Hans Utter
Musician, Producer, Author
A masterful and versatile musician at the core, Dr Hans Utter’s achievements go much beyond that. He is an ethnomusicologist, a music producer, a composer, an author, and a professor. Apart from being one of the most seasoned sitarists in present times, he is also an accomplished guitarist and oud player transcending genres from Western and Indian Classical Music to jazz to the captivating modal music of Central Asia and the Middle East.
His exceptional skills on the sitar have earned him the title of “Sitar Man” by the Columbus Monthly Magazine.
About Me
An exemplary musician, Dr. Hans Utter is considered one of the finest sitarists in America. His music is deeply ingrained in Indian Classical Music, having received the tutelage of one of the best sitarists in India in this generation- Ustad Shujaat Khan of Imdad Khan gharana. Hans’ musical background encompasses a range of genres including jazz, Western Classical, electro-acoustic, rock, blues and more.
Yet, to solely confine our discourse to his music would be akin to leaving behind a few important chapters within the annals of his life’s narrative. Hans holds a doctorate in ethnomusicology from the Ohio State University and is an author, a professor, a music composer, and producer. His publications include the book Trance, Ritual and Rhythm: The Cult of Mahasu Deota (New Delhi: B. R. Rhythms, 2010) as well as several scholarly articles and book chapters.
Education & Employment
Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from Ohio State University(2011) and Diploma in Sitar from Benaras Hindu University (1995) and has worked as a research advisor, visiting professor, etc.
Books & Publications
He has authored a book and other numerous peer reviewed articles and book chapters and has had presentations in multiple conferences across the globe.
Music Composer & Producer
He is the owner and producer of Rigpa Records,USA and has composed several tracks from Melodic Intersect’s Global Vision album, as well as raga-based pieces for orchestra
Homages
The Examiner
“Hans Utter, a master sitar player, gave his usual great performance.”
Ustad Ballu Khan
“Hans is a wonderful musician. His music speaks from the heart-I wish him all the best on his musical journey.”
The Telegraph, Calcutta, India.
“Hans Utter is a name to reckon with in Indian classical music… brings to light the various aspects of Indian classical music … one of the most talented names in the industry.”
Rick Borgia, Spanda
“Hans is an amazing being. His knowledge and talent are boundless.Hans is a world-class guitar player, and has immersed himself in the disciplines, languages and traditions of Persian and Indian classical music.”
Live Performances
Hans’ mesmerizing live performances have enthralled audiences across the globe, predominantly in the realm of classical music gatherings, where he astounds his audiences with his proficiency on both the sitar and guitar.
Upcoming Performance
September, 2023
Raag & Taal: The Rhythm and Melody in Indian Classical Music and Dance
Peggy McConnel Arts Center, Ohio
Past Performance
July 2022
Eureka Music Festival
Eureka, Montana.
October 2021
Aletheia: Performing Arts Traditions of Near East & South Asia
Peggy McConnel Arts Centre, Ohio.
October 2015
Raag & Taal: The Rhythm & Melody in Indian Classical Music & Dance
Peggy McConnel Arts Centre, Ohio.
June 2012
Dhrupad & Khyal: Hindustani Vocal Music
The Ohio State University.
June 2012
Raga & Tala: Music and Court Culture in Mughal era India
The Ohio State University.
June 2012
Introduction to Central Asian Music, Dance & Poetry
The Ohio State University
August 2011
Exploring Raag & Taal: The Rhythm and Melody in Indian Classical Music and Dance
St. John’s Township Hall, Worthington, Ohio.
May 2012
Garland of Melody: Ragamala Paintings and the Visualization of Music
The School of Music, Ohio University.
March 2009
From Central Asia to South Asia: The Historical & Cultural Development of Tajik Music
India International Centre, New Delhi.
January 2009
Western Harmony and the Indian Raga: Compositional Strategies
Ludhiana, India.
April 2007
The poetry of Ja’alludin Rumi: Redefining Islam in the 21st Century
Aga Khan College, Tajikistan.
November 2006
Performance and Identity in the Jaunsari Puja Drumming
The Ohio State University.
October 2006
Zamama: The Poetics of Indo-Persian Music
The Ohio State University.
August 2006
The Poetry of Omar Khayyam at Radio Tajikistan
Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
April 2006
Traditional Dotar Music of Central Asia at Tajik National Television
Tajikistan.
April 2004
Music and Intercultural Dialogue: Arabic, Turkish and Northern Indian Music