Can I Learn Indian Classical Vocals Without Formal Classes?
Yes, you can learn Indian classical vocals without formal classes. However, self-study requires more self-discipline and resourcefulness. This article will guide you through the process and explore the benefits of both self-study and guru guidance.
Research and Choose a Style
Indian classical music has two main traditions: Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian). Each has its unique characteristics and nuances. Familiarize yourself with both traditions to find the one that resonates with you.
Utilize Online Resources
Online platforms such as YouTube, dedicated apps, and websites offer a wealth of tutorials, lectures, and live performances. YouTube channels and dedicated music websites can provide invaluable demonstrations of techniques and compositions.
Read and Study Books and Materials
Look for books on Indian classical music theory, ragas, and vocal techniques. Recommended texts include specialized books like ''Listening'' by Tilak Ram Sharma and Vocal Technique in Indian Classical Music'' by Pt. Ravi Shankar.
Listen and Imitate
Listen to recordings of established artists to understand the nuances of the music. Try to imitate their singing style, phrasing, and ornamentation. This will help you develop a sense of what is expected in each tradition.
Practice Regularly
Set aside dedicated time each day for practice. Focus on basic exercises such as swaras (notes) and simple ragas to build your foundation. Consistency is key to building muscle memory and improving your technique.
Record Yourself
Recording your practice sessions can help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time. Listen to your recordings and reflect on your performance to make necessary adjustments.
Join Online Communities
Engage with online forums and social media groups where you can share your progress, ask questions, and connect with other learners. These communities provide valuable support and feedback.
Seek Feedback
While self-study is possible, formal training can provide structured learning and personalized feedback, which can be beneficial in mastering the intricacies of Indian classical music. If possible, find a mentor or an experienced vocalist who can provide feedback on your singing, even if it's informal.
Be Patient and Celebrate Milestones
Learning Indian classical vocals is a gradual process that requires dedication and patience. Celebrate small milestones to stay motivated. It's important to enjoy the journey as much as reaching the destination.
Composition Learning: A Natural Progression
While self-study is possible for foundational skills, learning the composition parts of Indian classical vocals requires time and a guru mentorship. For Hindustani music, extensive learning is required to understand the structure and art of different compositions like sargam, geeth, lakshan geeth, bandish, thumri, taan, and others.
Under a guru, one must learn several raags and improvisational techniques. This includes learning alap (introduction to the raga), bol alap (phrase-based alap), taan (fast sequences), and ornamentation techniques like meend, khatka, gamak, and andolan. Additionally, one must understand different taals such as Teental, Jhaptal, Ektal, Dadra, Keherwa, Bhajani, Roopak Thalam, Jhoomra, Tilwada, Dipchandi, and their different structures and divisions like alap, taan, and behelawa.
Carnatic Classical Vocal Learning
For Carnatic music, extensive learning under a guru is also required to understand various compositions like geethams, svarajathis, jathiswarams, varnams, krithis, and thillanas. Learning different types of gamakams and thalams like Adi Thalam, Roopak Thalam, Thriputa Thalam, Jhampa Thalam, Khanda Chapu Thalam, and Mishra Chapu Thalam is also crucial.
Improvisation techniques like alapana, kalpana swaram, nerval, and ragam tanam pallavi need extensive guidance from an experienced guru for an extended period, often 10 or more years.
While self-study can help with foundational skills, learning compositions and more complex improvisational techniques requires guidance from a guru. Once learned, you can continue to improve by listening to recordings of great Carnatic artists, such as Bharat Ratna MS Subbulakshmi and MLVmma DK Pattamal.
Remember, learning Indian classical vocals is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and continuous practice. With the right resources and guidance, you can develop your skills and appreciate the beauty of this rich and ancient music tradition.