Indian Hindustani Classical Vocals Certification
Level 1 — Initial Basic (Foundation in Rāga & Swara)
To establish Indian classical voice culture, swara purity, basic raga recognition and time discipline through foundational Hindustani ragas.
Practical syllabus (Hindustani classical voice)
Voice culture & technique
- Correct sitting posture (traditional)
- Relaxed jaw, neck and shoulders
- Natural diaphragmatic breathing
- Sustained tone without strain
Swara foundation
- Shadja (Sa) as tonal centre
- Clarity of shuddha swaras
- Ascending and descending swara patterns
- Singing with tanpura / drone
Rāga study (6 rāgas)
- Each rāga to be studied with Aroha–Avaroha, basic Pakad, one Bandish and one Sargam Geet
- Suggested level-appropriate rāgas: Bilawal, Yaman, Kafi, Bhupali, Khamaj, Asavari (as per board list)
Laya & tāla
- Introduction to Teentaal
- Clapping and counting mātras
- Singing bandish in tāla with Sam awareness
- Steady laya control
Performance requirement
- Singing of prescribed rāgas as selected by examiner
- Clear swara pronunciation and pitch stability
- Basic rāga identity and tāla discipline
Theory syllabus
Music fundamentals
- Concept of music as organised sound and silence
- Basic idea of swara and sruti
Swara & rāga (conceptual)
- Shuddha swaras and Sa as tonic
- Introduction to the idea of rāga as melodic framework
Tāla & laya
- Role of tāla in Hindustani music
- Basic understanding of Teentaal cycle
Indicative oral prompts – Level 1
Oral / viva prompts
- Name the four strings of the tanpura.
- What is Sa?
- What is swara shuddhi?
Level 1 — Practical Examination Only
| Component / Criteria | Marks |
|---|---|
| Swara Shuddhi (Pitch Accuracy) | 30 |
| Raga Identity & Grammar | 25 |
| Tala Awareness (Teentaal) | 15 |
| Voice Culture & Tone Quality | 15 |
| Bandish & Sargam Clarity | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
Pass Criteria: Minimum 50%
Note: Candidate may sing any 4–6 ragas from prescribed list. Tanpura/drone mandatory. No alap required (optional short phrases allowed). Notation NOT required.