Meet Neil Nayyar | Multi-Instrumentalist Musician, Singer, Actor and Author,

We had the good fortune of connecting with Neil Nayyar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Neil, what was your thought process behind starting your music career?

I guess you could say that my journey as a musician started when I was in the womb.

My dad was always a big believer in the power of music. So, when my mom got
pregnant, he decided to test out the theory that listening to Mozart could help form the heart, soul, and mind of the baby. They gifted me with my first drum set when I was two, but it wasn’t until I was five years old that my passion for music started to take off.

What’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?

Some people see failure as the means to an end, but this is not the case. It is
completely natural to fall on the way to our goals. Embracing this can help us learn how to succeed. Working towards my dreams has been a challenging but rewarding experience, and one that hopefully inspires others – especially young people – to do the same. Pursuing your passions can lead to amazing things, but it’s also ok to stumble along the way. The key is to keep going.

How do you think about risk, and what role has taking risks played in
your life/career?

Taking risks is a huge part of my career. Each time I pick up a new instrument or write a new song, I am taking a risk. When you’re a musician, there is always risk involved. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to scrap ideas and start from scratch while writing the songs in my new album. However, this element of risk is what drives us toward creation.
When it comes to skill development, however, I leave nothing to chance. I practice my instruments every day for six to eight hours. This helps me polish my abilities and eliminate some of the risks associated with learning to play new instruments.

What habits do you feel helped you succeed?

There are a few things that have contributed to my success thus far. One habit that helps me succeed is my dedication to developing my skills as a musician. However, my practice schedule isn’t the only thing that keeps my abilities in tip-top shape. I wouldn’t be the musician I am today without the help of some amazing instructors. I’m so grateful that I was able to use the internet to find the best music teachers from all around the globe. Each and every instructor has contributed something special to my journey, and I’m thankful for all of them. They will always be a part of my story.

What is the most important factor behind your success?

My success as a musician is due in large part to my parents, who have been supportive from the beginning. They have always encouraged my passions and helped me stay on the right path. Knowing that they will always be there for me is a great source of inspiration. Without them, I would not be where I am today.

What’s the most important lesson your career has taught you?

The most incredible thing I’ve learned as a musician is that music is a universal
language that everyone can relate to. I think this is the most magical part of being a musician. Sure, I’ve had to face plenty of language and cultural barriers along my journey. But music has a way of cutting through those barriers, which is truly beautiful.

How do you achieve a healthy work-life balance?

I practice my instruments 6-8 hours per day, so finding that work-life balance is really important to me. To find balance in my life, I look for joy in everything that I do. I have a black belt in martial arts and love practicing in my free time. I am also an avid oil painter, with over 100 paintings to my name. Acting is another passion of mine, and I am currently working with an agency to get auditions for television and movies. Last month (Sept.2022) I was featured on the Premium national talk show Good Morning America.

How did you come up with the idea for playing so many instruments?

After starting drum lessons at the age of 5, I fell in love with trying out new instruments. It wasn’t long before my parents noticed that I had a natural talent for picking up on different sounds and techniques. That’s when we began to look for new lessons for me to take. From there, things began to naturally progress. I was always hungry to learn more, and so I did.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?

I am happiest when I’m playing music, so it was an easy choice for me. There is
something special about music that sets it apart from everything else. It can connect people from all walks of life and help us learn about other cultures. Instruments provide a common ground for communication and unity throughout the world.

What are you inspired by?

One of my biggest inspirations is the creation of music itself. Each instrument has a unique sound. By 2016, I had mastered 12 instruments, which was a huge goal of mine. That’s when I found out about the current world record holder who played 27 instruments at the age of 23. His story inspired me to keep expanding my abilities. In 2017, I could play 44 instruments. Today, I can play 117 instruments, and that number is still growing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
One of my biggest inspirations is the creation of music itself. Each instrument has a unique sound. By 2016, I had mastered 12 instruments, which was a huge goal of mine.

That’s when I found out about the current world record holder who played 27
instruments at the age of 23. His story inspired me to keep expanding my abilities. In 2017, I could play 44 instruments. Today, I can play 117 instruments, and that number is still growing.

Taking risks is a huge part of my career. Each time I pick up a new instrument or write a new song, I am taking a risk. When you’re a musician, there is always risk involved. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to scrap ideas and start from scratch while writing the songs in my new album. However, this element of risk is what drives us toward creation.

When it comes to skill development, however, I leave nothing to chance. I practice my instruments every day for six to eight hours. This helps me polish my abilities and eliminate some of the risks associated with learning to play new instruments.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I was a guest Celebrity recently at The Jennifer Hudson Show. It was my first time at Warner Bros. Studios. I love it. It has so much history to learn about music Making to Movie making. They have wonderful studios. Of course, Universal studio is another great place to watch and have fun. I love the VIP tour at Universal Studio. You will get 5 Star food, full service, see everything without any hassles and have a great fun time in 6 hours tour time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Christopher Williams chris.williams2@fox.com

Website: www.neilnayyar.com

Instagram: @neilmusician

Facebook: @neilmusician

Youtube: neilmusician

Image Credits
Philippe Studio Pro