Life & Work with Neil Nayyar

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Neil Nayyar.

Hi Neil, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Sure thing! When it comes to music, my story starts from before I was even born. My parents always talk about how they used to play Mozart while I was still in the womb, hoping that I might hear it, connect with it, and then become a musician further down the line. It was just an idea they talked about – but, unbelievably, it actually worked!

I have always had a close relationship with music, and I have always been fascinated by instruments – the objects themselves and their extensive histories, as well as the sounds they produce. When I was two years old, my dad bought a drum set from Toys R Us. It sat there for several years before I was able to play it properly, but when I did, I took to and decided to dedicate myself to learning more instruments. I kept learning as I grew older. I would explore different instruments in music stores and play them, but I would feel the need to master them.

Then, as I got older, I became curious to learn about instruments in other cultures. My parents supported me (and indulged in my curiosity!), which meant I was always given space and time to pursue my music goals. They encouraged me to learn from the various teachers, mentors, and musicians who I met over the course of my life. I am fortunate to have had the support that allowed me to learn over 100 instruments. From this support, I’ve been able to fulfill my dream of releasing my debut album!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have obviously received a lot of support, but the music that I wish to pursue requires a lot of dedication. I normally practice ​​​​6-8 hours a day while continuing my homeschooling studies.

Now, as I embrace university, I will have to continue my dedication to work – this is obviously very demanding, which can be a struggle!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What sets me apart is my broad knowledge of instruments from throughout the world. I am proud of being able to learn and play music, which I truly believe connects with people.

I am probably most proud of my upcoming debut album, Breaking Barriers. I have always said that I want this album to show how music can transcend borders, languages, generations, and creeds – to reach people on a truly spiritual level.

This album has one Featured song, “Exploring Worlds,” which has 107 Music Instruments from around the World covering three genres of Music recorded acoustically in one track.

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One surprising thing that people might not be aware of is that I am a music writer as well as a musician.

I am currently working on a book, Passion to Exploration of 107 Sound Machines, which is for children and adults. The book will offer in-depth information on the instruments – the “sound machines” – which I play. I hope it will be informative and further help people understand different cultures!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.neilnayyar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilmusician/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC52YfJc7hZFIWNqbraQ3hdQ

Image Credits
Lance Yokota, Philippe Studio Pro, and Tim Ulmerphoto Ulmer