Using multimedia technology to teach North Indian vocal music (2011)
The tradition of music education in Hindustani (North Indian) classical music known as the “guru-sishya parampara,” is a unique system of transmitting musical knowledge, which can be trace back to the Vedic period (1st-6th centuries BCE). The terms guru (mentor/master), sishya (pupil/disciple) and parampara (tradition) collectively refer to an oral tradition that transmits the art/music through a preceptor. In India it is the basis of transmission for all art forms and embodies the living and learning relationship between master and disciple in both formal and informal learning settings. Although the guru-sishya parampara is being supported by variety of institutional setting in India and abroad, currently many gurus (instructors) are employing multimedia technologies for teaching music. These technologies include interactive DVDs, websites, and most prominently video conferencing primarily through “skype.” Indian classical music requires face-to-face interaction between pupil and student. The use of skype facilitates learning in diverse geographical locations, as it is often difficult for students to find competent gurus outside (and even within) India. However, skype lessons require greater use of written materials and fixed lesson plans. Multimedia technologies do not replace traditional learning systems, but have great potential for the teaching and learning of many styles of music throughout the world.
Teaching information
North Indian Classical music is prevalent throughout the North, West and Eastern regions of India as well as in the neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Languages used in compositions
The North Indian classical music compositions are in written in several north Indian languages and dialects such as Hindi, Braj, Marwari, Bhojpuri, Khariboli, Punjabi and Bengali etc.,
Teaching materials:
Usually basic music lessons for HM/North Indian Classical music follow a standardized system from Bhatkhande Kramik Pustak Malika (six volume set containing Raga composition with notation and descriptions).
Content of lesson
1. Basic vocal exercises for voice culture by teaching the notes of a Raga
2. Graduated series of vocal exercises for various embellishments, improvisation techniques, and to increase vocal range and flexibility.
3. Reading and learning to sing from notation
4. Learning to sing in tala, intricate nuances of tala or rhythmic cycles, and rendering of raga and tala as bandish (composition) by oral demonstration.
5. Learning to elaborate with technical details like Alap (non-rhythmic verses) , taan (rapid melodic improvisation) etc.,
Utpola Borahis an Ethno-musicologist, Educationist and Cultural Archivist and Performer of Hindustani Classical Music. She has made important contributions to the discipline from the time she started her Doctoral research at the University of Delhi. Utpola has done an extensive study on “Bihu songs of Assam” which has found expression in her book, “Bihu Festival of Assam-Music, Dance & Performance” published by B.R. Rhythms, Dehli (2005). Her experience in the Archives and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology (ARCE) has earned her recognition in the field of Ethnomusicology and in other areas of Cultural studies like Folklore, Anthropology and Performing arts of India. Utpola has worked as a Course Writer, Content editor and Expert for the PG Diploma in Folklore and Cultural Studies in the School of Interdisciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. She has presented lectures and given demonstrations at International and National seminars and conferences in India and USA. Utpola is aneminent Hindustani (North India) Classical vocalist. She has been trained extensively in the traditional “Gurukul” system and is an accomplished performer.