Learn Indian Classical Music Online

Learn how to play Indian classical music from the comfort of your own home. Our online courses are perfect for beginners who want to learn at their own pace.

Introduction

Indian classical music is one of the oldest and most complex musical traditions in the world. It is characterized by its use of microtones, or divisions of the octave into smaller intervals than 12 semitones, or half-steps. There are two main types of Indian classical music: Carnatic and Hindustani.

Carnatic music is primarily associated with the southern part of India, while Hindustani music is associated with the northern part. Both styles share many common features, but there are also some important differences.

If you’re interested in learning Indian classical music, there are a few different ways to go about it. You can find teachers who offer private lessons, or you can enroll in an online course. You can also purchase instructional materials such as books or DVDs.

What is Indian Classical Music?

Indian classical music is one of the oldest forms of music in the world. It has its roots in the Vedic traditions of India and developed over time into a complex system of music featuring intricate melodies and rhythms.

Today, Indian classical music is enjoyed by people all over the world. If you’re interested in learning this beautiful form of music, there are a few things you should know.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the basics of Indian classical music and tell you where you can go to learn more.

What is Indian Classical Music?
Indian classical music is a tradition that dates back thousands of years. It was originally developed in the Vedic period (around 1500 BCE) and later flourished during the Gupta Empire (4th to 6th century CE).

Over time, Indian classical music evolved into two main traditions: Carnatic music (from southern India) and Hindustani music (from northern India). These two traditions are quite different in terms of their melodic structures, rhythms, and instrumentation.

Today, Indian classical music is performed all over the world. Many renowned musicians have studied this unique form of music, including Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma.

Origins of Indian Classical Music

Indian classical music is one of the oldest musical traditions in the world. Its history can be traced back to Vedic times, making it one of the oldest surviving musical traditions. It has its roots in the ancient Hindu scriptures known as the Vedas, which date back to 1500 BC.

The Vedas are a collection of religious texts that contain hymns, prayers, and instructions for performing various rituals. They also contain some of the earliest references to music and musical instruments. Indian classical music is based on these ancient texts and has been passed down through the centuries by oral tradition.

The two main types of Indian classical music are Carnatic music and Hindustani music. Carnatic music is traditionally associated with the southern Indian state of Karnataka, while Hindustani music is associated with the northern Indian regions of Hindustan (which includes present-day Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan).

Both Carnatic and Hindustani music are based on a system of ragas (melodic scales) and talas (rhythmic patterns). There are hundreds of ragas and talas in Indian classical music, each with its own unique sound and mood.

Indian classical music is typically performed by solo musicians or small groups of musicians. The most common instruments used in this type of music are the sitar (a plucked string instrument), sarod (a fretless string instrument), tabla (a pair of drums), and harmonium (a type of pump organ).

If you’re interested in learning more about Indian classical music, there are a number of online courses that can help you get started.

The Structure of Indian Classical Music

Indian classical music is one of the oldest musical traditions in the world. The music is based on two main elements: raga and tala.

Raga can be described as a melodic mode, which can be seen as a set of rules for improvisation. Each raga has its own unique melody, which is created by a combination of notes, called swaras. The melodies of the ragas are often based on familiar tunes or folk songs, which give them a strong emotional quality.

Tala is the rhythmic framework for Indian classical music. It is made up of a set of beats, which are organised into cycles. The most common tala is called teental, which consists of sixteen beats. The beats are produced by a variety of different instruments, including the tabla, mridangam and ghatam.

The Instruments of Indian Classical Music

There are four main instruments used in Indian classical music: the sitar, the sarod, the shehnai and the tabla.

The sitar is a long-necked, fretted instrument used primarily in Hindustani (North Indian) classical music. It has a gourd resonating chamber and steel strings that are plucked with a plectrum. The sitar is believed to have originated in Persia and was introduced to India in the 18th century. Today, it is one of the most popular Indian classical instruments.

The sarod is a string instrument with a gourd resonating chamber that is popular in Hindustani classical music. It has no frets and its strings are plucked with a plectrum. The sarod is believed to have originated in India in the 16th century.

The shehnai is a wind instrument similar to an oboe or bassoon, with a double reed and cylindrical brass body. It is used extensively in Hindustani classical music and light music orchestras in India. The shehnai is thought to have originated in India during the 12th century.

The tabla is a percussion instrument consisting of two drums – the dayan (left drum) and bayan (right drum). It is played with both hands using various strokes and techniques. The tabla is believed to have originated in India during the 13th century.

The Different Genres of Indian Classical Music

Indian classical music is divided into two main genres, Hindustani and Carnatic music. Both styles share common roots in ancient Vedic traditions, and each has its own unique style, repertoire and history.

Hindustani music is the traditional music of northern India, while Carnatic music is the traditional music of southern India. Both styles are based on a system of ragas, or melodic patterns, that provide the structure for improvisation and composition.

While Hindustani and Carnatic music share many common features, there are also some important differences between the two styles. Hindustani music is more improvisational than Carnatic music, and places more emphasis on the vocalist than on the instrumentals. In contrast, Carnatic music is more composed than Hindustani music, and often features complex instrumental solos known as kritis.

How to Learn Indian Classical Music Online

Are you interested in learning Indian classical music? If so, you’re in luck, because there are now more resources available than ever before to help you learn this beautiful and complex form of music.

The first step is to find a reputable online course or tutorial. There are a number of reputable courses available, but it’s important to find one that is tailored to your specific needs and interests. If you’re a complete beginner, for example, you’ll want to find a course that starts from the very basics and gradually introduces more advanced concepts.

Once you’ve found a course or tutorial that looks promising, the next step is to start practicing. A good online course will provide you with all the resources you need to get started, including sheet music and audio files. Don’t be afraid to put in the hard work – if you practice regularly, you’ll quickly start seeing results.

Finally, remember to enjoy the journey! Learning Indian classical music can be challenging at times, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By dedicating yourself to this beautiful art form, you’re sure to reap many rewards both personal and musical.

Conclusion

If you want to learn Indian classical music, there are many great resources available online. You can find free video lessons, discussion forums, and even online courses that can help you get started.

One of the best things about learning online is that you can go at your own pace and learn at a level that is comfortable for you. There are also many different styles of Indian classical music, so you can find the one that suits your taste the best. Whether you want to learn to play an instrument or just listen to the music, there are plenty of options available.