Learn to Play Esraj- Beginners Level

The highlight of this course include -

• Introduction to the Esraj - The objective is to get you familiarized with the structure, history, and role of the Esraj in Indian classical music. The topics covered in these sessions will help you get an overview of the instrument, its historical background, parts and components, basic care, the right posture to sit while practicing and holding techniques. 
• Learn the Seven Shuddha (Natural) and Five Vikrit (Altered) Swaras - These sessions will introduce you to the Saptak - referring to the scale at which you will play. The musical notes or swaras are divided into 2 categories - Suddha (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni) and Vikrit (Komal (flat): Re, Ga, Dha, Ni. and Tivra (sharp): Ma.) You will earn to identify the swaras by listening to a tune and also learn the basic vocal swara practice to internalize the pitch.
• Simple Alankars Using Shuddha Swaras - Next up in this course learning vocal and instrumental patterns (Alankars) for swara fluency and technical control. The drill include simple ascending (Aaroh) and descending (Avaroh) patterns, 3, 4, and 5-note groupings (e.g., Sa Re Ga, Re Ga Ma Pa, etc.), clarity of bowing and finger placement, vocal practice alongside Esraj playing to reinforce ear training and developing hand synchronization and bow control.
• Learning About the Chain System of the Swaras - Help students understand the relative positioning of swaras on the Esraj using a visual and tactile approach. You will connect one swara to the next across the string positions. Exercises to identify and play swaras in sequence without visual guides. Practical technique to shift smoothly between swaras on a single string. Introduction to how this system helps in improvisation and raga playing. Reinforcement through repetition and pattern recognition.
• Understanding and Playing the Basic Sargam - You will learn the foundational techniques of playing short sargam compositions (note sequences) using Esraj. You will learn what is Sargam and its importance in melody practice and raga development.
• Playing Simple Compositions - You will learn to play small compositions of 4–8 bars, coordination of left-hand fingering and right-hand bowing, maintaining pitch accuracy and bow consistency.
• Understanding the Basic Rhythm - While you perfect the melodies, it is also important to keep up with taal and lay. The concept of Taal (rhythm cycle) will be introduced with clapping and foot-tapping. Simple practice phrases in Teentaal (16-beat cycle) or Dadra (6-beat cycle).

About the Teacher

Debayan Mazumda is a highly trained and passionate Esraj player who has been performing actively since 2015. Despite his young age, Debayan has already carved out an impressive journey in the world of music, earning accolades and recognition both in India and abroad.

His very first international performance came in July 2015, when he took the stage during a cultural event at the 19th Symposium of the International Consortium, hosted by SIM University, Singapore. That marked the beginning of many more to come.

In August 2016, he performed at Delhi University’s Malhar Utsav, and later, in May 2018, he was invited to perform at an event organized by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, Government of West Bengal.

Debayan also presented a solo recital at Lipika Auditorium, Visva-Bharati, during the National Seminar on Indian Association for Libraries and Information Centre in November 2018. The next year, in April 2019, he gave a solo performance at “Vishwa Sabha,” organized by Bangiya Sahitya Sanskriti Sansad at Bangladesh Bhavan, Santiniketan.

His talent continued to gain momentum. In September 2019, he performed solo at the International Conference hosted by Cheena Bhavana, Visva-Bharati. Then, in 2021, he was featured at “Agamir Tarara,” organized by Kauushik Events at ICCR, Kolkata—an event that also got media coverage in ABP, TOI, The Telegraph, and The Statesman.

That same year, he performed for Express News Channel in July, and at the Bharat Sanskriti Utsav in December. In March 2022, he gave an online solo performance through the Viewecy platform.

A major highlight was his international performance at the Bharat Sanskriti Yatra in Dubai, UAE in June 2022, where he also secured 1st position in the global competition (Instrumental).

Debayan’s excellence has been recognized through multiple awards:

• 1st place in Instrumental Music at the Monsoon Festival by Hindusthan Art & Music Society, 2021
• 1st position in ‘Stars of Tomorrow’, 2021, by Sohini & Santoor Ashram
• And again, 1st place at the Bharat Sanskriti Yatra, Dubai, 2022.

He was also a part of Zee Bangla’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, 2022, further showcasing his talent on a popular platform.