Music Class
When I was 10 years old, my music teacher introduced me to the magic of a shruthi box—a device that helped me find my pitch while singing, its sound reminiscent of a harmonium. It ran on electricity, and during power cuts, my teacher would give me a real harmonium as a substitute. As the eldest in my batch, I was always chosen for this task. While it was exciting to touch a real harmonium, I found it very challenging to sing, operate the harmonium, and hit the thalam (rhythm) with the other hand. I would pray for the power to come back soon :). Those are some unforgettable memories from my music class. Throughout my childhood, I sang along to this harmonium drone, honing my musical skills.
I Own a Shruthi Box
Fifteen years later, as I started earning, I decided to get my own shruthi box. Unlike the bulky one my teacher had, mine was compact and sleek. At the music store, faced with a choice between Harmonium and Tanpura drones, I instinctively picked the Harmonium. Its familiar sound brought back a rush of nostalgia, making my practice sessions deeply comforting and reminiscent of those cherished childhood moments.
Mobile Apps
A few more years later, now this device called shruthi box is almost extinct. Mobile apps have replaced this device, thanks to their mobility and various features they offer. Another trend change is that harmonium drones are also nearly obsolete; most apps now use tanpura drones, as they are more pleasing and widely preferred. I had to carry my old shruthi box device and connect it to a power plug every time I practiced. That is when I decided to create an app with a harmonium drone, and my "Shruthi Box Harmonium" app was born.
My Shruthi Box Harmonium App
Initially, I included basic features with a simple UI, adding only three pitches that I generally use. Later, I realized there might be others like me who prefer harmonium drones during practice. So, I decided to make it a proper app with all possible pitches. I still kept it simple and used a default purple color for the UI and asked my graphic designer (my 12-year-old) to create an icon matching the UI theme. Now, I still can't believe that this app, featuring the once-infamous harmonium drone, has over 500 downloads worldwide and is growing rapidly.
Necessity is the mother of Invention
These changes remind me that innovation often stems from personal needs and experiences. By blending tradition with technology, we can create something that resonates with others. My journey with the Harmonium Shruthi Box app is proof that even the most niche ideas can find their audience and make a lasting impact.
Link to the App: