“Music is everywhere. It’s in the air between us, waiting to be sung.”
― David Levithan
Music exists everywhere in different forms. From Classical Mozart compositions to Zoroastrian music from Persia, there are over 1300 styles of this art. Many like Jazz, Country, and Rock are famously known all around the world. However, several forms of folk and classical music have now become underrated and less popular. One such form of music is Indian Classical Music.
Being brought up in a family which was proud of its Pahari culture, I never got introduced to this form of music at an early age. Pahari people (or people from the mountains) are particular when it comes to music. Exclusively enjoying the Pahari music (called Naatis) and dancing to musical tunes and slow beats, I grew up indulging in this particular genre. My typical Pahari family and I weren’t aware of the beauty that Indian Classical music had. When I was ten, it was only then that I threw myself in the pool of classical music.
Bored of practising Sargams and Alankars repetitively, I wanted to move on to songs. Gradual steps are a must, and now I understand how that came into action. Moving on to songs and Ragas at a later stage, I fell in love with this genre. People like Kaushiki Chakraborty and Rahul Deshpande deepened my feelings even more.
Playing my harmonium and improving my vocals with my favourite Taans has always been advantageous and euphoric. Discovering new techniques and deciphering my voice limits makes it even more fascinating. Moreover, listening to Indian Classical artists comes with perks. Whether it be the Rajan-Sajan brothers’ rapturous Raga Hamir or Zakir Hussain’s jubilant Taal Chakra, I have always ended up with something to comprehend.
I started singing and playing the harmonium simultaneously. My school friends felt that it was dull and called it ancient. However, they were unaware of its beauty. It helped me escape reality. It got me into a world with all those ecstatic Taans. Competing with the Tabla was something on its own too. Progressively, it also helped me get into the concept of chords and learning the keyboard. My classical vocals gave me techniques and a mindset that made it easier to analyze, sing and play western music. Despite having no idea about the guitar, I found it easier to locate notes on it all by myself.
Lastly, it was an initiative to protect and enrich this form of music. People pay hundreds and thousands of dollars to learn this genre outside of India. I feel lucky to have known it, which will now help me to spread my knowledge.
People often find Indian Classical Music boring, when compared to Western music. However, learning this genre is worthwhile. It leads to inculcating versatility and makes it easier to get into other forms of music. Indian Classical music holds its uniqueness. Just like other forms of music, it has its place. It might be tricky to interpret. But then, once listeners understand how the elements of Raga and Taal work together to form intricate melodic structures and rhythm, they might fall in love with it too!
Written by Nabhanya Chouhan
Image Credits: News Medical
Chords & Co. 