Smart strategies to train your child in Indian classical music

Indian classical music, also called Carnatic music, is a rich tradition of music that can be learned through observation, listening and memory, along with guidance from an expert. While training in this genre of music, the participants imbibe core spiritual and musical values, combined with philosophical and moral principles that shape an individual. If your youngster has a flair for Indian Classical Music, here’s how you can go about facilitating quality musical education. 

Find the right mentor 
Parents tend to initially choose a less experienced teacher and then suddenly switch to a more qualified teacher for advanced lessons. This is something that parents need to unlearn. Finding a guru who can mentor your child from the very beginning through step-by-step instructions is totally non-negotiable. Another mistake parents make is choosing high profile gurus for their kids who have packed schedules and don’t have much time for regular and focussed lessons. This is really unsuitable especially during the early learning stages. While it is true that mentorship from seasoned musicians can lead to better opportunities, the keenness of the youngster and the level when it should be done, often need to be reconsidered. 

Select the right learning method 
This is very important. While physical, face-to-face lessons are crucial for the initial stage, remote classes may be applicable for advanced learners. In a physical set-up, beginners find it easier to pick up the lessons because there is scope for asking repetitive questions. Remote classes, on the other hand, help learners learn at their own pace.  

Encourage them to listen patiently  
There’s a saying that the best knowledge is acquired through listening. In case of learning the nuances of Indian classical music, listening is the ultimate learning tool that gurus all around the world vouch for. Music lessons should be infused with delectable listening practices for consistent inspiration and motivation. Live concerts impart some of the best lessons, while daily listening to recordings can also go a long way in strengthening their skills. Listening becomes more beneficial as a student progresses. At this stage, listening transitions into an active experience that is often implemented during rewaaz (practice). Listening also develops a comparative study in relation to peers, an essential step towards artistic advancement.