Hindustani Classical Music Theory

An 8-Week Online Course with Sharmila Mathur

Price: $495 for the full 8-week course

Overview

Immerse yourself in the timeless tradition of Hindustani classical music with this comprehensive 8-week course. Explore the depths of Ragas, Talas, and the philosophy of Indian classical music, while learning about its evolution, theory, and practical applications. Led by Sharmila Mathur, a sitarist of the Maihar Gharana, this course is designed to enrich your understanding of the art form and its intricate beauty.

Meet Your Instructor: Sharmila Mathur

Sharmila Mathur is a distinguished sitarist from the Maihar Gharana, the musical tradition of legends such as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. Known for its rich legacy of blending instrumental and vocal styles, the Maihar Gharana emphasizes melody, rhythm, and improvisation.

In addition to her mastery of the sitar, Sharmila is the Director of the Indian Music Ensemble at the University of Alberta. Under her guidance, the ensemble delves into the tradition of Hindustani classical music, studying Ragas and Talas through group instruction and performance. Her leadership has brought Indian classical music to diverse audiences and inspired countless students.

Learn more about her journey: https://www.ualberta.ca/music/programs/ensembles/world-music-ensembles/indian-music-ensemble.html

Course Details

Price:

$495 for the complete 8-week course.

Timings:

Thursdays:

  • 7:30 PM PT / 10:30 PM EST
  • 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM EST

Duration:

8 weeks, once a week (1.5 hours per session).

Interactive Learning Environment:

  • Dedicated Slack Channel: Engage with fellow students, share assignments, and connect in a supportive community.
  • Guest Lecture in Week 7: A special session with a professional musician or academician to discuss the global impact and modern adaptations of Hindustani classical music.

Graded Assignments and Certification:

  • Weekly pass/fail assignments to track your progress.
  • Optional final paper to submit for a graded assessment.
  • Certificate of Completion awarded upon successful completion of the course.

Course Highlights

  • Learn the Basics: Swara (notes), Shruti (microtones), Ragas, and Talas.
  • Explore the History: The Vedic roots of Hindustani music, its evolution through the Mughal courts, and the emergence of the Maihar Gharana.
  • Understand Forms and Styles: Classical forms like Khayal, Dhrupad, and Tarana, along with semi-classical forms like Thumri and Bhajan.
  • Interactive Practice: Exercises to identify Ragas and Talas, and opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge.

Course Outline

Week 1: Origins and Evolution of Hindustani Classical Music

  • Historical journey: From Vedic chants to the Maihar Gharana.
  • Cultural influences: Mughal era and modern adaptations.

Week 2: Fundamentals – Swara, Shruti, and Saptak

  • Understanding the essence of melody and pitch in Indian music.
  • Singing exercises to explore notes across octaves.

Week 3: Raga Theory – Structure and Philosophy

  • Components of Ragas: Aaroh, Avroh, and Pakad.
  • Emotional impact (Rasa) and time theory.

Week 4: Raga Families and the Thaat System

  • Introduction to the 10 Thaats and associated Ragas.
  • Case studies of Ragas from the Maihar Gharana.

Week 5: Tala System – The Pulse of Hindustani Music

  • Study of rhythmic patterns in popular Talas: Teentaal and Jhaptaal.
  • Practical clapping and recitation exercises.

Week 6: Classical and Semi-Classical Forms

  • Classical: Khayal, Dhrupad, and Tarana.
  • Semi-classical: Thumri, Bhajan, and Ghazal.

Week 7: Guest Lecture

  • Special session with a professional musician or academician.
  • Insights into the legacy and influence of the Maihar Gharana.

Week 8: Advanced Concepts and Final Review

  • Ornamentation techniques: Gamak, Meend, and Tihai.
  • Recap and Q&A with the instructor.

Course Materials

  • Weekly handouts summarizing theory and history.
  • Curated playlists featuring classic performances and renowned artists.
  • Audio examples for practice and analysis.
  • Access to additional resources like articles and books on Hindustani music history.

Registration

Visit: https://learnsitar.online/theory.
For queries, contact: https://learnsitar.online/contact-us.

Join us to explore the rich history, theory, and practice of Hindustani Classical Music!