Naadrass – Immersive Raga & Conscious Musicianship Workshop

Experience four days of pure bliss with an immersive workshop on the enchanting melodies of North Indian Classical Music. Delve into the fundamentals and advanced levels of rāgas (melodic forms), tālas (rhythm cycles), rhythmic phrasing, vocal and instrumental styles, training methods, musicality, performance aesthetics, and universal concepts of music – all through the lens of classical repertoire.

This workshop is designed for students of all instruments and levels who possess a deep interest in learning music. Immerse yourself in practical singing and interactive discussions with fellow music enthusiasts. Whether a beginner or an experienced musician, you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation and understanding of this captivating genre. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the rich heritage of North Indian Classical Music and unlock your musical potential.

Topics Covered

Swar sadhana – Type of notes, breathing exercise, vocal dynamics, vocal movement, the concept of alankar, understanding the tanpura, Harmonium, and tabla.

Laya sadhana – understanding the role of time in music, principles of rhythm and counting, practices to develop and deepen the intuitive sense of rhythm, concepts of taal, types of taal, ang of taal, layakari. Tāla (rhythm cycle) – understanding the cyclic treatment of time in Indian music through the concept of tāla, and learning the bols or alphabets of taal

Rāga sadhana – the central concept of all Indian classical music. Understanding the intricacies and nuances of this phenomenon that makes Indian music so special, and learning to sing, improvise and communicate with a rāga in line with the principles of the Hindustani classical music tradition.

Bandish (composition) – combining the various rhythmic and melodic frameworks studied with application to poetry in the form of a composed musical piece in Hindustani music. The aesthetic sense in music.

Baithak – An immersive music experience, where you’ll sit with a renowned guest artists and experience their sadhna. To enrich this workshop further, we are inviting incredible artists from the Indian classical music field, including sitar, flute, vocal, and tabla recitals. Their performances every evening will elevate your learning and take it to a whole new level. Get ready for an unforgettable musical journey!

Indian Music is an ancient art form that holds the power to take you on a profound inner journey. It is not merely for entertainment but a gateway to explore the depths of your soul and connect with your innermost self.

This retreat is exclusively intended for committed and serious participants. Please thoroughly read and complete the form with utmost care. As the availability of seats is limited, we aim to accommodate dedicated participants who are fully committed to this workshop.

Who is this workshop for?

1. Basic or intermediate level singers and instrumentalists eager to hone their skills.

2. Music enthusiasts with a profound love for Indian music, craving to explore their musical talents.

3. Individuals from diverse music genres, captivated by the allure of Hindustani classical music.

4. Beginners embarking on their musical quest, guided by expert mentors.

5. Aspiring singers of bandish, bhajans, and mantras, seeking the healing power of music.

6. Sound therapists and healers are fascinated by the therapeutic potential of melodies.

7. Seekers of inner peace and serenity, finding solace through the artistry of music.

8. Curious minds intrigued by the fundamental elements of music and its profound impact.

9. People who want to learn Harmonium or any Instrument

What we are offering:

1. Engaging in daily sessions of 4-6 hours (in two sessions), embracing theoretical discussions, practical singing exercises, breath work, and voice refinement.

2. Unravel the mysteries of Hindustani music, exploring swaras, taal, and laya, while refining your mindful listening skills.

3. Immerse in the enchanting aesthetics of raags, discovering the profound beauty within their melodies.

4. Daily practices to effortlessly incorporate music into your daily life, fostering a harmonious balance.

5. Lively Q&A discussions, sharing knowledge and insights with fellow participants.

6. Embrace the joy of singing together, harmonizing in a mesmerizing musical journey.

7. Special baithak sessions with renowned artists, deepening your understanding and amplifying the impact of the workshop.

Program Objectives:

After this program, the participants will be able to-Gain an entry point into understanding as well as practicing the Indian classical music tradition through the various learning modules-Explore the Indian music swar laya and taal-Obtain an overview of the various elements of Hindustani classical music, and develop a holistic understanding & appreciation for the genre-Achieve a continued immersion into the practice of Indian classical music through takeaway practice exercises and modules that can be implemented at multiple levels of training

Join us on this enlightening musical odyssey, where you’ll not only unravel the beauty and depth of Hindustani classical music but also embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery through the power of melodies.

Please note that seats are limited to 15 participants, After submitting the form, a detailed email with further instructions will be provided.

Everyone, with or without prior training, is welcome to join, and the workshop will be conducted in English, with Hindi support available if needed.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in making this retreat a resounding success.

Kindly note that the timings mentioned are tentative and subject to change. Participants will receive the exact and finalized schedule after submitting the forms.

Please take note that the announcement of the artist for the baithak will be made at a later date.

Apart from the baithak, we have planned several exciting sessions, which may include film screenings of documentaries on Indian classical music. These screenings will be followed by engaging discussions, tailored to the interests of the participants.

We will ensure that you have all the necessary information to plan and make the most of this workshop. Looking forward to having you with us for this incredible musical journey!

About Faculty

Naman has been associated with music; practicing, performing & teaching; for the past 16 years. He holds multiple degrees and diplomas from Ambedkar University, Delhi; Gandharva Mahavidyalaya; Indira Kala University and the University of Delhi. Completing his graduation & music diploma from one of the reputed music schools of Hindustani classical music, Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi; where he got the blessings to learn from many different Gurus. His master’s degree is in Performance Study and his area of research was on the ‘pedagogy of music’. Naman has got the grateful opportunity to work in India and abroad with great musicians and with different colleges and institutions like IIT Bombay, Tibetian Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), JSS Spiritual and culture center, Deer Park Institute, Bir; Sambhavana Institute, Svaram (Aurovillec. sharing his fruitful taste & cognisance about Hindustani Music vis-a-vis workshops, classes, and performances by bringing forth people from diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds and co-creating a space for mutual discovery, re-discovery, and exchange of musical experience.More about Naman- Namansmusic.org

See highlights from previous editions here: Bhaithaks, Cohert 2024, Cohert 2023

To register, please fill out the Google form provided below. Please note that registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis, so don’t miss out on securing your spot in this incredible 7-day journey of Hindustani classical music. The Google form will contain more detailed information, so kindly read it carefully to ensure you have all the necessary details for this enriching experience.

Google form – Register Here   https://forms.gle/dYsfWbcNV5yvSV7q9

For information or any inquiries, please feel free to email us at Nadarasfoundation@gmail.com  or namansmusic@mail.com  whats app = +919999150322 for prompt assistance. 

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Schedule and curriculum of the retreat

A Four-Day Deep Dive into Swar, Raga & Taal

The workshop is divided into two daily sessions:

• Morning Sessions focus on the foundations of sound — swar awareness, voice culture, and rhythmic grounding.

• Evening Sessions are dedicated to immersive exploration of one raga through the oral traditional method, gradually unfolding its depth over four days.

We journey deeply into a single raga, allowing it to reveal itself layer by layer.

Tuesday, 10th March

Swar – Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Welcome & participant introductions

• Orientation to the workshop journey

• Entering the world of Swar (notes)

• Foundational listening and tonal awareness

Raga – Evening (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

• Introduction to the chosen raga

• Understanding its structure and emotional landscape

• Exploration of key phrases (pakad)

• Beginning the oral learning process

Wednesday, 11th March

Swar Dhyan – Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Deepening awareness of swar

• Introduction to voice culture and modulation

• Breath, tone stability, and mindful sound production

Raga Dhyan – Evening (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

• Continuing with the same raga

• Expanding melodic movement

• Introduction to traditional raga ornaments (alankars, meend, gamak)

• Deepening through oral transmission

Thursday, 12th March

Taal – Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Special session with an experienced guest faculty

• Introduction to foundational talas

• Understanding layakari (rhythmic variation and play)

• Experiencing rhythm as awareness

Raga Dhyan – Evening (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

• Learning a traditional composition (bandish)

• Understanding its structure within taal

• Introduction to improvisation

• Developing confidence in melodic expansion

Friday, 13th March

Swar Dhyan – Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Integrating mind, body, and breath through swar

• Deep tonal refinement

• Guided practice framework for continuing your journey

• Self-reflection through sound

Raga Dhyan – Evening (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

• Full raga development: from alaap to composition

• Exploring multiple compositions

• Improvisation within taal

• Introduction to taan (fast melodic passages)

• Experiencing the raga as a complete presentation

Closing Baithak (Optional Evening Gathering)

An intimate baithak-style sharing for participants — a space to experience and celebrate the raga in a traditional listening environment.