The highlights of the course include - 

Revision of the Basics - You will start by improving your singing basics—like breathing, voice control, and singing clearly. You’ll also learn how to hear and identify notes correctly and write down music in simple notation form. We’ll also practise simple rhythms and beats that go along with songs.

Learning Classical Ragas - In this part, you will learn 8 ragas that are used in classical music. You’ll understand how each raga sounds, how to sing it correctly, and how to sing small songs (bandish or khayal) in each raga. The ragas we will learn are Yaman, Bhairav, Bhimpalasi, Khamaj, Bageshree, Desh, Bhairavi, and Bhairav again for more practice.

Playing Harmonium or Keyboard Smoothly - Here, you will learn how to play the harmonium or keyboard along with your singing. You’ll practise matching the notes, playing simple patterns, and using the instrument confidently. This will help you sing and play at the same time.

Singing Light Music - Along with classical music, you will also learn 8 songs from bhajans, ghazals, sufi, or light classical music. These songs are a little easier and fun to sing. You will learn to sing them nicely with expressions and also play them on the harmonium or keyboard.

Getting Ready to Perform - In the last part of the course, you will practise your songs as if you are performing on stage. You’ll learn how to sing confidently, how to manage your voice and instrument together, and how to improve with feedback.

About the Teacher

Sonal Shah is an experienced Sufi vocalist and composer who began performing at age 9. She has performed countless concerts since and was classically trained in music from SNDT Women’s University, with a post-graduate degree and gold medals. An award-winning artist, Shah received the Kala Gujari Award for her contributions to Sufi music and the Surmani National Award for Indian Classical Vocal Music. Fluent in four languages including Urdu, Shah has been teaching students in university and privately in the art of Sufi and Ghazal vocal tradition for many years. Her extensive experience and education, as well as a lifetime dedicated to music, makes Sonal Shah a compelling teacher for any student with an interest in Indian Classical music.