Hindustani Classical Singing Lessons Online

1. Beginner Stage (Foundation)
The focus here is building fundamental knowledge and developing a stable, accurate voice (or instrument technique).

A. Core Elements
Swar (Notes): Learn the 12 basic notes (Swaras) of the octave (Saptak):

Shuddh Swar (Natural Notes): Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni.

Komal Swar (Flat Notes): Re, Ga, Dha, Ni.

Tivra Swar (Sharp Note): Ma.

Practice recognizing and singing/playing these 12 notes accurately.

Taal (Rhythm): Learn the most common and foundational rhythmic cycle: Teentaal (16 beats).

Understand the structure, vibhaag (divisions), sum (1st beat), and khali (empty beat). Practice keeping the rhythm with your hands (Taali and Khali).

Basic Terminology: Understand concepts like Aaroh (Ascending Scale), Avaroh (Descending Scale), Sthayi (Fixed Pitch), Saptak (Octave), and Thaat (Classification System).

B. Practice Goals (Riyaaz)
Swar Alankaar/Paltas: Practice scale exercises in ascending and descending patterns (Paltas). This trains your voice/fingers to move smoothly and accurately across the notes.

Raag Yaman: Start with your first complete Raag, typically Raag Yaman (or sometimes Raag Bhairav).

Learn the Aaroh and Avaroh.

Learn the Pakad (identifying phrase).

Learn the simple Chota Khayal (short composition) in Teentaal.

Voice/Instrument Training: Daily, disciplined practice of holding Sa (the tonic) and practicing Sargam (singing/playing the notes by name) and Aakar (singing/playing the notes using the vowel ‘aa’).

2. Intermediate Stage (Application & Expansion)
The focus shifts to mastering the grammar of a Raag, introducing complexity in rhythm, and building a repertoire.

A. Raag Expansion
The 10 Thaats: Learn the names and scale structures of the ten parent scales (Thaats) (e.g., Bilawal, Khamaj, Kafi, Bhairav, Kalyan). This provides a systematic framework for understanding new Raags.

New Raags: Learn at least 5 to 7 new Raags from different Thaats (e.g., Raag Bhairav, Raag Bhupali, Raag Des, Raag Bageshri).

Raag Analysis: For each new Raag, understand its specific rules: Vaadi (King Note), Samvaadi (Minister Note), Varjit Swar (Forbidden Notes), and its time of day (Samay).

B. Rhythmic Complexity
New Taals: Introduce new, essential Taals:

Dadra (6 beats)

Roopak (7 beats)

Ektall (12 beats)

Taan Practice: Develop speed and clarity by practicing Taans (rapid melodic passages). Learn structured Taans (like Sapat Taans—straight runs) and begin creating your own simple variations.

C. Composition & Improvisation
Chota Khayal Mastery: Master the structure of the Chota Khayal in each learned Raag.

Simple Badhat (Expansion): Practice Badhat, which is the slow, systematic exploration of a Raag, note by note, focusing on showing the mood and character of the Raag rather than speed.

3. Advanced Stage (Depth & Mastery)
This level is about internalizing the Raag structure, improvisational freedom, and developing individual artistic expression.

A. Form and Style Mastery
Bada Khayal (Vilambit Khayal): Learn and practice the Bada Khayal (slow, majestic composition) in Vilambit Laya (slow tempo), typically set to Ektall or Jhoomra Taal. This is the core of advanced classical performance.

Vilambit Taans: Practice Taans within the slow tempo, ensuring perfect synchronization with the Taal.

Murchhana & Meend: Master Meend (smooth gliding from one note to another) and Gamak (oscillating vibrations) to achieve the unique vocal/instrumental quality and depth specific to the Raag and your Gharana (stylistic lineage).

B. Improvisational Depth
Advanced Badhat & Vistaar: Develop extensive Vistaar (melodic expansion) in the Raag, staying within the slow tempo. This requires deep understanding of how different notes interact and create emotional impact.

Bol-Vistar & Bol-Taans: Practice singing/playing rhythmic and melodic patterns using the words (Bol) of the composition. This combines rhythmic complexity with melodic improvisation.

Jor and Jhala (Instrumentalists): Instrumentalists focus on Jor (rhythmic, non-percussion pulse) and Jhala (fast, climactic, rhythmic strumming).

C. Repertoire and Creativity
Jod Raags (Compound Raags): Explore complex Raags that combine features of two or more parent Raags (e.g., Raag Miyan ki Todi, Raag Puriya Kalyan).

Self-Composed Taans: Develop the ability to spontaneously create intricate, mathematically complex, and aesthetically pleasing Taans (Layakaari).

Manodharma (Artistic License): Begin to develop your own unique perspective and expression within the strict framework of the tradition. This is where you become a recognized artist.