Manish Singhani
Meet Manish — Master in piano, faster in everything else. Manish is a versatile musician with a pocket full of experience and a rocket full of talent.
The Biography
Manish Singhani is a highly sought-after pianist, guitarist, and composer in Jaipur, celebrated for his blazing fast fingers, deep theoretical knowledge, and unparalleled ability to translate complex emotions into beautiful melodies. He effortlessly bridges the gap between classical foundational techniques and contemporary musical flair, making him one of the most dynamic instrumentalists in the region.
His musical journey did not begin in a formal conservatory, but rather through an obsessive, self-guided exploration of the piano keys. Manish spent his formative years deconstructing the works of classical masters alongside modern jazz legends, developing a unique hybrid playing style. His hands move across the keyboard with a fluidity that only comes from thousands of hours of dedicated practice and a profound, innate understanding of harmony.
Having spent years performing live across prestigious venues, corporate events, and intimate acoustic sets, Manish has developed an intuitive understanding of crowd dynamics. He doesn't just play songs; he reads the room, capable of shifting the energy from a delicate, tear-jerking ballad to a high-octane, foot-stomping rhythm in an instant. His ability to improvise on both the piano and guitar makes him an invaluable asset in live jamming sessions.
At 12NOTEZ, Manish frequently collaborates as an elite session musician. When producers are struggling to find the right chord progression or the perfect melodic hook, Manish is the one they call. He has a reputation for laying down complex, soul-stirring piano tracks in a single take, elevating basic tracks into cinematic experiences.
Beyond his prowess as a performer and session player, Manish is deeply passionate about music education. He is widely respected as one of the most effective and inspiring music mentors in the city. His teaching philosophy breaks away from rigid, uninspiring syllabus structures. Instead, he focuses on unlocking his students' creative potential, ensuring they understand the 'why' behind the music theory.
Whether he is composing an original score, laying down a fiery guitar solo in the studio, or teaching a beginner their first major scale, Manish Singhani brings a rocket full of talent and a pocket full of passion to every single note he plays.
Musical Journey
Manish's introduction to music was serendipitous. As a child, he was fascinated by the complex rhythms and melodies of Indian cinema and classical music. He began picking out melodies by ear on a small, battered keyboard before eventually transitioning to a full-sized acoustic piano.
As his skills developed, he picked up the guitar, applying his deep understanding of piano theory to the fretboard. This dual-instrument proficiency allowed him to understand song arrangement from multiple perspectives. He quickly became the go-to accompanist for local singers, learning the crucial skill of playing to support a vocalist rather than overshadowing them.
His professional breakthrough came when he started arranging music for independent artists and performing at high-profile gigs across Rajasthan. The live stage taught him resilience, adaptability, and the importance of stage presence. Today, his journey continues at 12NOTEZ, where he splits his time between studio sessions, live gigs, and mentoring the next generation of musical talent.
In-Depth Q&A
Q: What is the secret to mastering the piano?
A: Consistency and muscle memory. It's not about practicing for 5 hours one day a week; it's about practicing for 45 minutes every single day. Once the theory becomes second nature, your fingers will start expressing your emotions automatically without you having to overthink the next chord.
Q: How do you approach creating a melody for a new song?
A: I usually start by finding a unique chord progression that sets the mood—perhaps throwing in a diminished or borrowed chord for tension. Once the foundation is laid, I hum melodies over it until I find a hook that is memorable but not predictable. The piano is perfect for visualizing these harmonies.
Q: What can students expect when learning from you?
A: They can expect a balance of strict technique and creative freedom. I ensure my students understand the 'why' behind the music theory. I don't want them to just memorize how to play a specific song; I want them to learn how to write their own songs and improvise.
Q: Piano or Guitar: If you could only play one for the rest of your life?
A: That is a cruel question! But if forced, I would choose the piano. The piano is essentially an entire orchestra at your fingertips. You have a massive frequency range, and you can play the bass, the harmony, and the melody all at the same time.
Q: How do you overcome performance anxiety before a big gig?
A: Preparation is the best antidote to anxiety. If you know your parts so well that you can play them in your sleep, muscle memory takes over even if your brain panics. Also, taking deep breaths and remembering that the audience is there to enjoy themselves, not to judge you, changes the entire perspective.
Q: What is the biggest misconception beginners have about learning an instrument?
A: That talent is everything. Talent might give you a slight head start, but hard work, discipline, and patience will outpace talent every single time. People see a 5-minute performance and call it 'talent', completely ignoring the 5,000 hours of frustrating practice that went into it.
Q: What is your favorite genre to play live?
A: Jazz-fusion and Blues. These genres are essentially conversations between musicians. The structure is there, but the solos and the dynamics change every single night based on how we are feeling and how the crowd is responding. It keeps the music alive.
Q: How important is music theory vs. playing by ear?
A: Both are crucial. Playing by ear gives you the soul and the emotion. Music theory gives you the map. Without ear training, you sound robotic. Without theory, you eventually hit a wall and get stuck playing the same three chords forever. At 12NOTEZ, I teach my students to bridge both.
Expertise
Jazz & Blues Piano Improvisation
Manish's true playground is the world of Jazz and Blues. He specializes in complex chord voicings, walking basslines, and fiery right-hand improvisations. His ability to instantly harmonize a melody in real-time makes him an incredible live performer.
Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar
Moving beyond basic strumming, Manish employs intricate fingerstyle techniques, playing the bassline, rhythm, and melody simultaneously. His acoustic arrangements often sound like two or three guitars playing at once.
Music Theory & Mentorship
A great player isn't always a great teacher, but Manish excels at both. He has a unique ability to break down complex theoretical concepts (like modes, polyrhythms, and borrowed chords) into simple, digestible lessons for his students.
Studio Session Recording
In the studio, time is money. Manish is known for his 'one-take' ability. He can listen to a track once, instantly map out the chord structure in his head, and lay down a flawless, emotionally resonant piano or guitar track.
Studio & Live Gear
Keyboards & Pianos
"The Yamaha CP88 is his absolute favorite for live gigs due to its authentic wooden keys and incredibly realistic grand piano action. In the studio, he relies on the Nord Stage 3 for its unparalleled library of vintage Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and Hammond B3 organ sounds."
Guitars
"The Stratocaster provides that glassy, clean tone perfect for funk and blues solos. The Taylor acoustic is his go-to for fingerstyle playing, offering a bright, articulate top-end that cuts through a live mix beautifully."
Amplification & Pedals
"The Roland JC-120 is legendary for its pristine clean tone, which serves as the perfect blank canvas for Manish's guitar work. He pairs it with the Strymon BigSky to create lush, ambient, cinematic soundscapes."
Notable Work
- Midnight Jazz Sessions 2023Pianist / Composer
- The Acoustic Diaries 2022Session Guitarist
- Corporate Anthem (Confidential) 2023Music Director
- Jaipur Live Unplugged 2024Keyboardist
