I know there are quite a few vocalists and instrumentalists in here, whether professional, amateur or beginner. How would it be if we could have a "serial music" activity where every interested person could sing/play and upload one bit of a composition in turn?
For example, let's take a varnam. After selecting the varnam (and agreeing on a suitable key) , someone could start with the pallavi (play twice) at a suitable pace (and upload the file), the next person could do the anupallavi, and so on... maybe even play the second kaalam. If this goes well we could even try out more complex items in the future.
I think it would work efficiently if the second person downloads the first person's file and then adds their own bit within that same file and re-posts the whole thing, the third person downloads that file and adds their own bit to it, etc. So, at any time, there would be one comprehensive file containing whatever has been done with that composition thus far, rather than having many bits floating around. (Every person must try their best to match the sruti and laya of the previous contribution, with slight adjustments to their own instrument tuning.)
Some contributors could have personal reasons to remain anonymous. They can create new accounts and post anonymously. We need not seek out the real identities of such posters, or even hazard guesses; just respect their choice until they should choose to reveal themselves. After all, even the kings in olden days used to wander around in mufti to get to see things from the other side!
I think the same song can include both vocal and instrumental contributions--for example, the pallavi could be sung by a vocalist, the anupallavi could be played on the gottuvadyam, and so on. A different kind of fusion music! I don't know if anyone has ever done this before, so it might be a first. The finished item may be quite interesting to listen to, and maybe this could catch on as a style of music in itself
Contributors may indicate in advance whether or not they are interested in any kind of feedback from the other rasikas in the forum. No advice/suggestions for any contributor may be offered unless sought. That should make the whole thing less threatening.
However, beginners may stand to gain by requesting advice/feedback, not only on their own performance. Whether this feedback is good or bad, at least it will tell them how the average rasika may perceive their performance, and could also help them improve themselves. And also, any advice offered can be structured so as to be constructive even if negative. The rest of us can also practise our skills at diplomacy through this while achieving our ends, which is to make a positive change. Such an activity could result in everybody learning something new.
Practically, we would need to prepare and display a list of people (under real or anonymous ids) who would like to participate. Then, when a piece is selected, we just go down the list. The first person posts the first piece, then indicates that the next person on the list may contribute, and a few days time is given for that. If the next person is unable to complete it within the deadline for any reason, they can mention it and the turn can pass to the next person on the list, and so on.
This would of course require a separate thread and also a volunteer to manage and coordinate the whole show. Perhaps the active forum members can give a thought to this and see if they can spare the time and effort to make this a success.
Would be interesting to have something along these lines for percussion instruments too. Perhaps ideas for this can come from percussionists.
Anyway, I've started the ball rolling with this outline. You people could consider the idea and try to see how to make it happen.