Learn Hindustani Vocals from Scratch

Over the course of 12 weeks, each 60-minute class will focus on a number of lessons such as Ganpati Vandana and Saraswati Vandana, Swaras and patterns, Folk music from different states of India, Raga (Bhoopali & Yaman), Chhota Khayal in the above ragas, Rhythm patterns, Composition exercises. In each of these lessons, practices, and techniques will help the student to understand how to use the basic elements of music, notes, rhythm and help with ear training. Students will develop a keen sense of Tanpura, which is key to understanding and learning this style of music.

As well as identifying their voice texture and developing good voice clarity, students will learn how to correctly focus to stabilize notes and creating patterns, and learning the Pentatonic Scale of Raga Bhupali. Students must have a keen interest in music, with a natural curiosity, and a wish to apply the consistent and dedicated practice needed to learn the skill. This course is open to all musical levels and can be undertaken by anyone wanting to learn the music.

About the Instructor: Trained professionally in Indian classical vocals, Surbhi Samdani is a composer, Indian musician, performer, and playback singer. She has been under the tutelage of many prominent and highly regarded gurus such as Pandit Banwarilal Rao (Jaipur Gharana), Pandit Raja Ram Shukla, and Suresh Wadekar for over 10 years. She graduated with a BA, furthering her studies to gain a MA in Hindustani Classical Music at Bhatkhande Music Institute Deemed University (BMIDU). She has also returned and is working towards gaining her Ph.D. in Musicology at the Institute.

Outside of her studies, Surbhi is a frequent performer of Classical, Semi-Classical, and Light Music in many private shows, local festivals, and has been featured on local Rajasthani TV stations. She has performed outside of her hometown Rajasthan, in other countries such as France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Thailand. Surbhi has also collaborated with various artists spanning across China, Latin America, and Europe. Surbhi has also been among the Top 10 winners in the Bollywood category of the Sur Sangam National Youth Music Festival in 2017.

For over seven years, Surbhi has been teaching private music lessons, focusing on the Hindustani classical style. She has also organized Indian Music workshops all across India, Paris, and Holland.