Explore the rich heritage of Hindustani classical music through ragas, instruments, legendary musicians, and traditional gharanas in one comprehensive platform.
How Indian Classical Music is Taught: The Guru-Shishya Parampara
The Guru-Shishya Parampara (गुरु-शिष्य परंपरा) is the ancient and traditional method of teaching in Indian classical music. It is a deeply spiritual and personal bond between the guru (teacher) and shishya (student).
This method goes beyond just learning notes and techniques—it’s about transmitting the soul of the music, its discipline, emotion, culture, and devotion from one generation to another.
Live-in Learning (Gurukul system)
Traditionally, the student would live with or near the guru, observing and absorbing music through daily interaction, practice, and observation.
Oral Tradition (Shruti Parampara)
Music was taught by ear, not from books. The guru would sing or play, and the disciple would repeat until it was mastered.
Personalized Training
Every student’s learning path is tailored by the guru based on their voice, personality, and level of understanding.
Rigorous Riyaz (Practice)
The guru instills in the student the habit of daily disciplined practice, often starting with hours of basic notes (Swar Sadhana).
Learning Through Observation
Students learn not just through instruction, but by listening to the guru perform, watching their body language, and absorbing their musical expression.
Spiritual & Moral Discipline
Respect, humility, patience, and dedication are key values taught alongside music. The relationship is considered sacred.
No Fixed Curriculum or Timeframe
There are no set “syllabi” or exams. Learning continues until the guru feels the student is ready.
Today, while the traditional form still exists among serious students, the system has adapted in the following ways:
Online classes and workshops
Music academies and institutions now offer structured courses
Short-term mentorships or Guru-in-residence programs
Recordings are now used as memory aids, though oral transmission is still vital
Yet, the essence of personal bonding, devotion, and respect remains at the core.
The Guru-Shishya Parampara ensures that:
The art form is preserved authentically
Each student absorbs not only music, but values
The individual style (Gharana) of a guru continues through the student
“The Guru does not just teach you what to sing, but how to become music.”
– A saying among classical musicians
10 Must-Know Ragas for Beginners
Indian classical music, is based on ragas — melodic frameworks that evoke specific moods and emotions. For beginners, it's essential to start with ragas that are simple, melodious, and widely taught. Here's a list of 10 beginner-friendly ragas every aspiring student should get familiar with.
Thaat: Kalyan
Notes: Shamurna (7-note scale)
Mood: Romantic, Devotional
A very popular and graceful raga taught early in music education, using the Teevra Ma (sharp Ma).
Thaat: Kalyan
Notes: Audav (5-note scale) (no Ma and Ni)
Mood: Peaceful, devotional
Easy to learn and used in both classical and light music.
Thaat: Bilawal
Notes: Audav (5-note scale) (no Ga and Ni)
Mood: Calm, pure
A pentatonic scale, often used to introduce swara clarity and simplicity.
Thaat: Khamaj
Time: Monsoon, Night
Mood: Joyful, Romantic
Popular in patriotic songs and bhajans, this raga is vibrant and lyrical.
Thaat: Kafi
Time: Spring, Evening
Mood: Earthy, Playful
Helps students explore semi-classical genres like thumri and dadra.
Thaat: Kafi
Time: Late Night
Mood: Longing, Devotion
Introduces emotional expression and deeper alap improvisation.
Thaat: Bhairav
Time: Early Morning
Mood: Meditative, Sacred
With its distinct Komal Re and Komal Dha, it builds understanding of mood and intonation from the start.
Thaat: Kafi
Time: Noon
Mood: Devotional, Bright
A popular midday raga, easy to learn with appealing melodic movements.
Thaat: Bilawal
Mood: Cheerful, Bright
Simplified version of Raag Bilawal with a distinct and beginner-friendly character.
Thaat: Bhairavi (for classification)
Notes: Audav
Mood: Serious, Meditative
Though slightly advanced, its pentatonic scale and majestic sound make it unforgettable.
Learning these foundational ragas:
Builds swar gyan (note recognition)
Develops aesthetic sense (rasa bhavana)
Trains the ear for intonation and improvisation
These 10 ragas form the building blocks for deeper exploration in Indian classical music. Whether you're a student, teacher, or enthusiast, mastering them will give you a strong musical foundation and open the doors to many expressive possibilities.
The Science Behind Ragas and Emotions: How Indian Classical Music Influences the Mind
Indian classical music is deeply connected to human emotions. Each raag is designed to evoke a specific mood or feeling — known as "Rasa". But how does this actually work? It looks at how sound frequencies, note combinations, and time of performance affect the listener’s brainwaves, hormones, and emotional state. Studies in music psychology and neuroscience are also referenced to understand how certain raags induce calmness, joy, sadness, or devotion. Whether you're a student of music or just curious about how sound affects the brain, this blog breaks it down simply and beautifully.
Introduction to Ragas and Rasa Theory
How Sound Affects the Brain (Basics of Music Neuroscience)
Scientific Studies Linking Music and Emotions
Examples of Ragas and Their Emotional Effects
Raag Bhairavi – Devotion & Peace
Raag Darbari – Seriousness & Gravity
Raag Yaman – Joy & Romance
Raag Malkauns – Meditation & Mystery
The Role of Time and Season in Raga Performance
Why This Matters: Applications in Therapy, Meditation, and Wellbeing
Conclusion: The Merging of Science and Spirituality in Music