Learn Indian Classical Music Online
Contents
Looking to learn Indian classical music online? There are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure you get the most out of your learning experience. Check out our top tips below!
Introduction
Indian classical music is one of the oldest musical traditions in the world. The history of Indian classical music can be traced back to the Vedic period, when the hymns of the Rigveda, such as “Mandala 1”, “Ganapati Atharvashirsha”, etc. were composed. The earliest and largest collection of prehistoric musical instruments was found in China and dates back to between 7000 and 6600 BCE.
The first definite reference to Indian classical music is in the Natya Shastra, which was written by Bharata Muni around 700 BCE. In this work, Bharata describes both vocal and instrumental music, as well as dance. The Natya Shastra is one of the oldest treatises on dramaturgy and arts in general, and has been incredibly influential in both Hindu and Buddhist cultures. It is also interesting to note that this work was written around the same time as Plato’s Republic, Aristotle’s Poetics, and Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
Around 500-200 BCE, a new type of music emerged in northern India, with more refined scales (such as the madhyamavinoda) and independent melodic lines (such as alankara). This style of music was called gandharva music, after the Gandharvas, mythical celestial beings who were said to be skilled musicians. Around 200 CE, this style of music began to spread southward into southern India.
During the Gupta period (300-600 CE), there was a flourishing of all the arts, including music.This period saw the development of two new styles ofmusic: dhrupadand khyal. Dhrupad is a vocal style that emphasizes basic melodies without ornamentation or embellishment; it is said to be closer to speech than to song. Khyal is a form of vocal music that emphasizes improvisation within set melodic frameworks; it is said to be closer to song than speech. Both styles are still performed today.
Instrumental music also flourished during the Gupta period; many new instrumentswere invented during this time, including variants of existing instruments (such asthe vichitra veena) as well as entirely new instruments (such as the sitar).The most important development in this period was probably the inventionof ragas: melodies that evoke specific moods or sentiments. A raga typically usesa specific set of notes (the scale), as well as specific melodic phrases; it oftendictates what time of day or year it should be played, what mood it should evoke,and what sort of situation it is appropriate for.
The benefits of learning Indian classical music online
There are many benefits of learning Indian classical music online. Firstly, it is a great way to learn the basics of the music without having to go to a music school. Secondly, you can learn at your own pace and practice whenever you want. Thirdly, you can get feedback from other students and learn from their mistakes. Lastly, learning online is generally more affordable than learning in a music school.
It is more convenient
It is more convenient- You can learn at your own pace, and repeat sections as often as you need to. You can also choose the time of day that you have your lesson, which can be very helpful if you have a busy schedule.
It is more affordable
One of the main benefits of learning Indian classical music online is that it is more affordable than traditional face-to-face classes. You don’t have to pay for transportation or accommodation costs, and you can access a wider range of teachers from around the world.
Another benefit of learning Indian classical music online is that you can learn at your own pace. If you want to take things slowly, you can repeat lessons and take your time to master each concept. You also have the option of accelerate your learning by taking more advanced classes.
Online learning also offers more flexibility in terms of timing and schedule. You can arrange your lessons according to your own availability and time commitments. This is particularly helpful for working professionals or parents who have busy schedules.
Overall, learning Indian classical music online has many advantages and can help you save time and money while still acquiring the skills you need to become a competent musician.
You can learn at your own pace
One of the best things about learning Indian classical music online is that you can learn at your own pace. You can rewind, pause and fast forward as often as you need to, and you can take your time to really absorb each concept. You never have to feel rushed or pressured, and you can go back and review concepts as often as you like. This freedom and flexibility is especially beneficial for busy adults who may not have a lot of extra time to dedicate to learning a new skill.
How to get started with learning Indian classical music online
It can be difficult to know where to start when learning Indian classical music online. There are a lot of resources available, but it can be overwhelming. I would recommend starting with a tutorial or course that covers the basics of Indian classical music. Once you have a foundation, you can start exploring more advanced concepts. There are a lot of different styles of Indian classical music, so make sure to find a style that you enjoy.
Choose a reputable online school
When you are looking for an online school to learn Indian classical music, it is important to choose a reputable one. There are many fake schools online that will claim to offer you the best education, but in reality, they will only want your money. A reputable school will have a good reputation and will be accredited by the government. It is also important to choose a school that offers a good curriculum and that has experienced teachers.
Purchase the necessary learning materials
Before you start your journey of learning Indian classical music online, it is important that you purchase the necessary learning materials. This includes a good quality sitar or tabla, a metronome, and a harmonium. You will also need to find a good quality online teacher who can teach you the basics of Indian classical music. Once you have these things in place, you can start your journey of learning Indian classical music online.
Follow the instructions of your chosen online school
When you have chosen an online school to learn Indian classical music, the first step is to follow the instructions of your chosen school. Many online schools will have a specific way for you to access their courses and learning materials. Follow their instructions carefully to ensure that you are able to access everything you need.
Once you have accessed your school’s courses and learning materials, take some time to familiarize yourself with the content. Indian classical music is a complex and nuanced art form, and it will take some time for you to wrap your head around all of the concepts. However, if you take your time and focus on understanding the basics, you will be well on your way to becoming a skilled player.
If you run into any difficulty while trying to learn Indian classical music online, do not hesitate to reach out to your school’s support team for help. They will be more than happy to assist you in whatever way they can.
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics of Indian classical music, you may be wondering where you can go to learn more. If you’re interested in learning online, there are plenty of resources out there. One great option is to take advantage of the many free resources available on YouTube.
Of course, nothing can replace the experience of learning from a qualified teacher in person. If you have the opportunity to do so, we highly recommend it. But if not, don’t worry – there are still plenty of ways to learn Indian classical music online.
