TEDTalks: Music Revolution Season 1 Episode 20 Usman Riaz & Preston Reed: A Young Guitarist Meets His Hero

Usman Riaz is a young guitarist and composer from Pakistan who aspires to create a fusion of eastern and western music. In this episode of TEDTalks: Music Revolution, Usman, who was just 21 years old at the time, gets to meet one of his heroes, the American guitarist Preston Reed. The two perform together onstage, delighting the audience with their virtuosic guitar playing and captivating stage presence.

The episode starts with a scene of Usman playing the guitar in his home in Pakistan. He talks about his passion for music and how he discovered the guitar as a teenager. He also talks about the challenges he has faced in pursuing his dream, including a lack of opportunities and resources in his home country.

We then see footage of Usman at a TED conference where he performs a solo piece on the guitar that showcases his impressive skills as a musician. The audience, including Preston Reed who was also present at the conference, was blown away by his performance.

It is then revealed that Preston Reed had been one of Usman's biggest inspirations since he first started playing the guitar. Preston was known for his innovative style of playing, using percussive techniques to create a unique sound on the guitar.

Usman gets a chance to meet Preston backstage and the two hit it off immediately. They jam together, exchanging ideas and techniques. Usman is amazed by Preston's playing and feels honored to be able to play alongside his hero.

The two then perform together on stage, delivering an electrifying performance that highlights their different but complementary approaches to playing the guitar. They incorporate elements of eastern and western music into their playing, creating a fusion that is unique and captivating.

Throughout the episode, we get to see Usman's journey as a young musician, from his humble beginnings in Pakistan to his rise on the global stage. We also get a glimpse into the creative process of two great musicians as they collaborate and inspire each other.

The episode ends with a message of hope and encouragement for young musicians like Usman, who are trying to make it in a competitive and challenging industry. It shows that with hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, anything is possible.