel it’s a more refined form of music and prepares you for anything. It gives you more mastery over your instrument and opens up the works of the great masters. What excites me is when I have performed well and feel I have made people feel happy listening to the music”.

The confidence and dedication of our young musicians is a beacon to all the guitarists who could not participate in such an important event. I hope that the cheering energy of all Goan musicians accompanies Myron and Ashford to the finals in Delhi. The “give-all, don’t-count-the-cost” effort of our young Goans deserves encouragement. They are already winners because their total surrender has brought a new love for their instruments and belief in themselves which shines through clearly in their voices and more importantly in their eyes.