MY APPROACH

What should be the correct order to learn Hindustani music?

Indian Classical Music is the deepest form of Sadhana. It must be given the most of your time if not all your time. Like any other form of Sadhana, Indian Classical Music must be learnt in a process of utmost dedication and discipline. The process starts with identifying yourself and your capabilities along with preparing yourself to devote to this music in the similar way as we devote our faith in one religion only. Once you feel prepared enough to step into the ocean, pause for a moment and try adjusting with coastal climate. With that i mean listen to a lot of raga music.

Now when you are ready, find a guru who will be able to guide you through the rest of the journey. If you want me to comment on that, I will say, it will essentially vary from one guru to the other but there is a basic Roadmap. It starts with learning the Swaras or notes as we can say (i.e. Sa re ga ma…). Next down the line we need to practice many variations combinations and melodies knows as Alankar, etc. Simultaneously, learning different rhythm patters help a lot in the later stages. This journey might take a year or two if you are doing rigorous practice (Riyaz) daily. Once you master yourself in these exercises, you get to learn raga appreciation and raga music. This is the point where you start learning the main content of Indian Classical Music and this will take your entire lifetime and if you believe in a rebirth, it can be assumed that the learning will continue even then.

Learning Hindustani music is a beautiful and intricate journey that requires time, dedication, and patience. Here is a general guideline for the correct order to learn Hindustani music:

 Basic Music Theory: Start by learning the basics of music theory such as understanding notes (Swaras), scales (ragas), rhythm (taal), and the structure of Hindustani music compositions.

Voice Training: Develop your voice through vocal exercises to improve your range, pitch, tone, and control. This is crucial as Hindustani music heavily relies on the quality of the voice.

Sargam: Practice sargam, which is the Indian equivalent of solfege, to improve your understanding of notes and their relationships within a raga.

Alankar: Learn and practice alankars, which are musical patterns that help in improving voice modulation, agility, and control.

Ragas: Start learning about different ragas, their structures, characteristics, and emotional expressions. Begin with simpler ragas and gradually progress to more complex ones.

Taal: Study different taals (rhythmic cycles) and their variations. Practice different talas through vocal exercises and recitations.

Bandish: Learn to sing bandishes, which are fixed compositions set to a specific raga and taal. This will help you understand how to apply your knowledge of ragas and taals in practice.

Improvisation: Work on developing your improvisational skills through techniques such as sargam, taans, and bol alaap. Improvisation is a key aspect of Hindustani music and requires creativity and understanding of ragas.

Accompaniment: If you play an instrument, learn how to accompany vocalists or other musicians. Understanding how accompaniment works will enhance your overall understanding of Hindustani music.

Performance: Start performing in front of an audience, whether it’s a small gathering of friends and family or a formal setting. Performing regularly will help you gain confidence and improve your stage presence.

Remember, learning Hindustani music is a lifelong journey, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself and practice consistently. It’s also beneficial to learn from a qualified guru (teacher) who can guide you through the nuances of this rich musical tradition.