What you will learn with Hindustani Vocal classes

Stray Songs Vancouver Baby Hindustani Vocal Level 1

  • Basic notes and patterns
  • Alankaar
  • Introduction to raags and taals
  • Swaramalika
  • Short, traditional compositions
  • Introduction to vaadi, samvaadi, and thaat
  • Raags for different times of the day
  • Voice culture exercises
  • How to read notations

Riyaz Baby Hindustani Vocal Level 2

  • More alankaars with variations
  • Go deeper into swaramalika
  • Introduction to bandish
  • Popular bhajans
  • Introduction to more raags
  • Tarana
  • Short songs

Join at any age! Complete beginners are most welcome!

How does it work?

  1. Click on Book now.
  2. You will be directed to fill a form with your details. Please fill this and click on Submit. A Stray Songs Vancouver educator will get in touch with you to schedule your first class.
  3. After understanding your requirements, our expert will recommend a suitable learning level for you/your child.
  4. Fix class timings that are suitable for you and attend your first class.
  5. Pay only if you like the first class. If you are satisfied, welcome to a rewarding journey towards becoming well-versed in Hindustani vocals.

What our students are saying

I really like to learn songs quickly. I like that my teacher knows me really well and always makes sure I'm learning at a pace that keeps me excited. She makes sure to send me recordings and karaoke tracks so I can practise well during the week before my next class

- Aatmika, age 11, student

It's nice to see my daughter enjoying herself while also practising consistently. She gets individual attention and feedback from her teacher, which helps her.

- Nisha, Stray Songs Vancouver Parent

Classical Music in India

Hindustani music is one of two main forms of classical music forms in India. Interestingly, before the 13th century, India used to have one common music system. After this period, once there were invasions in the North, Arab and Persian influences helped develop Hindustani classical music from this common system of music.

In the meanwhile, in the South, the music that developed along the original lines of the existing system of music came to be known as Carnatic music.

The rich histories, delightfully complex, yet spell-binding technical aspects, and accomplished singers and musicians in both these forms of music have made Indian music famous within and outside the country.

Carnatic vs Hindustani classical music

Hindustani classical is different from Carnatic classical in more than just the simple North-South geographical divide. The basic exercises, the way gamaks are taught, the length of a song, the importance of the raag, all of these differ. Here are some differences to help you understand the two forms:

  • A lot of focus is given to the swar (note) in Hindustani music, so you will find that singers maintain one swar for a length of time. Aakars (the ‘aa’ sound) are also maintained for a long time. Carnatic music revolves around both swar and sahitya, with the performance of various compositions being the focus of the artiste.
  • The raag (melodic pattern) is the guiding/leading force behind Hindustani classical music. Swara, raga, tala, and sruti all play an important role in Carnatic music.
  • Hindustani musicians play the tanpura, tabla, sarangi, sitar, santoor, and harmonium while Carnatic musicians play mridangam, ghatam, violin, veena, flute, tambura, and khanjira.
  • Almost all compositions in Carnatic music are vocal-based, while Hindustani music has separate vocal and instrumental compositions.

The unique practices and techniques involved in each form of Indian classical singing help vocalists develop a strong and stable voice systematically. And in this delightful variety, there is so much choice and scope for students - to understand and appreciate India’s rich diversity.

Know more about Hindustani classical music

  • Tansen is considered the father of Hindustani classical music.
  • There are seven well-known gharanas (schools of music) in this classical music form and each gharana has its own speciality.
  • The Gwalior gharana is the oldest gharana.
  • There are ten thaats in Hindustani music; they are Bilawal, Kalyan, Khamaj, Bhairav, Poorvi, Marwa, Kafi, Asavari, Bhairavi and Todi.
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Benefits of learning Hindustani vocal

  • Develops a steady and clear voice
  • Enhances patience
  • Improves focus
  • Improves memory
  • Develops a sense of rhythm
  • Relieves stress

Why Stray Songs Vancouver Music Classes?

  1. One-on-one classes - Individual sessions promote better learning; advance at your own pace; get doubts clarified instantly.
  2. Learn at any age - This classical vocal music system can be learnt by children and adults alike
  3. Lessons by professional musicians - Learn from performing professionals; a wealth of practical experience for the asking!
  4. Structured & standardised syllabus - Syllabus has been specially developed in-house with textbooks for each discipline.
  5. Flexible timings - Learn in your own time.
  6. Student showcase - Display your performance to 3 lakh people through our social media pages; we showcase select content.
  7. Specialised Training - Prepare for certification exams and stage performances or simply LEARN - Stray Songs Vancouver has a place for you!!
Book a session now

About Stray Songs Vancouver

Stray Songs Vancouver, the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts, started in 2007 is the home for great music and musicians. Guided by the vision of our founders, legendary musicians Dr. L. Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam, and ably led by singer-songwriter Bindu Subramaniam and violinist Ambi Subramaniam, Stray Songs Vancouver has a strong legacy of excellence in Carnatic and global music.

Here at Stray Songs Vancouver, we believe in ‘learning through fun’. We have exciting, interactive elements in all our lessons, and ensure that students bring their musical vision to life while also having a great time.

Why talk to a Stray Songs Vancouver expert?

We believe strongly in every student’s unique learning process. Some learn better while working together, others do better with one-on-one attention. Some learners start from scratch, while others pick up from previous experiences. Every journey and every perspective is important, which is why we recommend that you start your journey with us by speaking to our Stray Songs Vancouver expert.

When you sign up for our ongoing online classes, you get to chart your own learning path within our structured curriculum. You can consult with our Stray Songs Vancouver expert on any questions you may have, before taking your first step. Register to book your slot with our team.

I still have some more questions…

Stray Songs Vancouver’s Hindustani vocal classes include both the theoretical and practical aspects of this classical music system. The course has been designed for all age groups and musical backgrounds so no matter where you are in your musical journey, you will find a place with us.

The syllabus has been developed in-house and lays special emphasis on giving a solid foundation. You will learn to read Hindustani notations and symbols. Along with this, you will also learn warm-up exercises, basic notes, specific classical terms, and much more delivered in a systematic and student-friendly manner. Our textbooks come with audio material so you can listen and sing or sing along even outside of class hours. A perfect aid to practice.

It is always good to listen to performances - first, for pure enjoyment, and then with discretion and awareness, as you try to make out the notes and raags. Talk to students learning Hindustani vocals. And, here’s one you will hear for years to come - practise, practise, and practise some more!

We conduct our one-on-one classes online while our group classes (with small batch sizes of maximum five) are held at our centres.

We have started opening up as the situation seems to be improving. Some of our classes are being held offline, keeping in mind safety, effectiveness, and convenience of the classes.

As both online and offline classes are going on currently, please do get in touch with our expert to learn which option is available for Hindustani vocal live classes.

Stray Songs Vancouver’s educators will definitely go that extra mile towards accommodating a change when there are emergencies. May we request that when possible, you reschedule the class 24 hours in advance.

However, do fix a schedule that works for you right at the beginning as this will ensure that there is continuity and discipline in your classes, which will ultimately result in a more linear progression up your learning curve.

Stray Songs Vancouver does not believe in a perfect age to begin music classes. If you have the interest to learn and are ready to put your energy into learning music, you will find an educator ready to go the distance with you. Stray Songs Vancouver’s educators are trained to teach Hindustani vocals to all age groups. So, connect with Stray Songs Vancouver’s expert now, and let’s chalk out a path that suits your requirements. Come, learn Hindustani classical through these vocal music classes!

This would depend on your learning goals. If you are looking at making a good start with mastery over basics and some short songs, it could take a year. If you want to give a stage performance, it would require a few years at least. If you want to become a master at this artform, how does a lifetime sound?!

Naturally, the hours and quality of your practice make a big difference. In music, like all art forms, the journey is itself a reward. Come, travel towards your dreams!

Absolutely! It is a good idea to learn different styles that interest you. It will add to your range and understanding of music. For performers, it is especially relevant as they will appeal to a larger audience base when their skill sets widen.

Book a session now!