Beginner-Level Hindustani Classical Vocal

This course is designed for those who are new to Hindustani classical vocal music and wish to build a strong foundation. In the initial phase, students are introduced to the basics of Hindustani music—understanding what it is, its spiritual and cultural roots, and the importance of regular practice, known as riyaz. The first two weeks focus on voice culture and breath control. Students learn to use their voice effectively through basic vocal warm-ups such as Omkaar, Aakaar, Uukaar, and Eekaar. These practices help in developing pitch stability and vocal strength.

Once the voice is conditioned, the course moves on to learning the Saptak, or the set of seven musical notes: Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa. Students practice ascending (Aaroh) and descending (Avroh) scales slowly and accurately using Sargam (note syllables). They also start practicing Alankars, which are simple combinations and patterns of these notes, to improve clarity, speed, and control.

In the following weeks, students are introduced to basic ragas, starting with easy and popular ones like Raag Bhoop, Raag Yaman, and Raag Durga. For each raga, students learn the basic framework (Aaroh, Avroh, Pakad), along with a simple Bandish (composition) in a slow tempo (Vilambit) and a faster one (Madhya Laya), usually set to Teentaal (16-beat cycle). Alongside, students begin to understand the concept of Taal (rhythm) and learn to clap and recite Teentaal and Keherva Taal with proper hand movements.