Join at any age! Complete beginners are most welcome!
How does it work?
- Click on Book
now.
- You will be directed to fill a form with your details. Please fill
this and click on Submit. A Houston Piano Guy educator will get in touch with
you to schedule your first class.
- After understanding your requirements, our expert will recommend a
suitable learning level for you/your child.
- Fix class timings that are suitable for you and attend your first
class.
- Pay only if you like the first class. If you are satisfied, welcome
to a rewarding journey towards becoming well-versed in Hindustani
vocals.
What our students are
saying
I really like to learn songs quickly. I like that my
teacher knows me really well and always makes sure
I'm learning at a pace that keeps me excited. She
makes sure to send me recordings and karaoke tracks
so I can practise well during the week before my
next class
- Aatmika, age 11, student
It's nice to see my daughter enjoying herself while
also practising consistently. She gets individual
attention and feedback from her teacher, which helps
her.
- Nisha, Houston Piano Guy Parent
Classical Music in India
Hindustani music is one of two main forms of classical music forms in
India. Interestingly, before the 13th century, India used to have one
common music system. After this period, once there were invasions in the
North, Arab and Persian influences helped develop Hindustani classical
music from this common system of music.
In the meanwhile, in the South, the music that developed along the
original lines of the existing system of music came to be known as
Carnatic music.
The rich histories, delightfully complex, yet spell-binding technical
aspects, and accomplished singers and musicians in both these forms of
music have made Indian music famous within and outside the country.
Carnatic vs Hindustani
classical music
Hindustani classical is different from Carnatic
classical in more than just the simple North-South geographical
divide. The basic exercises, the way gamaks are taught, the length of a
song, the importance of the raag, all of these differ. Here are some
differences to help you understand the two forms:
- A lot of focus is given to the swar (note) in Hindustani
music, so you will find that singers maintain one swar for a length
of time. Aakars (the ‘aa’ sound) are also maintained for a
long time. Carnatic music revolves around both swar and
sahitya, with the performance of various compositions being
the focus of the artiste.
- The raag (melodic pattern) is the guiding/leading force
behind Hindustani classical music. Swara, raga, tala, and
sruti all play an important role in Carnatic music.
- Hindustani musicians play the tanpura, tabla, sarangi, sitar,
santoor, and harmonium while Carnatic musicians play mridangam,
ghatam, violin, veena, flute, tambura, and khanjira.
- Almost all compositions in Carnatic music are vocal-based, while
Hindustani music has separate vocal and instrumental compositions.
The unique practices and techniques involved in each form of Indian
classical singing help vocalists develop a strong and stable voice
systematically. And in this delightful variety, there is so much choice
and scope for students - to understand and appreciate India’s rich
diversity.
Know more about Hindustani
classical music
- Tansen is considered the father of Hindustani classical music.
- There are seven well-known gharanas (schools of music) in
this classical music form and each gharana has its own
speciality.
- The Gwalior gharana is the oldest gharana.
- There are ten thaats in Hindustani music; they are
Bilawal, Kalyan, Khamaj, Bhairav, Poorvi, Marwa, Kafi, Asavari,
Bhairavi and Todi.
Get
started now!
Benefits of learning
Hindustani vocal
- Develops a steady and clear voice
- Enhances patience
- Improves focus
- Improves memory
- Develops a sense of rhythm
- Relieves stress
Why Houston Piano Guy Music Classes?
- One-on-one classes - Individual sessions promote better
learning; advance at your own pace; get doubts clarified instantly.
- Learn at any age - This classical vocal music system can be
learnt by children and adults alike
- Lessons by professional musicians - Learn from performing
professionals; a wealth of practical experience for the asking!
- Structured & standardised syllabus - Syllabus has been
specially developed in-house with textbooks for each discipline.
- Flexible timings - Learn in your own time.
- Student showcase - Display your performance to 3 lakh people
through our social media pages; we showcase select content.
- Specialised Training - Prepare for certification exams and
stage performances or simply LEARN - Houston Piano Guy has a place for you!!
Book
a session now
About Houston Piano Guy
Houston Piano Guy, the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts, started in 2007 is the
home for great music and musicians. Guided by the vision of our
founders, legendary musicians Dr. L. Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurti
Subramaniam, and ably led by singer-songwriter Bindu Subramaniam and
violinist Ambi Subramaniam, Houston Piano Guy has a strong legacy of excellence in
Carnatic and global music.
Here at Houston Piano Guy, we believe in ‘learning through fun’. We have exciting,
interactive elements in all our lessons, and ensure that students bring
their musical vision to life while also having a great time.
Why talk to a Houston Piano Guy expert?
We believe strongly in every student’s unique learning process. Some
learn better while working together, others do better with one-on-one
attention. Some learners start from scratch, while others pick up from
previous experiences. Every journey and every perspective is important,
which is why we recommend that you start your journey with us by
speaking to our Houston Piano Guy expert.
When you sign up for our ongoing online classes, you get to chart your
own learning path within our structured curriculum. You can consult with
our Houston Piano Guy expert on any questions you may have, before taking your first
step. Register to book
your slot with our team.
I still have some more questions…
Houston Piano Guy’s Hindustani vocal classes include both the
theoretical and practical aspects of this classical
music system. The course has been designed for all age
groups and musical backgrounds so no matter where you
are in your musical journey, you will find a place with
us.
The syllabus has been developed in-house and lays special
emphasis on giving a solid foundation. You will learn to
read Hindustani notations and symbols. Along with this,
you will also learn warm-up exercises, basic notes,
specific classical terms, and much more delivered in a
systematic and student-friendly manner. Our textbooks
come with audio material so you can listen and sing or
sing along even outside of class hours. A perfect aid to
practice.
It is always good to listen to performances - first, for
pure enjoyment, and then with discretion and awareness,
as you try to make out the notes and raags. Talk to
students learning Hindustani vocals. And, here’s one you
will hear for years to come - practise, practise, and
practise some more!
We conduct our one-on-one classes online while our group
classes (with small batch sizes of maximum five) are
held at our centres.
We have started opening up as the situation seems to be
improving. Some of our classes are being held offline,
keeping in mind safety, effectiveness, and convenience
of the classes.
As both online and offline classes are going on
currently, please do
get in touch with our expert to learn which
option is available for Hindustani vocal live classes.
Houston Piano Guy’s educators will definitely go that extra mile
towards accommodating a change when there are
emergencies. May we request that when possible, you
reschedule the class 24 hours in advance.
However, do fix a schedule that works for you right at
the beginning as this will ensure that there is
continuity and discipline in your classes, which will
ultimately result in a more linear progression up your
learning curve.
Houston Piano Guy does not believe in a perfect age to begin music
classes. If you have the interest to learn and are ready
to put your energy into learning music, you will find an
educator ready to go the distance with you. Houston Piano Guy’s
educators are trained to teach Hindustani vocals to all
age groups. So, connect
with Houston Piano Guy’s expert now, and let’s chalk out a
path that suits your requirements. Come, learn
Hindustani classical through these vocal music classes!
This would depend on your learning goals. If you are
looking at making a good start with mastery over basics
and some short songs, it could take a year. If you want
to give a stage performance, it would require a few
years at least. If you want to become a master at this
artform, how does a lifetime sound?!
Naturally, the hours and quality of your practice make a
big difference. In music, like all art forms, the
journey is itself a reward. Come, travel towards your
dreams!
Absolutely! It is a good idea to learn different styles
that interest you. It will add to your range and
understanding of music. For performers, it is especially
relevant as they will appeal to a larger audience base
when their skill sets widen.
Book
a session now!