Hindustani Classical Vocal Curriculum

At SwarRas School of Music, our Hindustani Classical Vocal programme follows a carefully structured progression that nurtures students from foundational concepts to advanced artistry. The curriculum is divided into three levels, with two stages within each level, ensuring systematic development in both practical performance and theoretical understanding.

Every stage builds upon the previous one, enabling students to strengthen their vocal technique, deepen their knowledge of ragas and taals, and develop a comprehensive understanding of Hindustani classical music.

Level 1
Basic:
Prarambhik

Stage 1: Prarambhik Pratham

Duration: 6–9 Months

Stage 2: Prarambhik Purna

Duration: 9–12 Months

Level 2
Intermediate:
Madhyama

Stage 1: Madhyama Pratham

Duration: 12–18 Months

Stage 2: Madhyama Purna

Duration: 18–24 Months

Level 3
Advanced:
Visharad

Stage 1: Visharad Pratham

Duration: 24 Months

Stage 2: Visharad Purna

Duration: 24 Months

Level 1: Basic (Prarambhik)

Stage 1: Prarambhik Pratham

Duration: 6–9 Months

Practical Curriculum

Students begin their musical journey by developing a strong foundation through basic Alankars (Swar Patterns).

Ragas Covered
Students will learn the following ragas along with their:
  • Aroha & Avroha
  • Pakad
  • Swarmala
  • Chhota Khayal
  • Yaman
  • Bhairavi
  • Bhimpalas
  • Bhoop
  • Kafi
Taals
Students will learn to demonstrate the following taals using hand gestures:
  • Teen Taal
  • Dadara

Theory Curriculum

Definitions
  • Swar
  • Alankar
  • Aroha & Avroha
  • Raga
  • Pakad
  • Sargam
  • Swarmala
  • Sthaayi & Antar
Additional Concepts
  • Classification of Swaras (Shuddha & Vikrit)
  • Taal and its features (Sam & Khali)
  • Saptak and its types
  • A brief life sketch of Pt. Vishnu Digambar Paluskar

Stage 2: Prarambhik Purna

Duration: 9–12 Months

Practical Curriculum

Students continue their training by learning the following ragas with:

  • Aroha & Avroha
  • Pakad
  • Chhota Khayal
  • 4–5 Aalaps
  • 4–5 Taans
Ragas Covered
Students will also learn one Tarana in any one of the above ragas.
  • Khamaj
  • Durga
  • Malkauns
  • Patdeep
  • Bhairav
Taals
Students will learn to demonstrate the following taals using hand gestures:
  • Ektaal
  • Rupak

Theory Curriculum

Definitions
  • Aalap
  • Bol Taan
  • Taan
  • Bandish
  • Aavartan
  • Vadi Swar
  • Samvadi Swar
  • Vivadi Swar
  • Anuvadi Swar
  • Thaat (Mel)
  • Tarana
Additional Concepts
  • Laya and its types
  • Relationship between Shadja, Madhyam and Pancham (Samvad Tatva)
  • A brief life sketch of Ustad Faiyaz Khan

Level 2: Intermediate (Madhyama)

Stage 1: Madhyama Pratham

Duration: 12–18 Months

Practical Curriculum

Students learn five new ragas featuring:

  • Aroha & Avroha
  • Pakad
  • Chhota Khayal
  • Aalaps
  • Laykari
  • Taans
New Ragas
  • Kedar
  • Vrindavani Sarang
  • Bihag
  • Jaunpuri
  • Rageshri
Students will also perform Bada Khayal (Sthaayi & Antara only) in:
  • Bhimpalas
  • Yaman
Taals
  • Jhaptaal
  • Chautaal

Theory Curriculum

Students study:
  • Thaat and its development
  • Concept of Shruti (Ancient & Modern)
  • Evolution and development of Khayal
  • Classification of musical instruments
  • Brief study of the Harmonium
  • Life sketches of:
    • Abdul Karim Khan
    • Pt. Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande

Stage 2: Madhyama Purna

Duration: 18–24 Months

Practical Curriculum

Students learn four new ragas featuring:

  • Aroha & Avroha
  • Pakad
  • Chhota Khayal
  • Aalaps
  • Laykar
  • Taans
New Ragas
  • Gujri Todi
  • Hansadhvani
  • Bageshri
  • Basant
Students will also learn:
  • Complete Bada Khayal in Yaman
  • Sthaayi & Antara of Bada Khayal in Malkauns
Additionally, students are introduced to Thumri, a light classical style of singing, in one of the previously studied ragas.
Taals
  • Tevra
  • Dipchandi

Theory Curriculum

Students study:
  • Gram & Murchana
  • Thumri
  • Other forms of Light Classical Music:
    • Tappa
    • Bhajan
    • Ghazal
    • and others
  • Brief study of the Tabla
  • Contribution of Persians and the Mughals to Indian Music
  • Life sketches of:
    • Amir Khusro
    • Kesarbai Kerkar

Level 3: Advanced (Visharad)

Stage 1: Visharad Pratham

Duration: 24 Months

Practical Curriculum

Students learn three new ragas featuring:

  • Aroha & Avroha
  • Pakad
  • Chhota Khayal
  • Aalaps
  • Laykari
  • Taans
New Ragas
  • Miya Ki Todi
  • Shankara
  • Puriya
Students also perform the Complete Bada Khayal in:
  • Bhimpalas
  • Bhoopali
  • Jaunpuri
Taals
  • Jhumra
  • Dhamar

Theory Curriculum

Students explore:
  • Raga in relation to the Time Cycle (Raga Samay Chakra)
  • Types of Taans
  • Musical ornaments:
      • Gamak
      • Meend
      • Khatka
      • and others
  • Detailed study of the Tanpura
  • Contribution of Classical Music to Hindi Cinema
  • Role of Electronic Instruments in Modern Music

Life sketches of:

  • Pt. Bhimsen Joshi
  • Pt. Ravi Shankar
  • Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan

Stage 2: Visharad Purna

Duration: 24 Months

Practical Curriculum

Students learn three additional ragas, including:

  • Aroha & Avroha
  • Pakad
  • Chhota Khayal
  • Aalaps
  • Laykari
  • Taans
New Ragas
Students also perform Complete Bada Khayals in:
  • Bageshri
  • Bhairav
  • Malkauns
Additionally, students study Dhrupad/Dhamaar, the classical vocal tradition that predates the Khayal style.
  • Lalit
  • Miya Malhar
  • Darbari Kanada

Theory Curriculum

Students conclude their academic journey with advanced topics, including:
  • Historical evolution and development of Indian Music
  • Contribution of Saints to Indian Music
  • Comparative study of:
      • Hindustani Music
      • Carnatic Music
      • Western Music
  • Relationship between Classical and Folk Music
  • Detailed study of the Dhrupad/Dhamaar style
  • Music and Aesthetics, appreciating different musical genres from a listener’s perspective
  • Music Therapy and the impact of music on living beings
Life sketches of:
  • Pt. Kumar Gandharva
  • Ustad Allauddin Khan
  • Hirabai Badodekar