Understanding the Lineage of Hindustani Classical Music
We walk the path left by the great ustads and vidushis. By studying the philosophies and techniques of legends, we deepen our own understanding of ragas.
We pay homage to Vidushi Kishori Amonkar, who taught us that classical music is a journey of discovery for the artist. Her quote inspires our students to look beyond entertainment and seek a deeper connection with their art.
"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is practice." We honor the wisdom of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, whose life was a testament to this belief. His powerful vocals and dedication to riyaz continue to inspire our musical journey.
"Emotion is the very soul of our music." We celebrate the legacy of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, the master of thumri. His philosophy guides our teaching, emphasizing that emotive expression is at the heart of every great performance.
We share the wisdom of Dr. Prabha Atre: "For a musician, their voice is their face and they must keep it clean." This principle of purity and clarity in vocal expression is a cornerstone of the training we provide at Sangeet Sadhana.
"Music is all about teasing and chasing time... and finally, the joy of perfect timing." We celebrate the profound musical philosophy of Smt. Girija Devi, whose words encapsulate the intricate relationship between melody and rhythm.
Our guru, Shri Debojyoti Mukherjee, presents a rendition of Raag Malkauns, paying homage to the great masters who have explored its depths. This performance reflects our commitment to preserving and passing on the rich traditions of Hindustani music.
Guru Smt. Anindita Mukherjee demonstrates the mesmerizing transition from Shuddh Bhairavi to Hindustani Bhairavi. This educational piece honors the intricate knowledge passed down through generations of gurus.
About this collection
Here, we do not just study ragas as notes on a page. Our students learn the 'bandish' (composition) exactly as it was performed by the masters, often analyzing their specific techniques, such as how Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan approached thumri or the nuances of Kishori Tai's voice. When you practice, you are not just hitting the right pitch, you are connecting with the specific musical lineage that makes Hindustani classical music a living, breathing tradition.
In the Hindustani classical tradition, music is a lineage. It is passed from master to student through a direct, intimate transmission known as the Guru-Shishya parampara. At Sangeet Sadhana, we do not view music history as something to be read in textbooks, it is a discipline to be lived.
When we study the works of legends like Pt. Bhimsen Joshi or Vidushi Kishori Amonkar, we look beyond the recordings. We explore the 'thaat' (parent scale) and the 'sam' (the first beat) through the lens of their unique stylistic approach. For instance, understanding the delicate transition between Shuddh Bhairavi and Hindustani Bhairavi is not just about changing notes, it is about understanding the emotional intention that a master brings to the performance.
Our curriculum connects students to this heritage by:
- Analyzing specific bandishes popularized by the great ustads and vidushis.
- Exploring the 'rasa' (emotional essence) behind ragas like Yaman, Bageshri, and Malkauns.
- Practicing techniques that preserve the purity of voice culture, as advocated by icons like Dr. Prabha Atre.
By grounding our classes in the stories and philosophies of these giants, we ensure that every student understands why a specific 'taan' (melodic run) or 'gamak' (oscillation) is used. It transforms learning from a mechanical exercise into a deep, meditative pursuit. Whether you are in our Koramangala studio or joining us online, you are part of this chain of knowledge, carrying the legacy forward with every note you sing.
Sangeet Sadhana
We are a community rooted in the Koramangala area, dedicated to preserving the pure Guru-Shishya parampara. We treat every raga as a sacred text and music as a lifelong sadhana, welcoming anyone who is ready to commit to the discipline of the masters.
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