Understanding the Fundamentals of Hindustani Classical Music

Appreciation Workshop by Pushkar Lele

Have you always wanted to learn about Indian Classical Music but did not know where to start? Have you wanted to be an informed listener of Indian music and get to know its nuances better?
This unique workshop offers a special opportunity for music loving adults/students and working professionals to familiarize themselves with the basic terminology of Indian Classical Music and its different musical forms. The workshop aims at introducing them to the basic concepts of performance and aesthetics.
This workshop throws light on various aspects of North Indian Classical Music for an audience who may be un-initiated or has some exposure and is eager to know it in greater details. The workshop is meant to engage the participants to critically and objectively demystify the basics of North Indian Classical Music and tries to seek in the context of changing times, a new meaning appropriate to what has come down from tradition.
This workshop has been successfully conducted at various venues in Pune, NCPA, Mumbai, Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, Bangalore and Stanford University, USA
Schedule and Contents
Session One (10 am – 1 pm)
1. A brief overview of the five categories of music; it’s variety and features
2. Introduction to basic notes, Saptak, Samvad
3. Concept of Raga
4. Concept of Laya – Tala
5. Concept of Bandish
6. Techniques of Elaboration

Session Two (2 pm – 5 pm)
1. Forms in Classical Music
2. A typical contemporary performance of classical music; audience etiquettes
3. Accompanying instruments and their role
4. Raga-Ras (aesthetic emotion) relation, Raga-samay (time) relation
5. Gharanas (Schools of thought) and their contribution/characteristics
6. Summing up, Q & A

The workshop is designed to combine instruction with demonstration and listening to audio/video recordings. Along with audio-visual media, the participants would be given printed/digital notes and AV content to further their understanding of the complexities of North Indian Classical Music.
About Pushkar Lele:
Pushkar is one of India’s leading young and sought-after classical vocalists. A rigorous study of more than two decades with renowned and able Gurus like Pt. Gangadharbua Pimpalkhare, Shri. Vijay Koparkar, Pt. Vijay Sardeshmukh and Pt. Satyasheel Deshpande has enriched Pushkar with a rich fund of knowledge. He holds a Master’s Degree in Music from Lalit Kala Kendra (Centre for Performing Arts), University of Pune and is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and scholarships. He has performed at many prestigious music stages all over India and has been to USA, Australia, Belgium, Netherlands, Singapore and UAE for concert tours.

Workshop Details:
Participants: Anyone who is interested in India Classical Music. Age no bar!
Language: The workshop is conducted in English, but can also be conducted in Marathi and Hindi