Courses

H.C.M Year 1

This is the starting point for the H.C.M series. In this course, you can learn the basics of swar and taal and learn the foundations of classical music. Concepts such as alankaar and palta will be introduced at the beginning, leading up to the concept of Raag. The theory taught in this course will be the basic theory of Hindustani Classical Music - important terms to remember and types of music pieces. The following concepts/topics will be covered:

• Shuddh Swar
• Basic Rhythm Patterns
• Types of Bandish
• Types of Light Music
• Komal Swar
• Raags: Bhoop, Durga, Bhairav, Kafi, Yaman, Bilaval, Desh
• Patriotic Song: Vande Mataram

H.C.M Year 2

Prerequisite: Completion of H.C.M Year 1 OR the ability to sing a chhota khyal in any Year 1 Raag (Bhoop, Durga, Bhairav, Kafi, Yaman, Bilaval, Desh) with taal accompaniment.

This is the second course in the HCM series. By this point, the student has a good sense of pitch and rhythm, so these skills will be strengthened. Riyaz techniques will be introduced, and alankaars will become a little bit more complex here. The student will learn how to start improvising within a Raag (Aalap).

H.C.M Year 3

Prerequisite: Completion of H.C.M Year 2 OR the ability to sing mukt aalap and a chhota khyal in any TWO of the Year 2 Raags (Vrindavani Sarang, Bhimpalasi Bhairavi, Tilak Kamod, Khamaj, Bihag, Bageshri, Malkauns). The student should also be able to give the theoretical information of the raag as well as the taal they have sung in.

This is the third course in the H.C.M. series. By this point, the student understands the concept of raag and aalap. The main focus of this course is to be able to sing aalap and taan within the bandish. The student will be given the tools and techniques to create their own aalap and taan as well. The following concepts/topics will be covered:

• Compositions in Different Taals (other than Teen Taal)
• Tarana
• Ghazal
• Bhajan
• Aalap and Taan within a Bandish
• Theory: Notation of Bandish and Swar Lipi
• Raags: Kedar, Patdeep, Hindol, Vibhas, Hameer, Jounpuri, Shankara, Jaijaiwanti

H.C.M Year 4

Prerequisite: Completion of Year 3 OR the ability to present ANY previously learnt raag from start to finish (including aalap and taan). The student must also demonstrate the ability to provide notations for their bandish of choice.

This is the fourth course in the H.C.M. series. By this point, students have worked on creating new combinations and patterns for aalap and taan within a chhota khyal. The next step is to learn how to present a bada khyal. Students will now learn how to elaborate within a raag in an organized, structurized manner. The following concepts/topics will be covered:

• Basic Bada Khyal (Ektaal) in previously learned Raags: Bhoop, Yaman, Bhimpalas, Bhairav, Bageshri
• Aalap and Taan within Bada Khyal
• Thumri

H.C.M Year 5

Prerequisite: Completion of H.C.M. Year 4 OR the ability to present a bada khyal (ektaal) in any of the Year 4 Raags (Bhoop, Yaman, Bhimpalas, Bhairav, Bageshri) with aalap and taan within the bandish.

This is the fifth and final course in the H.C.M. series. By this point, students know how to sing a basic bada khyal with aalap and taan within the bandish. Concert presentation will be an important topic in this course. The student will be able to choose the raags learnt in this course, with a focus on improvisation and presentation skills. The main goal for this course is to prepare the student for a classical stage performance. The following concepts/topics will be covered:

• Bada Khyal in Different Taals (other than Ektaal)
• Theory: Gharana Styles
• Theory: Comparison of Similar Raags
• Raag Bank (student choice): Madhuvanti, Maru Bihag, Puriyadhanashri, Multani, Shuddh Kalyan, Miyan Malhar, Darbari Kanada, Todi, Sohni