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Introduction to North Indian Classical Music

10-week Short Course

Overview

This 10-week in-person course will focus on introducing students to the art and tradition of North Indian Classical Music.

Throughout the course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts of melody (raag) and rhythm (taal) in this rich musical tradition. The course will cover both theoretical aspects and practical applications, including an introduction to the various instruments used in Indian classical music, as well as key elements of composition and improvisation.

Students will explore the structure of rhythm in North Indian Classical music, learn how to count and recognize different taals, and develop an appreciation for the nuances of melody through the study of raags. Additionally, the course will provide insights into the cultural and historical context that shaped this musical genre.

A unique aspect of this course is the hands-on experience students will get with traditional Indian classical instruments. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with and play instruments such as the Tabla, Jori-Pakhawaj, and Tanpura, gaining practical insight into their unique sounds, playing techniques, and roles in ensemble performances.

This course is ideal for anyone with an interest in Indian classical music, whether you have little to no prior knowledge or are looking to deepen your understanding of this unique art form.

By the end of this course, students should understand:

  • The structure of taal and how rhythm is counted in North Indian Classical music
  • The key elements of raags and how they are used in compositions and improvisations
  • The historical and cultural context of North Indian Classical music
  • The characteristics, playing techniques, and roles of traditional instruments like the Tabla, Jori-Pakhawaj, Tanpura, and other classical instruments
  • How to develop a deeper appreciation for the music through listening, analysis, and hands-on instrument experience.

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Contact us
If you have any questions about this course before you book it, please get in touch with us at shortcourses@rcs.ac.uk.

The important details

Age:
16+

Cost:
£170

Date:
20 January 2025 - 24 March 2025

Time:
Mondays, 7pm - 8:30pm

Venue:
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, 100 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G2 3DB


Course Information

Students are encouraged to bring water with them. We request that no valuable belongings are brought to the classes and mobile phones are switched off except during breaks.

Students should dress in comfortable clothing and a notebook to take notes.

This course is suitable for students aged 16+, with an interest in Indian classical music, whether you have little to no prior knowledge or are looking to deepen your understanding of this unique art form. Students should be keen to learn and plan to attend all classes.

Hardeep Deerhe

This course will run in-person on Mondays evenings for 10-weeks from 20 January – 24 March 2025, 7:00pm – 8:30pm.

 


Further Information

We want to ensure as many children, young people and adult learners as possible can access the performing and production arts education that is offered through Short Courses at RCS. Financial support options available for Short Courses include:

Agnes Allan Bursary

Agnes Allan was a teacher, passionate about inclusion, and this bursary scheme exists to offer support to students to participate in the performing or production arts.

The Agnes Allan Bursary provides some support to students who may require financial assistance to take part in a short course in dance, drama, music, production or screen.

Anyone who wishes to take part in our Short Courses and faces a financial barrier can apply for bursary support to help meet the cost of tuition fees.

James McAvoy Drama Scholarships

BAFTA-winning and Golden Globe nominated actor James McAvoy is committed to nurturing the creative potential of young Scots who experience barriers to access and participate in drama at RCS Short Courses.

James is a graduate of the BA Acting programme at RCS and Patron of the Junior Conservatoire of Drama. The Glasgow-born actor has funded the new James McAvoy Drama Scholarships to enable young people to experience the world-class drama training at RCS as he did.

The scholarship aims to support applicants who would otherwise find meeting the cost of tuition fees at RCS a barrier to accessing pre-Higher Education drama training at the Royal Conservatoire.

You can find more information about these funds on our Financial Support page.

We run various promotional offers for our Short Courses and Summer Schools. You can view our current offers on our Promotional Offers page.

You should contact us at shortcourses@rcs.ac.uk to request your discount code before booking a course.

Please note, only one promotional offer can be applied per course and should be used at the time of booking as we are unable to apply a discounts retrospectively.

Please see our Short Course FAQs for more information about all aspects of choosing, booking and attending your course.

Please see our Short Courses – Terms and Conditions for more information about your contract with Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and Cancellation and Refund policies.

Sign up to our mailing list to receive the latest updates of courses, offers and news from Short Courses. You can do this by completing this short online form found here.

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credit-rated@rcs.ac.uk

Bursary and Scholarship
bursaryscholarship@rcs.ac.uk