Activities

• Singing North Indian Raag: Sing through the raag assigned in the "Explore" section above. A selection of these raag are provided in the anthology (and as a PDF here). Use sargam syllables as you sing. After you sing each raag, listen to the selected raag performance on the website and try to sing back excerpts of the performance using sargam syllables. 

• Singing in Raag Megh: Review the transcription (see p. 117) and recording of Vidyadhar Vyas's performance of Raag Megh from the pre-class reading. Discuss the characteristics and sounds of the raag and the types of ornamentation that Vyas incorporates into his performance. Sing the ascending-descending raag and melodic outline on p. 116 of the reading, then listen to the recording of the performance on p. 117 again. Sing along with the recording using the syllables. 

  • • See the "Additional Resources" section of the anthology for more examples of compositions with recorded performances. 

• Transcription of Raag Yaman: See if you can transcribe the pitches only in the bandish (composition) in Raag Yaman, "Piya Ki Najariya Jadu Bhari." Begin by listening to the first phrase a few times. Then, go on to the second. Make a list of the pitches you hear without considering the rhythm. Is there extensive use of the vadi and samvadi? Can you identify any chalan?

• Transcription of Makam Rast: Try your hand at transcribing "Rast Saz emaisi," by Tatyos Efendi. As with the Raag Yaman example, focus only on the pitches, and not on the rhythm. Are you able to hear any of the ajnas?