Hello and welcome to Surschool!   Indian Classical Music has always been an integral part of my life.   I have been learning Hindustani Classical Vocal music for over 12 years.   In 2015, I received my Sangeet Visharad degree (Bachelor's of Hindustani Classical Vocal Music) with Distinction from Bangiya Sangeet Parishad, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, India.

I've been incredibly fortunate to train under my guru, Smt. Rina Basu, disciple of Pandit Vinayak Torvi and Dr. Amiya Ranjan Banerjee.   As I continue my musical journey, I would like to share this divine art form with the world through teaching and inspire more people to explore the magical dimensions that Hindustani Classical music brings to your life.

If you're wondering why you should learn classical music, I've got some compelling reasons.   One, it is the purest and among the oldest forms of music from which all other genres arise.   Two, the fantastic power of raags can take you and your audience on a roller coaster of emotions.   A raag such as Malkauns can make you feel invincible and a raag such as Todi might make you search the depths of your soul for the meaning of existence.   One of my favorite things about Hindustani "Khayal" music in particular is the sheer opportunity available to create boundlessly.   Its a perfect outlet to express yourself.    Finally, I believe that it can bring you inner peace because it does for me.    In today's world, where everyone is always stressed and trying to find happiness, music can be that oasis.

Some of My Past Performances
Raag Malkauns
Raags Maru Bihag, Bahar and Megh Malhar
Raag Sohini
About My Guru

Smt. Rina Basu is a graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan (India National Television).   She received her Sangeet Alankar with First Position at the India National level from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Mumbai and a Masters in Hindustani Music from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata.

The Surschool Teaching Methodology

I believe in laying a solid foundation of sur and taal.   Lesson plans are structured and systematic, adhering to the Bangiya Sangeet Parishad (Rabindra Bharati University) syllabus.   One of my primary goals is to instill confidence in the student, enabling them to sing in front of any audience.   This will also help the student to easily perform with seasoned accompanists.   Hindustani Khayal music inherently allows a musician to express their creativty and individuality.   This method of instruction is designed to bring out each student's unique talents.

Beginner Level Focus:
  1. The first step will be to develop the student's Swar Gyan, or knowledge of the 12 notes in Hindustani classical music. Vocal training exercises, called Palta (or sometimes Alankar), in Raag Bilawal will be taught first as they are the foundations to building this familiarity with the placement of the shuddha swaras.
  2. Raag and Taal structure will be introduced via Raag Bhupali (aka Raag Bhoop). &nbp Commonly used terminology in raag theory will be covered including arohan, avarohan, vadi, samvadi, pakad, etc.   This first iteration of Bhoop will familiarize the student with the raag through aalap, a chota khayal bandish and raag development through aalap and taan
  3. Other fundamental raags will be introduced including Raag Yaman, Raag Bilawal, Raag Kafi Raag Bhairav, Raag Khamaj.   Raags taught will include one or more chota khayal bandishes and may include a lakshan geet, tarana, etc.
  4. The student will be gradually exposed to creating their own aalap to fit correctly within the structure of a bandish set to madhyalaya (medium tempo) teentaal (16 beat cycle).
Intermediate Level Focus:
  1. Once a student has a solid understanding of the basics and has a comfortable grasp on sur and taal, they will be introduced to Bada Khayal.   This will start off with teaching the student the vilambit (very slow tempo) ektaal (12 beat cycle).
  2. The first Bada Khayal taught will be in Raag Bhoop.   The student will learn how to create aalap on their own to fit to the vilambit taal cycle.
  3. Intermediate raags will be introduced including Asawari, Jaunpuri, Bihag, Bageshri, Bhimpalasi, Vrindavani Saarang, Des, Alhaiya Bilawal.   Some of these will include a Bada Khayal.