Strings of the Heart

About the music

Ragas and Resonance

Rooted in Tradition, Inspired by Emotion

At the heart of Strings of the Heart lies a deep reverence for the classical tradition of Ragas—melodic frameworks rooted in ancient Indian music. Each Raga is a living entity, designed to evoke a specific emotion or healing response. There are 72 foundational Ragas, each aligned with the 72 Nadis (energy pathways) in the human body. These compositions begin with an introspective Alap and end in the spirited rhythms of Jhala, forming a complete journey of sound and feeling.

Ragas are not only musical expressions but also tools for well-being. Certain Ragas are performed at specific times of day or during particular seasons, believed to harmonize the listener with natural cycles. Some are even used therapeutically to alleviate ailments, ease emotional distress, and support inner balance.

While deeply rooted in tradition, Strings of the Heart also embraces musical diversity. Their repertoire moves fluidly across genres from the elegance of 18th-century court music to the vibrant pulse of Indian groove and tender expressions of love songs. Each piece is carefully crafted by Jimmy and Lynn, who capture a wide emotional spectrum: from joy and devotion to melancholy, calmness, and passion.

The result is a musical experience that transcends borders—ancient yet fresh, meditative yet alive.

Jimmy Wolling

Sitar

Jimmy Wolling is a dedicated practitioner of Indian classical music, known for a playing style that blends technical precision with expressive improvisation. Trained in the tradition of raga, a living tradition in Indian classical music, his performances draw from years of disciplined study and an intuitive understanding of raga.

With a melodic melody and a fluid, improvisational approach, Jimmy brings each composition to life in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal. His artistry forms a core pillar of the Strings of the Heart sound, weaving melody into moments that resonate long after the final note.

Lynn Geddes Wolling

Tabla

A dedicated and soulful musician, Lynn Geddes Wolling brings rhythmic sensitivity and artistic nuance to Strings of the Heart. Rooted in the Indian classical tradition and inspired by cultural expression, her playing bridges discipline and creativity.

Lynn adds depth, rhythm, and heartfelt emotion to every performance. Her ability to listen, respond, and elevate the music in real time makes her an essential percussionist within the duo’s unique, immersive soundscape.

The Healing Notes of Indian Classical Music

Listening to Indian classical music is nothing short of a meditation session that will calm your mind and heal your soul. With its origin in South Asia, Indian classical music has been on the musical map for nearly 6,000 years now. All thanks to its popularity, this form of music can be heard making its mark across the globe today.

Indian classical music draws inspiration from nature and phenomena such as the change of seasons. This inspiration is used to formulate a system of 'ragas' and 'taals’ which are then combined to form a song. Tabla and Sitar are indispensable to Indian classical music and help enunciate the rich heritage.

Sitar is a stringed instrument that is used in the North Indian style of classical music. This instrument was popularized by the Mughals, and its name was inspired by a popular Persian musical instrument called 'setar'. This literally translates into - three strings. With its long strings, a hollow neck, a bridge design, and a resonance chamber, the Sitar truly holds the power of mesmerizing your soul.

Another popularly used instrument in Indian classical music is Tabla. It is a type of membranophone percussion instrument that is widely used in classical and traditional folk music. It has been a favorite in India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It has a set of drums that exemplify the healing notes of Indian classical music.

In fact, you'd be surprised to learn that even Bollywood is highly inspired by the notes of Indian classical music. Due to its versatility, several popular Bollywood songs have been composed using 'ragas'.

According to scientists, every object around you vibrates at a particular frequency. This includes your internal organs, any physical object surrounding you, and the musical instruments. These frequencies emitted by musical instruments can be utilized to resonate with your mind and emotions, thereby calming your inner storm. In a nutshell, sound is a type of meditational therapy. This therapy is something that every one of us can relate to and use to channel our emotions and positively transform them. It's safe to say that the relationship between the 'ragas' and 'taals' combined with the beats of the Tabla and the notes of the Sitar establish a sense of rhythm in your surroundings. This rhythm resonates with every cell of your body and transports you to a higher state of consciousness in your mind, body and soul.