The Sounds and Ornamentations of Indian Classical Music
Tuesday 13th August 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (London Time)
Indian Classical Music (ICM) is an ancient oral tradition that dates back to around 500 BC. Despite its evolution over the centuries, it has managed to maintain its unique style and cultural significance. Until recently, this style of music has been largely overlooked in voice research. Given the global presence of the Indian community, it is essential for both teachers and singers to understand and learn from this style to better serve Indian students while staying true to the authentic form of the music while also gaining insight on how to diversify and cross-train within your own singing practice. Indian Classical Music is split into two major styles: North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Carnatic). The workshop will primarily focus on Carnatic Music.
This workshop first explores the ‘authentic’ sound of ICM. The questions we will explore are:
- What is the authentic ICM sound? Is there only one?
- What have singers and teachers experienced as the authentic ICM sound quality?
- What the ranges and acoustic features of an authentic sound are, and some ways to train these sounds
Next, you will get an introduction to various vocal ornamentations, which is one of ICM’s key stylistic features. To execute these ornamentations, the singer requires a great deal of vocal agility. Accordingly, we will explore:
- The various types of vocal ornamentations in ICM
- Trying out these ornamentations in your voice
- Ways to train these ornamentations
Finally, we will discuss some of the habits that could hamper the ICM style - what some of the vocal function hurdles are that ICM singers face and how to approach these in a culturally sensitive way.
The workshop will include interactive components, such as singing and listening to ICM singers, and there will be plenty of time for questions.
Samyukta Ranganathan
Samyukta is an award-winning singer of Indian Classical Music (ICM) with an active teaching and performance career in New York City.
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
Monday 6th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 10th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 13th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 17th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday 20th July 2026
7:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 24th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificate in Foundations of Vocology with Adam Roberts
Adam Roberts
This 30-hour Vocology Cohort Intensive provides a comprehensive overview of basic vocal anatomy, physiology, and theories of voice production & perception, fundamentals of vocal health, pathology, evaluation, performance, and habilitation of the speaking and singing voice, and a survey of research, resources, and professional opportunities. Each week, advanced students contribute to cohort-centred learning with additional resources, discussion facilitation, and critical analysis. The course assessment will also be useful for those who wish to prepare for the PAVA recognised designation.
Friday 24th July 2026
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
(London Time)
In Conversation With… Dr Tracy Bourne
Dr Tracy Bourne
Join us for the next conversation in our public interview series exploring vocal health and sustainability in musical theatre performance, this time with music theatre voice specialist, Dr Tracy Bourne! Free and open to all!
Tuesday 28th July 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
“Too Much, Too Little, Just Right!” - The Balancing Act Model
Robert Edwin
The Balancing Act Model encourages singers to explore the extremes of singing, and from those extremes, establish their most efficient (balanced) voice and performance techniques. Join the renowned singer/actor and author Robert Edwin as he covers many aspects of the singing process including breathing, phonation, resonation, articulation, and attitude. If you’re involved in music theater or opera, you’ll find the Model to be especially helpful in developing character voices for roles such as Nathan and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. If you’re just looking to find out what your body and voice can do, The Balancing Act Model can provide many answers!