Introduction to Indian Classical Music

There are many introductions to Indian Classical Music, and this is just one attempt by a passionate listener. I have liberally borrowed from the work of others (duly credited).

I have always found that referring to more than one source helps me to understand something better and recommend that you go to more than one source to understand Indian music, if you are a beginner.

This introduction attempts to talk both of the Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian) forms of Indian music, both of which are forms of raga music, though there are substantial differences in the way they are performed. There are different forms and styles within these traditions as well, and it would be impossible to do them all full justice here.

Please give me your feedback and corrections.

Getting usedto the Sound:
1. Indian Classical Music 1-Voices

2. Indian Classical Music 2-Voices

3. Indian Classical Music 3-Voices

4. Indian Classical Music 4-Voices

5. Indian Classical Music 5-Voices

6. Indian Classical Music 6-Voices

Swaras (Notes/Tones)
7. Indian Classical Music 7-Seven Notes: the Saptaswaras or Saptak and What Lies in Between

8. Indian Classical Music 8-The Saptaswaras or Saptak and What Lies in Between

9. Indian Classical Music 9-The Saptaswaras or Saptak and What Lies in Between

10. Indian Classical Music 10-The Saptaswaras or Saptak and What Lies in Between

11. Indian Classical Music 11-Demonstrating the Srutis (Microtones) in Indian Classical Music

12. Indian Classical Music 12-The Saptaswaras in the South- the Carnatic notes

Shruti, Swar, Sur or Pitch
13. Indian Classical Music 13-What’s your frequency? The Tanpura/Tambura and finding your Sur, Shruti or Pitch

14.Indian Classical Music 14: More on Sur/Shruti or Pitch

15.Indian Classical Music 15: Bhajan Break

Raga

16. What is a Raga (1)

17. What is a Raga (2)-Ascending and Descending Note Sequences

18. What is a Raga(3)-Raga Jati

19. What is a Raga (4)-Similar Aarohana and Avarohana-Different Ragas

20. What is a Raga (5): Aaroh and Avroh-Some Caution

Compositional Forms in Indian Music:
The Abhang-The Unbroken Song:

1. The Abhang or Abhanga-1

2. The Abhang 2- Sawale sundara, The Dark, Beautiful One

3. The Abhang 3-Come O Vitthal for the love of your bhakta

4. The Abhang 4: A man is only as chaste as his own belief

5.The Abhang 5-My Tongue, Learn to Chant His Name