1. Indian Vocal Music
Lesson 4

2. Perform an Indian folk song
with the correct nuance
(degrees of differences).
Work cooperatively in a
group.
Describe the characteristics
of Indian vocal music.

3. Music is an essential ingredient in the lives
of people in India.
Folk and classical music accompany
various styles of Indian dances.
For Indians, music is a means to get touch
with the Supreme Being.
A song is an apparatus for the
communication and an interaction process
between the worshipper and deity.

4. Through the clear expression of the rasa
or dynamics, the singer feels the
presence of Brahma, the creator.
Vocal music in India is a way to express
deep devotion to God.
It is manifested through the art of
vocalization which becomes more then
just a vocal warm up but an act of
worship.

5. Most of the Indian classical songs of
Northern India are devotional but few are
religiously oriented.
The most notable is the dhun or kirtan for
the Hindus, bhajan, the shabad for Sikho
and the Kawali (qawali) for the Muslims.
Not all Indian music are serious.
Gangal is one style which is known for its
rich romantic and poetic content.

6. The lakshan geet is a style which
is oriented towards musical
education.
Swarmalika is used for pedagogic
purposes. In style, sargam is
used instead of words.

7. Songs of India

8. Hymn to Shiva
It is an example of an Indian song.
There is an English translation of the
words.
The notations are easy to sing.
The flat sign is used before some of the
notes in order to sing with the correct
pitch.

9. It has four measures to the base clef.
It has four beats.
Sing the song and add the drone
accompaniments vocally or on the
piano.
Percussion instruments can also be
used as an accompaniment to add
color to the singing.

10. Tamil Nad
Some Indian songs are used to
describe the scenic beauty of a
particular region in the country.
This song Tamil Nad speaks of the
beauty of the Land of the Tamils.

11. Vijaya
Indian songs are also used to
bid a person farewell.
This song Vijaya means
farewell.

12. Deva – Dasi Dance
This is another Indian composition
which is highly rhythmical.
The flow to the tone and rhythm is
called Tala.
Clapping can be used in case there
are no drums available.

13. Indian Notation
The notations of the songs from India
are classified into two forms:
Asthai (ah-sti)
Antara (Ahn-tak-rah)
The text of the songs is all about
religion.