Pandit Bhimsen Joshi once remarked, “Learning classical music is like transforming your voice into an instrument capable of rendering any melody with perfection.” In the world of khayal, his mastery was unmatched. Yet, he did not confine himself to that genre alone—his repertoire spanned film songs, bhajans, abhangas, thumris, Marathi bhavgeet, natya sangeet, patriotic numbers and many more forms. This versatility and excellence were the results of years of rigorous classical training and disciplined practice.
Whatever genre you aspire to sing—be it Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, modern songs, folk tunes, or devotional pieces—learning classical music will refine your pitch, control and vocal depth. Singing is an art, and the beauty and grace of that art rest on a strong foundation. Just as a building stands firmly on solid pillars, a singer’s voice, knowledge of notation, and precision in rhythm and tempo rest on the foundation of classical music.
The core discipline of classical music is swar sadhana—the practice of mastering notes. This involves accurate pronunciation of each note, maintaining a perfect balance between softness and intensity, and controlling one’s breath. Without these skills, even a beautifully composed melody may reveal imperfections to the listener. Pitch control is the soul of singing, and acquiring it requires classical training.
Rhythm (taal) and tempo (lay) form another essential pillar of classical music. If a singer slips out of rhythm, the beauty of the song is lost. Classical training teaches how to maintain tempo, where to pause, and when to extend a note. Without such knowledge, performing compositions with complex structures becomes almost impossible.
Moreover, classical music expands vocal range, builds the stamina to sing for extended periods, and allows effortless transitions between high and low registers. This enables a singer to perform classical, modern, patriotic, or folk songs with equal skill. It is much like an athlete’s fitness training—the stronger the foundation, the easier it is to excel in any form.
Many people mistakenly believe that classical music is confined to the traditional or ‘pure’ forms alone. In reality, it serves as a training bedrock for every genre of music. The more adept an artist becomes in classical music, the more controlled, melodious, and versatile their voice becomes. It is therefore safe to say that, regardless of the genre, learning classical music is not merely important—it is an indispensable part of a singer’s artistic journey.
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