This post is authored by Kavita Bafana, Co-Founder and Director at Little Ustaads.  Little Ustaads offers play-based musical education classes for children ages 0-5 in the New York/New Jersey area and in Mumbai. The curriculum is designed to encourage children and parents to discover and appreciate the world of Indian classical music through rhythmic tunes, rich vocals, mini instruments and vibrant visuals.

1. Prarthna

Description: A genre of Indian classical music

Developmental Benefits: Children learn about Indian culture and values through song

2.  Sargam

Description: Understanding and identifying Indian notation and pitch - sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni are the 7 building blocks that make up all of Indian classical music.

Developmental Benefits: Helps build word associations; easy short sounds for children to sing along with and to learn pitch and sequencing.

3.  Aroha vs Avoha

Description: Aroha is singing the Sargam from bottom to top – ascending -  (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni and Sa), while Avoha is singing the Sargam from top to bottom – decending - (Sa, Ni , Dha, Pa, Ma, Ga, Re and Sa).

Developmental Benefits: Teaches sequencing, builds listening skills and introduces pitch.

4.  Raga

Description: A series of 5 or more musical notes (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha and Ni) upon which a melody is made. Particular ragas are associated with different times of the day, or with seasons.

Developmental Benefits: Allows children to listen, distinguish and respond to different sounds, rhythms and pitches.  Sharpens listening skills while teaching children to vizualize music.

5.  Taal

Description: Rhythm and Beats

Developmental Benefits: Emphasizes understanding of basic counting skills.  Builds hand-eye coordination.

6.  Laya

Description: Speed or Tempo

Developmental Benefits: Helps children understand slow versus fast and builds coordination while listening to different speeds.

7.  Vilampit vs. Madhya vs. Drut

Description: Vilampit is the slowest tempo, Madhya is a mid-range tempo and Drut is fast tempo.

Developmental Benefits: Helps children understand slow versus fast and builds coordination while listening to different speeds.

8.  Tabla

Description: Indian percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hand drums.

Developmental Benefits: Develops an understanding of the difference between beating, blowing and strumming instruments to make music.  Sharpens children’s listening skills.

9.  Bansuri

Description: A woodwind instrument that has seven holes and is played by being blown into.

Developmental Benefits: Develops an understanding of the difference between beating, blowing and strumming instruments to make music.  Sharpens children’s listening skills.

10.  Sitar

Description: A string instrument that has a long neck and lots of strings.

Developmental Benefits: Develops an understanding of the difference between beating, blowing and strumming instruments to make music.  Sharpens children’s listening skills.

© 2010 Little Ustaads

www.littleustaads.com
newyork@littleustaads.com
773-744-1662

Little Ustaads currently runs programs in NY, NJ and Mumbai, and is seeking partners in other parts of the world. Please contact them if you are interested in setting up a Little Ustaads Franchise or Partnership.

Tags: Indian Classical Music

One Response to “10 Words All Kids Should Know About Indian Classical Music”

1. Tonia Rogugbakaa Says:
   November 5th, 2012 at 2:57 am

   You are so interesting! I don’t believe I’ve read through a single thing like this before. So nice to find someone with some genuine thoughts on this subject. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is something that’s needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

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