How to Approach The Hindustani Vocal As a Begginer

February 18, 2022

 Characteristic of Swar

In Indian Music, Each Swar/note has its importance and the 7 Swar are placed on a particular level based on their sound frequency. The most important characteristic of any Swar/Note is purely based on the starting point of the Swar/Note* from where the corresponding Swara/Note climbs upward to reach its destination the ending note.

The whole journey is called the Aroha/Arohan (Ascending order of the 7 Swars in sequence) Let us learn the Aroh with the help of an illustration as shown below:-




The frequency from the starting point Aroh to the Awroh is called the Scale or Shruti. One has to know the comfortable scale of his/her own i.e. the Shruti/ Scale & start practising every day, scaling a Tanpura to his/her comfortable frequency, today a lot of Tanpura Apps & electronic Tanpura is replacing the conventional Tanpura.

 

Tanpura

How to begin a rehearsal

  • Switch the Tanpura & tune it to your Comfortable scale.
  • Close your eyes & focus with complete attention to the Dwani (sound) of the Tanpura.
  • Slowly start humming all along with the sound of the Tanpura for a few seconds.
  • You can use the Omkar the sound of Om or you can say AA the Akaar sound for a few more seconds. 
  • Please note one should observe the sound produced by you should synchronize with that of a Tanpura.
  • Synch the voice with that of the Tanpura, start with the swar Saaaaaaaaaaaaaa to synch with the Tanpura.
sOnce comfortable with Sa, slowly start reciting the swar SA………..Pa………SA’ as shown in the picture below:-




How to start singing the Basic Alankaar also called as paltas:-

Imagine a rhythm for example imagine a clock’s seconds needle sound tick tick tick also called as metronome sound, by imagining a metronome sound try to sing each swar with a single click (tick).

Just by following the small technique, you will develop perfection in Timing (Rhythm) & the Scale (Shruti) in music terminology known as the " Sur n Taal "

One-click one swar/note follow the pattern, this pattern of singing is called singing on Tah laiy. The Tah laiy is nothing but to follow the rhythm pattern of 1 click = 1 note Tah is 1 & laiy is Taal or Rythum speed.

In the same pattern one can practice the Alankaar in Dugan Laiy, Now what is a Dugan Laiy? A Dugan Laiy is to sing 2 notes on 1 click of the metronome.



Why to Rehears Vocal

Rehears is the only shortcut to master the art of singing, rehears will give you a thorough understanding of the intricacies of singing. Through regular rehears, one will find a complete transformation in his/her personality, clarity in the body & mind. Vocal cords will be fine-tuned, strengthened & refined; a ready to perform kind of attitude will be noticed in a short time.

Rehears :

Sing every day, a minimum time of 30 minutes initially and gradually scaling up the timings. One has to sit comfortably, mobile on silent, choose to sit in a well-ventilated place to rehearse.

Tools to Rehears :

  • A Tanpura be it an Application or electronic device, without a Tanpura never practice.
  • An electronic table (Optional)
  • A bottle of water (Room Temperature/Lukewarm)

Conclusion :

Follow the Tips religiously, do practice on a daily basis slowly & steadily to see a positive change in the approach to singing.
A lot of studies show that everyday rehears improves the Swar Sthan ( Perfect placement of notation) strengthens the vocal cords, improves breathing capacity & one can sing effortlessly.

 Happy Singing!