Years of studying Indian classical music made me appreciate how your voice can be harnessed not as merely an instrument but as a medium for the art and spirituality of many generations.

In Indian Classical Singing, a vocalist focuses on the mastery of various techniques through the Guru and Shishya system, which is very much unique to Indian music and singing, as opposed to the much more widely known Western styles. 

As a novice of this art, a singer should study the correct methodology of voice training catered for this specific art form to grasp the nuances. This systematic training is done under great professionals in the Hindustani Classical Music Classes in Bangalore.

In the Indian classical tradition, vocal exercises for singing focus on “aalap” (stretching a note for a long time), “gamaka” (developing ornaments in the voice), and “rasa” (emotional singing).

6 Tips for Developing Your Classical Singing Technique

1. Controlling Breath

Breath control is vital for a good classical singer. In Indian Classical Music, a number of breathing exercises focus on diaphragmatic breathing techniques.

Breath control, or its absence, does the following:

• Struggles to hold length on low notes on aalap.
• Test speeds on taans.
• Increases fatigue in the voice.
• Weakens the voice.

Bhastrika bellows breath is where you will start. Sit comfortably on a chair with a backrest. Think of the stomach first. Inhale. Hold your breath. Then force it out through your nostrils.
Anulom-Vilom, or alternate nostril breathing, is perfect for you. Controlled breathing practices can improve respiratory function, as per the Center for Mind-Body Medicine.

2. Gentle Warm-Up

Warming up is as vital as the exercise itself. Skipping warm-up and going straight to practice can do the voice some real gentle damage.

The warm-up:

• Slowly ease the vocal cords to prevent strain.
• Improves flexibility range through the voice.
• Slumps of better control through the first note.
• Increases focus on practice.

The first step is to let the singer ease and slowly become a range warmer. Then you can move straight to the foundation for the next exercises for another 10-15 minutes.

3. Accuracy of Pitch

The ability to hold and control pitch is the easiest way to spot a professional singer. Schri denotes the Indian term for a microtonal pitch. In the West, it’s referred to as a half step.

Benefits of Pitch Control:

• The development of a ‘musical ear.’
• The enhancement of ‘self-belief’ for all forms of performance.
• The easing of the ‘rationing’ for advanced forms of a Raga.
• The production of ‘pure harmony’ that stirs the heart.

Sing with a constant tanpura accompaniment, begin with the tonic (Sa) that you match with the tanpura note. Do interval exercises singing Sa-Ga, Sa-Ma, and Sa-Pa.

“Indian classical music requires controlling subtle pitch and tone changes, which can be learned through constant practice with a drone.”
“Consistent practice with a drone is a common technique for improving pitch accuracy.”
(Berklee College of Music)

4. Engaging the Audience Through Elocution and Performance

Dedicating techniques and mechanics without emotion is pointless. Elocution is the expression of every syllable with the emotional intent of forming a phrase to which a specific nee or gamak and which, to some degree elo incidentally is classical Indian music.

Refined eloquence brings the following benefits:

• The listener can appreciate the verse and melody more.
• The raga’s feeling is conveyed more strongly.
• The connection is stronger and more profound between the audience and the performer.
• The performer’s level of expression is heightened greatly.

The ability to pronounce Sanskrit at a level at which one may be understood is imperative. Elucidation of the consonants in Hindi and Urdu lyrics must be sharp and precise. These consonants should be practiced in front of a mirror to note the mouth configurations and sounds.

5. Integrating New Sounds and Expanding Vocal Range

As with any Ingress, expanded vocal range allows you to explore new rags and new compositions, although this should always be done with caution to avoid damaging the vocal cords.

The benefits of sensible range expansion are the following:

• Sing more complex pieces
• Access to more compositions
• Reduced tension within the comfortable vocal range
• Greater range of artistic expression

Begin with more stepwise octave movements. Over weeks, extend your range by 1–2 notes above the upper limit of your range. Do not repeat the same exercise for excessive durations.

Use of sirens, glides, and vocal exercises from the lowest to the highest notes is particularly useful. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders has good resources on how to maintain vocal health and avoid straining.

6. Hydration Is the Key

Active hydration is often overlooked. Vocal cords, hyper-nasally, should be kept moist, and they require a lubrication layer of mucus in reasonable health for excessive vibration.

Active hydration helps in the following ways:

• Buffers the impact of excess dryness on the vocal cords
• Enhances the flexibility of the vocal cords
• Reduces the chances of hoarseness and vocal fatigue
• Encourages reasonable mucus production and flow
• Improves the clarity of the voice

Sip 8–10 cups just above room temperature: cold water is less ideally suited at hydration. Herbal teas of ginger and tulsi are ideal for vocal cords.

According to Harvard Medical School, adequate hydration improves tissue function. Avoid coffee and alcohol before singing.

Conclusion

We have in voice the explored and practised six fundamentals, each of with techniques that transform consistently. Controlled breath provides voice power. Gentle, easy warm-ups protect your instrument. Pitch accuracy honours the beauty of the tradition.

Emotional phrases are articulated with range expansion. Articulation increases artistic possibilities. Voice is freely hydrated, maintaining your phonatory health. Maintain the traditions of Indian classical singing.

Do the Basics of Voice Training.

Practice solo or take Singing Classes in Bangalore and approach each class with calm determination. Every voice sings untold wonders.

FAQs

What exercises can I do to improve my voice for Indian classical singing?

Practice the Sa-Re-Ga vocal and breathing exercises for at least 45 minutes. I advise working with a Hindustani Classical Music Teacher in Bangalore for customized plans, and practicing daily for 45-60 minutes with breaks.

How long should I practice daily?

Beginner practitioners should take breaks every 30-45 minutes. Intermediate-level practitioners are encouraged to split their practice into 60-90 minute sessions. After years of conditioning, advanced practitioners can practice for 2-3 hours. Take a rest day every week to give your voice a break.

What time of day is best to practice?

Morning practice from 4-6 AM is ideal when the vocal cords are rested, with evening from 6-8 PM as second best. Avoid practice sessions later into the night as fatigue affects the voice. More important than the time of day is the consistency of the practice.

What do I do if my voice cracks while I am singing?

Voice cracks are a sign that you need to relax your body to warm up, that you are straining or that you are dehydrated. Rest and hydrate. Practice proper breathing techniques in Indian classical music. After two weeks have passed and the voice is still hoarse, contact a doctor who specializes in ear, nose, and throat medicine.