Online Indian Classical Music Classes for Beginners

Looking for a fun and unique way to learn Indian classical music? Check out our online classes for beginners! Our experienced and passionate instructors will guide you through the basics of this beautiful and complex genre, helping you to develop your skills and knowledge step by step.

Introduction

Indian classical music is one of the oldest forms of music in the world. It is rich and complex, with a history that spans centuries. If you are new to this type of music, you may be wondering where to start.

Online Indian classical music classes are a great way to introduce yourself to this beautiful art form. These classes are typically led by experienced teachers who can guide you through the basics of Indian classical music. Many classes also include video and audio components, so you can see and hear the music being played.

Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience with other types of music, online Indian classical music classes can help you learn about this rich and fascinating musical tradition.

What is Indian Classical Music?

Indian classical music is a genre of South Asian music. It has two major traditions: the North Indian tradition, which is called Hindustani music, and the South Indian tradition, which is called Carnatic music. These traditions were not distinct until about the 16th century. Hindustani music developed in North India, while Carnatic music developed in the South under the influence of Hinduism and Islam.

Indian classical music is based on the use of improvisation and spontaneity within set frameworks such as raga (melodic mode) and tala (rhythmic cycle). The basic elements of Indian classical music are swara (musical note), raga (melodic mode), tala (rhythmic cycle), and laya (tempo). Indian classical music has a history of over 3,000 years and developed from Vedic hymns, tribal chants, and folk ballads.

The Basic Elements of 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 ancient India. The music is based on the principles of raga (melodic mode) and tala (rhythmic cycle). It is a highly refined art form that is based on the improvisation of melodic and rhythmic patterns.

Raga

In Indian classical music, a Raga is a melodic framework for improvisation and composition. A Raga uses a set of five or more notes within an octave, and a Raga may contain any number of subsidiary phrases called Paltas. Each Raga has its own unique character, with distinct melodic behaviors. For example, some Ragas are serene and contemplative, while others are playful and exuberant.

Ragas are typically associated with specific times of day or seasons of the year, and they often evoke particular feelings or moods. For instance, the Raga Sindhi Bhairavi is traditionally played at sunrise, while the Raga Yaman Kalyan is associated with the evening.

The word Raga comes from the Sanskrit root “ranj,” meaning “to color or dye.” This reflects the fact that each Raga bestows a particular “color” or feeling on the music. In addition to the main notes of the scale (called Svaras), Ragas often make use of ornamented notes (called Gamakas) to create their characteristic flavor.

Experiencing a Raga can be thought of as similar to tasting a fine wine: each one has its own unique aromas and flavors that unfold over time. When listening to a Raga, you may find yourself swayed by its rhythm, lost in its melody, or transported by its emotions.

Tala

In India, music is traditionally based on a rhythmic cycle called a tala. A tala is similar to our measure in Western music, but it is much more complex. A tala can be as simple as two beats, or it can be as complicated as 128 beats. There are numerous talas, each with its own unique character. The most important thing to remember about a tala is that the first beat is always the strongest beat (similar to our downbeat).

The word “tala” is derived from the Sanskrit word “tal,” which means “to clap.” In Indian music, the tala is indicated by clapping or by waving the hands. The number of claps or waves corresponds to the number of beats in the cycle.

Swara

In Carnatic music, a swara is a “note” in the solfege of South Indian classical music. A swara may be considered to be a pitch, a tone, or a tonal interval within the octave allowed by each raga (Scale). Swaras are organized within the octave into 22 microtones, which are all interrelated within the gamut of pitches allowed by each raga. Each raga permits a musician to alter the svara availability slightly in order to produce subtle variations to the mood and expression of the raga. These variations are called vivadi svara, or vakra svara.

The Different Types of Indian Classical Music

Indian classical music is a genre of South Asian music. It has two main traditions: the North Indian classical music tradition and the South Indian classical music tradition. These traditions have been shaped by the subcontinental’s history, culture, and geography. Indian classical music is one of the oldest musical traditions in the world.

Carnatic Music

Carnatic music, or Karnāṭak music, is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area including parts of southern India, particularly Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. “Carnatic” is a portmanteau of “Karnāṭak(a)” and “musick”. Karnataka is named after the Carnatic dynasty which ruled parts of South India from the 16th to 18th centuries AD. The main center of Carnatic music is in South India in the state of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is home to computational systems research and development organization Chennai Mathematical Institute as well as Madras School of Economics and Loyola College, Chennai.

Carnatic music has been traditional throughout its history with two distinct types: Hindustani Carnatic music and Tamil Carnatic music. However, there are also other subgenres including Devotional Carnatic music (sahitya-kirtana or sankirtana), Light Carnatic music (padavali or javalis), Tribal Carnatic music, Folk Carnatic music (desi), Punjabi Carnatic music (pancham se500 gharanas) and Kannada Carnatic music.

Hindustani Music

Hindustani music is one of the two main genres of Indian classical music, the other being Carnatic music. It developed in North India around the 13th and 14th centuries and is marked by the use of improvisation, complex melody and meter, and contrasting sections called gats.

The late medieval period saw a shift from devotional music to secular music, and Hindustani classical music began to take shape. The 15th and 16th centuries were characterized by a number of important changes: the development of solo performance traditions, the establishment of different gharanas (musical families), and the codification of musical traditions in treatises known as Raga Sindhus and Sangit Parijat.

In spite of these developments, Hindustani music remained largely associated with courtly patronage and was not widely heard outside royal palaces and temples until the 19th century. With the rise of the British Raj, Western classical music began to influence Hindustani musicians, leading to the development of hybrid genres such as khayal-sangit and dhrupad-sangit.

Today, Hindustani classical music is performed throughout India and Pakistan, although its popularity has declined somewhat in recent years. It continues to be an important part of North Indian culture, particularly in religious ceremonies and wedding celebrations.

Online Indian Classical Music Classes for Beginners

Sargam School of Music

Sargam School of Music is one of the most reputable and established online Indian classical music schools. It offers high-quality, affordable classes for beginners of all ages.

The school’s mission is to promote and preserve India’s rich musical heritage by providing quality instruction to students from all over the world. Sargam School of Music’s highly qualified and experienced teachers offer a wide range of classes, including vocal, instrumental, and dance.

The school’s website provides detailed information about each class, including class size, duration, tuition, and Schedule. Classes are held twice a week via Skype or Google Hangouts, and they are conducted in English.

SwarGanga

SwarGanga is a one-stop destination for online Indian classical music classes. We offer a wide range of courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced level students. With us, you can learn from the comfort of your own home at your own pace.

Our courses are designed by expert musicians and teachers who have years of experience in the field. They are also regularly updated to keep up with the latest developments in the world of Indian classical music.

We offer both group and individual classes, so you can choose the option that best suits your learning needs. We also have a convenient online payment system so you can pay for your classes easily and securely.

So why wait? Enroll today and start learning Indian classical music from the comfort of your own home!

Nada Brahma

Nada Brahma is the Sanskrit term for “sound is God.” This ancient philosophy is at the heart of Indian classical music, which has been systematized over the last thousand years and is one of the oldest musical traditions in the world.

If you’re interested in learning this complex and beautiful style of music, there are now several online Indian classical music classes available for beginners. These classes can give you a taste of what this music is all about, and help you decide if it’s something you want to pursue further.

One such class is offered by Ashutosh Phatak, a sitar player and music teacher with over 20 years of experience. His class, “Introduction to Hindustani Classical Music,” is designed for absolute beginners who have no prior experience with Indian music.

In eight weeks, you’ll learn the basics of Hindustani classical music theory and sitar playing, including how to hold the instrument, how to tune it, and how to produce different sounds on the sitar. You’ll also learn about the different styles of Indian classical music and the history of this rich musical tradition.

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive online Indian classical music class, Saraswati’s World Music Academy offers a course called “Foundations in Carnatic Music.” This 12-week course covers Carnatic music theory, vocal techniques, and instrumental playing (on viola, veena, or flute). You’ll also get to experience Carnatic music in its cultural context through lectures on South Indian history and Hinduism.

No matter which class you choose, learning Indian classical music can be a deeply rewarding experience. If you have any interest in exploring this fascinating musical tradition, these online classes are a great place to start.