Music in another language

During our first night in Varanasi, we had the opportunity to listen to a group of musicians perform classical and folk Indian music.  These musicans are extremely famous and have performed all over India.  The group consisted of four musicians total, each playing a different instrument: sitar, tabla, sarangi,  and a horn/flute-like instrument.  The music produced from a combination of these instruments was so soothing and angelic.  Each note that sprung from the musical devices was like a heavenly melody from the gods.  It was a great way to end such a long and tiring day.  Yesterday, we had to priviledge to work with the musicians and learn how to play the instrument of our choice.  I chose to learn how to play the sitar, which was a popluar choice among most of the students.  Our teacher was Tarak Nath Mishra. We were taught the proper way to hold the sitar (like the professionals) as well as some basic scales and chords.  Mr. Mishra stated that music is the same all across the world, just the language is different.  For example, in America we use Do, Re, Me, Fa, etc. , and in India they use Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, etc. Never would I have fathomed that I would learn the basics of playing the sitar.