Level 1 — Initial Basic (Foundation in Contemporary Indian Singing)

Vocal & body fundamentals

• Understanding the contemporary Indian singing voice
• Natural standing posture
• Body relaxation and tension release
• Jaw, tongue and neck freedom

Breathing & support

• Natural diaphragmatic breathing
• Breath–voice coordination
• Controlled airflow for sustained phrases
• Avoidance of throat tension and breath pushing

Tone production & pitch

• Natural vocal onset
• Balanced chest-dominant tone
• Avoidance of excessive nasality and strain
• Accurate pitch matching within a comfortable range

Exercises & scales

• Major and natural minor scale patterns (comfortable keys)
• Five-note exercises
• Simple arpeggios
• Sustained tone exercises
• Basic agility patterns

Language & style

• Clear pronunciation in Hindi and one regional language (student choice)
• Vowel clarity and consonant articulation
• Introduction to film music and light contemporary styles

Rhythm & performance

• Steady tempo in 4/4 and 3/4
• Singing with metronome or backing track
• Confident solo singing and basic stage awareness

Repertoire

• Two songs: one learner’s choice (Indian film / contemporary) and one technical song (examiner-guided)
• Original song permitted (optional)

Music & voice awareness

• Difference between singing and speaking voice
• Basic pitch awareness and melody–lyrics relationship

Song structure & rhythm

• Basic idea of verse, chorus and antara
• Introduction to pulse and tempo

Vocal health

• Hydration and vocal rest
• Safe warm-ups and cool-downs
• Avoiding vocal strain and healthy practice habits