This long-term course starts off with a review of the basic fundamentals, including the identification of all 12 individual swaras/notes and their variations, as well as the identification of taal/rhythm and laya/tempo. Next, Ayesha Mukherjee leads students in vocal strength training aimed at improving voice quality and endurance through advanced exercises. Students will also learn simple and complex songs in Hindi with notation and taal, bhajans and bandishes in different ragas, as well as improvisation and elaboration of the characteristics of each raaga. Students may also learn the vocal styles of thumri, dadra and khayal, if they choose.

About the teacher: Ayesha Mukherjee is a highly-trained and talented vocalist in Hindustani classical and semi-classical music. Mukherjee is a student of Shri Deborshee Bhattacharya and has previously trained under Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty and Pandit Ritesh Mishra of the Benaras Gharana tradition. With a history of prestigious awards and performances beginning from a young age, she is a renowned classical exponent in India. Mukerjee’s teaching style emphasises the technical and scientific, believing musical ability lies in the fundamentals. She says music to her is a clear picture and she strives to help her students build this ability to visualize the picture.