Can anyone start singing lessons? What should I start with, Hindustani, Carnatic or Western? How often should I practice? How do I increase my voice range?
What should I start with, Hindustani, Carnatic or Western vocals?
Let me give you a glimpse of each so that you can take the decision yourself.
Carnatic Music
This is a type of Indian Classical Music which has originated from South India. This music is said to have evolved from ancient Hindu Traditions and is still untouched by outside influence. Mridangam and Violin are general accompaniment with carnatic music. Violin is of european origin, but it goes well with the gamakas of carnatic music. Gamakas is a smooth transition from one swara to another swara.
Carnatic Music lesson starts all the way from Sarala varisais (different patterns of swaras) and Alankarams (advanced level of swara patterns) to Keerthanams and Krithis (devotional composition in praise of god)
Hindustani Music
Hindustani Music is another form of Indian Classical Music. Unlike Carnatic Music, hindustani music is said to have some islamic influence in them. Hindustani Music have different variation in different parts of India.
In Hindustani lessons, students are initially taught 12 diferent swars and further taught different taals and raags.
Hindustani music has components such as Taalas, Raagas similar to Carnatic music but there are some minor variations but the base is the same for both genres of music.
In Hindustani music, there is more focus on the raag alaaps and in Carnatic music lyrics or sahitya are given more importance.
Western Music
We can understand western music by comparing with Indian music.
In Indian classical music, the focus is on largely on creating melodies using a sequence of notes, also called raga. Here the focus is on vocals and other instruments are just accompaniment. Western music is polyphonic in nature and largely a combination of multiple melodies. The instruments also provide melodies and is a key part of the composition. Western composition can be written down using notations and can be reproduced exactly.
In Indian music, the composition is not formally written down, but is passed down from guru (teacher) to shishya (student). Since there the composition is not formally written down, there is lots of scope for improvisation. In western music, the composition is formally written down leaving no scope for improvisation. However, you may be creative, but you have to write down your creation so that it can be reproduced.
Indian music is largely individual performance, while others provide accompaniments. However western music performance is mostly a group effort.
Regardless of these differences, all of these forms of music help improve your voice, help you understand and appreciate music. So you still cannot make a decision, toss a coin.
Can anyone start singing lessons?
The answer to this question is an ABSOLUTE YES. It is a misconception among most of us the singing is an in born talent and hence, not all of us can sing. This is not true at all. Singing is like learning any other skill (like playing guitar, learning a sport or painting). You just need to learn it the right way using different vocal techniques and training your muscles, breathing and all the vowels right.
How do I increase my voice range?
To increase your voice range you must find out your present vocal range. Next you must practice several vocal exercises (like the lip thrill and trying not to tighten your neck while singing higher or lower octaves ) along with your daily practice session. This will help in strengthening your vocal cords and prevent the chances of any injury when you practice too high or too low pitches which are beyond your vocal range.
How often should you practice?
The process of learning music will not be complete without practice. If you are a beginner, you can start with 20 to 30 minutes everyday. As you proceed, you can increase the length of your practice session to an hour.
Make sure you don’t practice continuously for more than an hour as this might strain your vocal cords. In case you want to practice for long hours, you must take short breaks.
