Hindustani Classical Music

Hindustani Classical Music is one of the oldest styles of music in the world. It originated in the Northern part of India, and is still sung today.

Personal Connection: I have been learning Hindustani Classical Music since the age of 4. It is one of the best ways to keep a connection to my Indian culture. Taking out a little time as often as I can to practice it would clear my mind and allow me to just focus in the moment. It gave me a chance to take a break from everything else.  Currently I am in my 5th year of learning it even though I have been learning for almost 8 years. To learn more difficult and challenging ragas I have to take an exam to show how well I know previous ragas and information about music. My theory part consists of learning about the origins of this type of music, along with its founders and those who have spread it. The style of music is devoted to the god Saraswati who is the god of music. Another part of theory is knowing key words, that help with information of the raga. Each raga gives its own feel and whether it should be sung during a certain phase of the day or night.  Each raga has its own characteristics that help define it. A raga example is Rag Malhar. Supposedly when this rag is sung with a great deal of emotion, it can bring rain.