Build a Solid Foundation in Hindustani Classical Music

The beginner’s program is very thoughtfully designed as a step-by-step journey, where every month adds a new layer of learning.

Swar Sadhana - One month is dedicated to learning Swar (notes) and Saptak (octaves). You will learn to practice ‘Sa’ on Tanpura and Harmonium. You will also learn to develop the habit of listening carefully and singing in tune.

Sargam Practice - You will learn about singing the Sargam in Arohan (ascending) and Abarohan (descending) pattern. You will learn 3–5 simple Alankars (patterns) and practice sustaining notes like Sa, Pa, Ma for better voice control.

Rhythm Basics - In the third month you will continue learning 10 alankar patterns to strengthen fluency of sur and swar. Next, learn what Taal means (Sam, Tali, Khali) and clapping practice in Teentaal (16 beats)

First Raga – Bilawal - Your first introduction to Raga, it’s Aroha, Avaroha and Pakad and Bandish. It is one of the most basic ragas where all the 7 suddha swaras are used.

Second Raga – Bhoopali - This is another beginner’s staple. It is based on 5 notes. The Bandish of this Raga will be taught in Keharwa (8 beats) and Dadra (6 beats).

Taal Training - You will delve deeper into Teentaal (16 beats). The concepts will become stronger when you practice the Taal with Bandishes.

Third Raga – Yaman - As you move ahead another beautiful Raga - Yaman will be taught. In this Raga one vakra swar - that is Teevra Madhyam is used. Hence it is introduced after the student has got a good grip on the concepts that are taught so far. You will learn its notes, pakad, Bandish and a simple Alaap.

Fourth Raga – Durga - You will learn the bandish and a Bhajan based on Raga Durga. These sessions will blend classical and devotional together.

First Steps in Improvisation - In these sessions you will revisit Raga Bilawal and Bhoopali to learn Alaap and Taan in detail.

Fifth Raga – Desh - Another beautiful Raga with some of the most wonderful Bandishes. You will learn a Bandish based on Dadra or Jhaptaal. In these sessions you will learn how ragas express seasons and moods

Revision & Expansion - These sessions will be completely dedicated to the revision of all 5 ragas, alankars, talas and one more Bhajan.

Performance Preparation - As you approach the completion of the Beginners course you will be prepared to sing two Ragas and one Bhajan confidently on stage or in a personal gathering.

This course is mindfully designed to make you learn each of the melodic and rhythmic concepts deeply. To make it further customized, the teacher will go as per your pace and grasping capacity. The ragas can also be shuffled depending on your voice quality. By the end of the session, you will be confident to perform in front of an audience.

About the Teacher

Suparna Acharya is an experienced Hindustani light classical vocalist with a specialization in Thumri, Dadra, Chaiti, and Jhula. She has been trained by legendary gurus including Pandit Hemant Chattopadhaya, Pandit Amarnath, Pandit Maniprasad, Pandit Sukhmay Pakhrasi, Pandit Gautam Mukherji, and the great Pandit Birju Maharaj, with whom she also recorded a Thumri duet.

Recognized as both a Classical and Light Classical singer by All India Radio (AIR), Suparna has performed widely on Doordarshan and AIR, as well as in prestigious venues like Kamani Auditorium, Delhi and Raja Ranjeet Singh Gaikwad Laxmi Palace, Vadodara. She has released music with T-Series, composed for corporate programs with Indian Oil Corporation, and received blessings from Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia after her performance at Brindavan Gurukul.

Alongside her performances, Suparna has been a dedicated teacher at institutions such as Kathak Kendra, Bal Bharti School, and Manasthali School. She is known for making learning simple, enjoyable, and performance-oriented.

Her teaching helps students build a strong base in sur and laya, while exploring the beauty of light classical music with emotion and expression.