Riyaaz & Spontaneous Music Sessions

Many students ask how to get that clarity in their bols. The secret is not in a special trick, it is simply in the consistency of your riyaaz. Whether we are in the studio or performing a spontaneous padhant, the discipline of your daily practice is what eventually lets you play without thinking.

Riyaaz is the backbone of Indian classical music. It is not just about moving your fingers; it is about internalizing the 'bols' (syllables) and the 'taal' (rhythm cycle). When I perform a spontaneous padhant—like the one you see in this gallery from a temple in Uttarakhand—I am reciting a composition as it sits in my muscle memory.

This practice is what I bring to my teaching. In my private and group sessions, we emphasize:

• Oral Recitation (Padhant): Before you play, you must speak. This connects your mind to the rhythm.
• Foundational Technique: We focus on the Nikas (hand placement) to ensure the sound is crisp, whether you are playing the Tabla or the Pakhavaj.
• Spontaneous Creativity: Once the technique is solid, we move to 'lehras' and accompaniment, where you learn to react to the melody in real-time.

If you are just starting, do not worry about the complexity. We begin with the basics, ensuring you understand the 'Vibhag' (divisions) and 'Matra' (beats) of the rhythm cycle. The goal is to make the instrument an extension of your own voice.