This year-long course begins with vocal strength training aimed at improving voice quality and endurance through practical exercises. Students will learn the identification of all 12 individual swaras/notes and their variations, as well as the identification of taal/rhythm and laya/tempo. Following the development of a foundation in the basics of vocal music, students will learn simple songs in Hindi with notation and taal, bhajans and bandishes in basic raagas. Students with an interest in progressing further may also learn the vocal styles of thumri, dadra and khayal.

About the teacher: Ayesha Mukherjee is a highly-trained and talented vocalist in Hindustani classical and semi-classical music. Mukherjee is a student of Shri Deborshee Bhattacharya and has previously trained under Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty and Pandit Ritesh Mishra of the Benaras Gharana tradition. With a history of prestigious awards and performances beginning from a young age, she is a renowned classical exponent in India. Mukerjee’s teaching style emphasises the technical and scientific, believing musical ability lies in the fundamentals. She says music to her is a clear picture and she strives to help her students build this ability to visualize the picture.