“To play a wrong note is insignificant; To play without passion is inexcusable.” – Ludwig Van Beethoven. Like Beethoven rightly stated, any music without passion is but noise and is inexcusable.
Music can be a social activity, but it can also be a very spiritual experience. Ancient Indians were deeply impressed by the spiritual power of music, and it is out of this that Indian classical music was born. So, for those who take it seriously, classical music involves single-minded devotion and lifelong commitment. But the thing about music is that you can take it as seriously or as casually as you like. It is a rewarding experience, no matter how deep or shallow your involvement.
Indian classical music is defined by the passion and the ability to move people into feeling the intended emotions. Both Carnatic and Hindustani classical music have this inherent quality. To learn Indian classical music is to bring out that passion and harness it to a skill.
Indian classical music and its origins can be traced back to the ancient Natyashastra, the Sanskrit scripture on performance arts by Bharata Muni. Indian classical music heavily contributes to the country’s culture and heritage. You can distinguish when you hear it, but do you ever wonder what makes it so unique? How is it different from Bollywood or even western pop? Or how is it similar?
Indian classical music is generally known as an oral tradition, where a ‘guru’ will train a student for many years. In this training, they will develop a spiritual bond reflecting the musical experience and philosophical beliefs attached to the latter. In recent times, many institutions teach and research this subject. Learning through experience with an adept teacher is still considered the most productive method. However, in today’s technologically advanced times, learning Indian Classical Music has become easily available and handy by online courses over the internet.
- Classical Music vs. Folk and Bollywood
Owing to India’s vastness and diversity, Indian music encompasses numerous genres in multiple varieties and forms which include classical music, folk (Bollywood), rock, and pop. It has a history spanning several millennia and developed over several geolocations spanning the subcontinent. Music in India began as an integral part of socio-religious life.
The main difference between classical music and other types depends on the context. Folk music is played and performed during celebrations to unite communities. While most of it derives from classical, traditional music, Bollywood music’s target is to entertain and arouse excitement. Indian classical music requires an elaborate and disciplined way of learning.
Another significant aspect that is uncommon even in western music is the disinclination to orchestration. During an Indian classical music performance, a maximum of two performers will be on stage with two to three accompanists. When you learn Hindustani classical music lessons, the first step will be to ensure you understand the basic concepts that form the foundation of Hindustani music.
Hindustani music can be learnt by anyone who is willing to go the distance and put in the hard work. You can learn Indian classical music online, by which you save time taken to travel to and from a class.
To learn Hindustani Classical Music, I have personally designed my very own Indian Classical Music courses, where I’ve kept it all very precise, logical and easy to understand, starting from the beginner, intermediate and all the way to the advanced level. Along with that, you can be assured that you receive only the best lessons. I have also kept in mind that the course ensures that you have the perfect balance between understanding and applying the skills you are trained on.
You can check out my courses on my official website:
www.rituagarwal.com