Basic Training in Hindustani Classical Music

The highlights of the course include -

• Understanding the Origin and Evolution
  Learn how Hindustani classical music developed over centuries, tracing its spiritual and cultural roots. This helps students appreciate the depth and context behind every note and composition.

• Gharanas and Styles - Explore the key vocal styles like Dhrupad, Khayal, and Thumri, and get introduced to major gharanas (musical lineages). Understanding stylistic variations broadens musical thinking and inspires individuality.

• Introduction to Swars (Notes) - Learn the 12 basic swars: 7 Shuddh (natural) and 5 Vikrit (altered). Grasping these is fundamental to building pitch accuracy.

• Alankar (Note Patterns) Practice - Practice structured note sequences to develop agility, precision, and melodic control. Alankars are like vocal exercises that tune the ear and voice simultaneously.

• Saptak (Octave) Awareness - Understand the structure of Mandra (low), Madhya (middle), and Taar (high) saptaks. Learn to transition between octaves smoothly, expanding your vocal range and flexibility.

• Voice Range Training - Begin exercises to explore and stretch your natural vocal range, essential for expressive singing and future improvisation.

• Vocal Exercises for Tone and Strength - Daily vocal workouts to improve tonal quality, clarity, and stamina. This includes breath control, akar practice, and smooth transitions.

• Breathing Techniques & Voice Projection - Learn proper breathing methods for sustained singing and voice projection without strain—vital for both practice and performance.

• Use of Tanpura / Shruti Box - Learn how to align your voice with the drone and maintain sur. Using these tools develops pitch accuracy and listening discipline.

• Beginner-Friendly Ragas: Bhoopali & Yaman - Learn the basic structure, feel, and emotion of simple ragas. These ragas are ideal for beginners to understand the grammar of melody.

• Aroha, Avaroha, Pakad, Chalan - Learn ascending and descending note patterns (Aroha–Avaroha), identifying phrases (Pakad), and movement (Chalan)—key to understanding a raga’s essence.

• Simple Bandish (Compositions) - Practice structured vocal pieces in each raga. Singing bandish develops timing, pronunciation, and understanding of rhythm-melody interplay.

• Beginner-Friendly Ragas: Bhoopali & Yaman - Learn the basic structure, feel, and emotion of simple ragas. These ragas are ideal for beginners to understand the grammar of melody.

• Aroha, Avaroha, Pakad, Chalan
  Learn ascending and descending note patterns (Aroha–Avaroha), identifying phrases (Pakad), and movement (Chalan)—key to understanding a raga’s essence.

• Simple Bandish (Compositions) - Practice structured vocal pieces in each raga. Singing bandish develops timing, pronunciation, and understanding of rhythm-melody interplay.

• Introduction to Basic Taals - Learn Teentaal (16 beats), Dadra (6 beats), and Keharwa (8 beats)—common rhythmic cycles that are beginner-friendly and widely used.

• Understanding Tali, Khali, Sam, and Matras - Get comfortable with the rhythm cycle through clapping, counting, and recitation. Helps improve timing, coordination, and rhythmic feel.

• Singing in Tune (Sur) - Learn to sing sargam (sa-re-ga...) with clarity and control. Develops inner hearing and prepares students for improvisation.

• Sur Sadhana - Daily riyaaz focused on microtone awareness and tuning with the tanpura. Regular sur sadhana is the cornerstone of classical vocal growth.

• Guided Listening of Legendary Vocalists - Listen to curated recordings of maestros to absorb nuances of gayaki (style). Builds musical taste and sharpens listening skills.

• Practice Through Imitation - Attempt to mimic phrases, expressions, and ornamentations to develop tonal memory and stylistic fluency.

• Reciting and Presenting a Bandish - Learn to present a bandish with correct taal, expression, and sur. Enhances stage confidence and delivery.

• Developing Stage Presence - Training on how to introduce a raga, maintain posture, and express emotion while performing.

• Intro to Improvisation Techniques - Begin exploring taan, alaap, bol-baant, and sargam improvisations. Even basic level improvisation boosts creativity and vocal control.

• PDF Notes and Practice Exercises - Structured learning with weekly lesson plans, swar diagrams, taal charts, and lyric sheets.

• Audio Recordings for Daily Riyaaz - Reference vocal and tanpura tracks to aid self-practice.

• Suggested Listening Playlist - Curated music to develop aesthetic sense and raga familiarity.

• Optional Online Practice Sessions - Guided sessions with the instructor to clarify doubts and refine technique.
  

About the Teacher

Dr. Suman Srivastava is a seasoned Hindustani classical vocalist, scholar, and educator with a strong academic foundation and years of teaching experience. She holds a Ph.D., M.Phil, and M.A. in Hindustani Classical Vocal from the University of Delhi. She also completed a five-year certificate course from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi, and qualified for the UGC NET-JRF in Music in 2004.

Her teaching journey spans students from beginner (Prarambhika) to advanced (Acharya) levels at Sangeet Villas, affiliated with Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. Known for her structured yet nurturing approach, she focuses on developing both technical skills and musical expression.

Dr. Srivastava has also authored two research-based books: "Ritukaleen Lokgeeton Mein Shastriya Sangeet ke Tatva", which explores classical elements in folk songs of Uttar Pradesh, and "Hindustani Gayan Shailiyon Mein Nihit Pado ka Sahityik Avlokan", a literary analysis of poetic forms in Hindustani vocal music. Her work reflects a rare blend of academic depth and artistic insight, making her a respected voice in the field of Indian classical music.