Try this: run around the playground, or jump up and down, and then immediately try to sing a song, or hold a note. It is difficult, right? This is because to sing, our breath needs to be smooth and regulated. Our breath is like the engine of a car that gives it energy and power.

Find a quiet place to sit. Now gently breathe in counting to four – 1, 2, 3, 4… . Now, hold your breath for the next four counts. Then, breathe out (exhale) slowly for four counts. Hold your breath for four counts. Do this cycle about 4–5 times.

This is called box breathing, because each of the four parts of the breathing cycle are of the same length. Not only does this exercise regulate your breath for singing, but it can also help you feel calm when you are angry or agitated.

What is Dhwani?

Dhwani is sound. We hear so many sounds around us. The sound of our friends talking, the chirping of birds, the sound of cars, buses, trains, aeroplanes, the sound of a melodious voice of a musical instrument. These sounds enable us to remain aware of the numerous events unfolding around us.

What is Naada?

Naada is muscial sound. When you hear the noise of traffic or a blaring horn, it may not sound as musical. However, when you hear tuneful music from a muscial instruement or a voice, it has a pleasant sound with a regular and steady pattern of vibration.

Singing sargam/swara patterns is a very good way to warm up our voices and prepare to sing songs. It also helps us improve our pitching.

Here are a few patterns for you to complete and sing.

Every year we have been learning a little more about the two classical music forms of India – Carnatic and Hindustani.

Carnatic Music

Let us learn two geethams, which are simple Carnatic compositions.

Vara Vina
Raga: Mohana
Tala: Rupaka

Arohanam

S R₂ G₃ P D₂ Ś

Avarohanam

Ś D₂ P G₃ R₂ S

Padumanabha
Ragam: Malahari

Talam: Tishra Jathi Triputa Tala
Composer: Purandara Dasa

Arohanam

S R₁ M₁ P D₁ S

Avarohanam

S D₁ P M₃ G₃ R₁ S

Pallavi

Anu Pallavi

Charanam

Hindustani Music

We will focus on learning Raag Khamaj, through a Bandish.

Bandish

Namana Karu Mai Sada Guru Charana Saba Dukha Harana Bhava Nistarana

Suddha Bhava Dhara Anta Karana Sura Nara Kinnara Vandita Charana

Raga Khamaj

Aroh— S G M P D N Ś

Avroh— Ś N D P M G R S

Pakad— N D, M P D, M G

• Make a practice journal. Mention the date, time, duration, and what you have practised. Keep time for vocal warm-ups and exercises in addition to the compositions. Make a note of how you feel—did something difficult become easier? Did you start something new that felt exciting?
• By maintaining a practice journal, you can chart your progress. If you find a practice journal helpful, try making one for other subjects that you are studying.

Attend a classical music performance near you. If you cannot attend one in person, watch a video of a full concert online.

• Draw a sketch of the stage and performers.
• What instruments are being played?
• Write down the names of the pieces that you heard and any other information you can find out, like the raga or the taal/tala.
• Observe the interactions between the performers on stage, and between the performers and the audience. Write down your observations.

Assessment

Teacher’s observations: