How to Start Learning Indian Classical Music as a Beginner — A Step-by-Step Guide

 

By Sh. J. K. Bansal, Saraswati Sangeet Mahavidyalaya (New Delhi)

Indian Classical Music is not just an art — it is a journey of discipline, inner peace, and self-expression. Whether you are a child, a teenager, or an adult learner, beginning this musical path with the right foundation makes all the difference.

At Saraswati Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi, we guide beginners step-by-step, ensuring they build a strong base in sur, taal, voice culture, and raag structure. This blog will help you understand how to start learning classical music, with easy practices, alankars, and the first beginner raga — Raga Bhupali.

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Step 1: Start With the Seven Basic Notes (Swaras)

The foundation of Hindustani Classical Music lies in the seven notes:

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa

Your first goal is to sing each swara clearly and confidently.
At our institute, students first learn to:

• Find their correct Sa (base pitch)

• Sing each note slowly

• Maintain breath control

• Avoid sliding unintentionally between notes

This early training builds the voice from the ground up.

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 Step 2: Practice Basic Alankars (Voice Exercises)

Alankars help beginners improve:

• Accuracy of sur

• Strength of voice

• Breath stability

• Speed control

• Sense of rhythm (taal)

Here are simple, essential alankars for beginners:

Alankar 1 — Straight Pattern

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa
Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa

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Alankar 2 — Two-Note Patterns

Sa Re | Re Ga | Ga Ma | Ma Pa | Pa Dha | Dha Ni | Ni Sa
Sa Ni | Ni Dha | Dha Pa | Pa Ma | Ma Ga | Ga Re | Re Sa

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Alankar 3 — Three-Note Patterns

Sa Re Ga | Re Ga Ma | Ga Ma Pa | Ma Pa Dha | Pa Dha Ni | Dha Ni Sa
Sa Ni Dha | Ni Dha Pa | Dha Pa Ma | Pa Ma Ga | Ma Ga Re | Ga Re Sa

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Alankar 4 — Jump Patterns

Sa Ga | Re Ma | Ga Pa | Ma Dha | Pa Ni | Dha Sa
Sa Dha | Ni Pa | Dha Ma | Pa Ga | Ma Re | Ga Sa

Even 10–15 minutes of daily alankar practice creates a strong musical foundation.

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 Step 3: Train Your Voice (Swar Sadhana)

Before learning any raga, beginners must develop a steady and stable voice.

Daily swar practice:
Sa — Re — Ga — Ma — Pa — Dha — Ni — Sa

Focus on:
✔ Consistent pitch
✔ Smooth transitions
✔ Relaxed throat
✔ Deep breathing

This builds clarity and confidence in singing.

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 Step 4: Learn Your First Raga — Raga Bhupali

Raga Bhupali (also called Bhoop/Bhoopali) is the ideal first raga for beginners. It uses only five notes, making it easy and soothing.

Aaroh (Ascending):

Sa Re Ga Pa Dha Sa

Avaroh (Descending):

Sa Dha Pa Ga Re Sa

Jati: Audav–Audav (5-note raga)

Missing Notes: No Ma and No Ni

Mood (Rasa): Peaceful, devotional

Time: Evening

Pakad (Signature Movement):

Sa Re Ga, Re Ga Pa, Ga Pa Dha, Pa Dha Sa

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 Step 5: Raga Bhupali Practice for Beginners

✔ Bhupali Sargam

Sa Re Ga Pa Dha | Dha Pa Ga Re Sa

✔ Bhupali Alankars (using only Bhupali notes)

Sa Re | Re Ga | Ga Pa | Pa Dha | Dha Sa
Sa Dha | Dha Pa | Pa Ga | Ga Re | Re Sa

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⏳ Step 6: Your 20–30 Minute Daily Practice Plan

At Saraswati Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, we recommend:

5 minutes – Basic notes (Sa Re Ga…)
10 minutes – Alankars
5 minutes – Swar Sadhana
5–10 minutes – Practising Raga Bhupali

Regular practice is more important than long hours.

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👨‍🏫 Step 7: Learn Under a Qualified Guru

Under the guidance of Sh. J. K. Bansal and senior faculty, students receive:

• Correct training in sur and taal

• Step-by-step raga learning

• Voice culture techniques

• Exam preparation (Praveshika, Junior Diploma, Visharad, etc.)

• Performance opportunities

A guru ensures you learn the right way from the very first day.

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🌟 Conclusion

Starting Indian Classical Music is simple when you follow a structured path.
Begin with basic swaras, practice alankars daily, train your voice, and start with an easy raga like Bhupali.
With patience and the right guidance, anyone can learn classical music beautifully.

At Saraswati Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi, we believe that every student has a musical spark — they only need the right direction to shine.

 

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