THE SPEAKER:

“Ravi's openness, honesty, sincerity, and obvious passion for what he does is refreshing to hear in what often seems to be a field populated by slick hustlers and soulless operators trying to make a quick buck. His presentation is the best antidote to the mode of cynicism and jadedness we as music professionals fall into from time to time. I was profoundly impressed and I know the students were too. Ravi and his message are among the best that Berklee has to offer and he will be welcome here in the future.”
– Professor Tom Stein, Professional Music Department, Berklee College Of Music, Boston MA

“Ravi provided his audience the opportunity to think about the big picture of aviation today, and how every individual can help improve its reputation, whether they participate in general aviation or are a professional in the greater industry. He entertained, he educated and he inspired. He’ll be back!”
– Deborah Bandy, Director of Admissions Operations, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

“Ravi presented at the annual NAFI Members’ Breakfast at AirVenture 2011 and balanced humor and thought provoking comments to connect with this group of seasoned aviation professionals. I believe that he help us achieve our goal to reinforce the message that flight instructors can have a positive impact on the growth of aviation. I heard many positive comments from the attendees. I fully expect we will work together in the future.”
– John Gibson, Director of Sponsorships and Advertising, National Association of Flight Instructors

“Not only is Ravi a great guitarist, songwriter and entertainer, but his music industry experience and wisdom also make for a great teacher and presenter. He has a strong sense of integrity and a commitment to honesty and quality in everything he does. Ravi combines a keen sense of marketing and business savvy with musical examples and expertise.”
– Gregory J. Gordon, Founder, Pyramind Audio Institute, San Francisco CA

“Ravi presented at our affiliate seminars in 2011 with great feedback from the attendees and a positive attitude that shone through his session.”
– Julie Filucci, Manager, Cessna Aircraft Company, Wichita KS

“Ravi delivers practical knowledge from a vast store of experience in a style that is both soulful and engaging.”
– Peter Spellman, Director of Career Development, Berklee College of Music, Boston MA

“Ravi delivered a dynamic and energetic presentation to the Flight Training committee at the November ATAC AGM in Quebec city. His passion for flying and music is contagious and resonated with the audience. Ravi's youthful outlook and keen sense of marketing of aviation was an eye-opener for those in attendance. The flight schools left with valuable nuggets of marketing strategy and inspiration.”
– Wayne Gouveia, Vice President, Commercial General Aviation, Air Transport Association of Canada

“Wonderful–It was apparent that Ravi could have easily done a whole day!”
– Dr. Kathleen Price, Dean, Levin School of Law, University of Florida

“My students and I were enthralled by his visit and engaging demeanor. They were hanging onto every word, and believe me, they don't give that kind of rapt attention to just anybody. We're still talking about it - they continue to relate what was discussed that evening with what we do in class, in labs, in the Music Industry Club, and in casual conversation. They're already planning for next time!”
– Dr. Chris Weiss, Director of Music Business and Technology, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte NC

“Ravi's insight and experience contributed to making an excellent discussion of the many issues surrounding management in the music industry. Also, as the moderator on the Distribution panel, he did an excellent job at keeping the panelists focused and the discussion fluid and free flowing with the audience. It was definitely my favorite panel at the conference. ”
– Sondra Randon, Executive Director, Music Law Conference, University of Florida

“Ravi offers great insight to General Aviation. The observations of a newcomer who has been successful in another profession are very well presented and well thought out. His fresh ideas help those of us who are sometimes too close to the product (GA) to see the big picture.”
– Skip Hartman, Principal, Dominion Air Services, Inc., Light Sport Flight Training and Sales

“Ravi's lecture to my class of aspiring performers was right on. They left with useful and valuable information pertinent to their career goals. Ravi's description of 'luck’ was priceless. He is an articulate speaker who is approachable, flexible and extremely knowledgeable.”
– Professor Marnie Mintz, Pepperdine University, Los Angeles CA

“Ravi is a valuable contributor to NAMM. He's a skillful presenter, always offering creative and practical business solutions in a language that our arts-based industry understands. Our members appreciate his
advice columns in the trade magazines, so we are proud to present him 'in person' whenever we can.”
– Ken Wilson, Director of Professional Development, National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM)

“Ravi is an inspiring, energetic and passionate champion for General Aviation. He really understands the issues that face GA and provides a fresh perspective on the solutions to these issues. Ravi's presentation inspires future and current members of GA. His honest accounts reaffirm why we all yearned to fly in the first place.”
– Chris Carta, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Staff

“Ravi was an inspiration to all that attended his lecture at NAMM. He made it clear that keeping a retail customer for life is in recognizing the passion for music and the need to keep the dream alive. Ravi's dedication and enthusiasm for the subject really shined through in his delivery.”
– Steve Baessler, Professional Development Coordinator, NAMM (International Music Products Association)

“Ravi is a professional and proficient lecturer. His comprehensive understanding of the musical instrument industry is both fresh and exciting. Ravi holds the unique ability to effectively communicate between industry executives, retail store personnel, and consumers.”
– Chad Stewart, Director of Sales, Premier Music International Ltd.

“The guitar industry is fortunate to have Ravi encouraging young players to 'live the dream' with integrity. He has obvious talent as a musician, skills as a communicator, and deep empathy with traditional music dealers and the challenges they face.”
– Greg Bennett, Greg Bennett Guitars & former Vice President of Guitar Center

“Ravi has a gift for public speaking that he uses to benefit others when he addresses topics that range from ethics to creative problem solving. His style is warm, engaging, dignified, and his points are relevant to his listeners.”
– Jessica Baron, Founder & Executive Director, Guitars in the Classroom

“Professional, courteous, friendly, an excellent communicator, and a world class musician. But, beyond all of those great things, Ravi has a genuine concern for the welfare and future success of music and the musical instrument industry. You just don’t meet people everyday that have the experience of a professional musician, as well as the ability and desire to be an advocate for the community music store and the survival of the musical instrument industry as a whole. Ravi is an asset to this industry and it is always a pleasure to work with him.”
– Tony De La Rosa, Marketing Manager/Artist Relations, Samick Music Corporation

"The aviation industry needs more people like Ravi. He is part of a new generation of pilots and owners. His enthusiasm and thirst for aeronautical knowledge is inspiring. Our industry would do well to listen to him."
– Ron Blum, President of EAA 88 and Manager of Flight Testing at Hawker Beechcraft Cooperation

“It was a real pleasure to listen to Ravi. I was very impressed with his knowledge and public speaking skills.”
– Professor John Thomas, Quinnipiac University School of Law

“Ravi is not only a talented musician and a great guy, he's also an excellent speaker and writer who encourages musicians to empower themselves and conduct their careers with integrity.”
– Bob Baker, Author, Book Publisher, Speaker, TheBuzzFactor.com

“Our panels shoot straight and still Ravi stands out, which is a big statement in itself. Ravi comes from a place our attendees can understand and speaks in terms that relate to our audience, whether the subject is sponsorship, business of music, or musicianship.”
– Mark Willis, Partner, Atlantis Music Conference, Atlanta GA

“Ravi was a terrific addition to our roster of speakers at NEMO. His ability to focus the content on exactly what the audience wants, as well as convey information from the artist's perspective, enables him to bridge the gap between artistry and business practices in a manner that everyone can easily understand.”
– Chip Rives, CEO - NEMO Music Conference and Boston Music Awards

“Ravi pleasantly surprised us all; the attendees as well as the organizers, with his charm, eloquence and down-to-earth attitude. As a Panelist, he was top-flight, demonstrating knowledge and acumen that only comes from a wealth of experience.”
– Noel Ramos, Executive Director, Independent Music Conference, Philadelphia PA

“It’s always a treat to share the podium with Ravi as I know I will be in for an exciting panel discussion. He is knowledgeable and articulate, and possesses that super-rare gift of being both an extraordinarily gifted artist and an astute businessman.”
– Panos Panay, Founder & CEO, Sonicbids

“Ravi is one of those unique artists who can express his creativity through his own art, and also speak eloquently about the business behind the art. His lectures are engaging, his leadership as a panel moderator at conferences is insightful and conscientious. He maintains an uncanny awareness of his audience, always presenting the information in an interesting, accessible, clear fashion-educating and inspiring.”
– Jeri Goldstein, Author of “How to be Your Own Booking Agent”

THE WRITER

“For a magazine that caters to the core interests of musical product retail owners and customers, Ravi offers an essential journalistic link – the viewpoint of the musician, the customer, the retailer's reason to exist. And he does it as well as anyone we've ever seen. Ravi is a fine writer with a keen eye for what the magazine's audience needs. He's great to work with, creative and hits deadlines. I highly recommend him.”
– Frank Alkyer, Publisher, Music Inc., Downbeat, and Upbeat Magazines

“I love Ravi's passion for our industry and everything he writes about. I find him very enlightening and enthusiastic and actually look forward to reading his work. I give him my highest rating and would recommend using his services without any hesitation.”
– Chuck Surack, Owner, Sweetwater

“Ravi’s wealth of knowledge as a guitarist and robust writing skills are a vital part of the Music & Sound Retailer. Few care more about the music instrument industry. While others get shy in the spotlight, he is never afraid to say what he feels, and for that, we owe him a debt of gratitude.”
– Brian Berk, Editor, The Music & Sound Retailer

“Ravi is a much needed voice in the instrumental music retail industry. He brings the perspective of the student and professional, and challenges retailers to meet those current needs. Ravi's input and ideas have inspired me to continue to develop and innovate my business to meet the oncoming challenges of the modern retail climate.”
– Donovan Bankhead, General Manager, Springfield Music, Springfield MO

“Ravi's years of hands-on experience in the music business comes though in his writing. By working both in the spotlight and behind the scenes, he has a great sense of what it takes to make it in the music industry.”
– Mary Cosola, Contributing Editor, Electronic Musician Magazine

“Ravi wrote very good articles on an assortment of music-business topics for Electronic Musician. His writing clearly reflected extensive personal experience, good judgment, and a professional approach to the business of music.”
– Steve Oppenheimer, Editor in Chief, Electronic Musician Magazine

“Ravi's knowledge of the music business is extremely thorough. His writing is to the point and full of useful tips for the readers.”
– Mike Levine, Senior Editor at Electronic Musician and former editor of Onstage