Just like every athlete must be physically and mentally prepared for their game, every musician—whether vocalist or instrumentalist—must also be fit, both mentally and physically, to truly excel in their art.
In Indian classical music, “Alankars” (musical ornamentations or note patterns) play a foundational role in this preparation. They are not merely exercises but form the very grammar of music, helping a student develop voice control, scale precision, rhythm awareness, and muscular memory.
🎤 Vocalists and the Importance of Scale-Specific Alankar Practice
For singers, the first and foremost step is to fix their base scale (Sa). Once the pitch is set, they should practice alankars in every that (scale mode) based on that Sa.
Here’s why it's crucial:
- Alankars improve voice stability
- Help in understanding scale positions
- Build stamina for long phrases and breath control
- Sharpen sur (pitch) recognition
- Develop laya (rhythm) coordination
But most importantly, they prepare the mind and senses to tune into the structure of a raag.
🎹 Instrumentalists Must Go Beyond One Scale
When it comes to instruments like Harmonium, Saxophone, or even Flute, a different level of versatility is needed.
Why?
Because when you're accompanying a vocalist, the vocalist may choose any scale—your ability to adjust depends on your practice across multiple scales. Hence, instrumentalists must not just stick to one key or pitch while doing alankar practice.
They should:
- Practice alankars in multiple scales
- Explore different that structures
- Focus on finger agility and “note position memory”
- Be ready to modulate scale on the spot
That’s how your ears and fingers become “tuned” to respond instantly.
❓ Which Alankar is the Best?
Many students ask:
"Which is the best alankar to practice?"
The answer is simple — each alankar is essential.
Just as every digit in mathematics has its place — from 0 to 9 — similarly, every basic pattern of alankar adds to your musical base. You cannot skip the early steps.
Skipping the first sargam (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa) and jumping straight to complex patterns is like trying to learn 65 without knowing what 2 or 3 means.
Foundations matter.
🧱 Learn Alankars Step-by-Step, Not Randomly
Treat alankar training like building a wall:
- Each pattern is a brick
- The order matters
- Practicing them systematically creates a strong structure
Whether you're doing:
- Basic ascending-descending (aroha–avroha)
- Jumping notes (vakra alankars)
-
Taan-style sequences
They all must be practiced with proper sequence and repetition.
Don't aim to “impress” with speed.
Aim to “understand” with clarity.
🧘♂️ Mind + Body + Music = Alankar
Music isn’t just about voice or fingers — it's about the entire being.
When you practice alankars:
- Your mind builds concentration and internal hearing
- Your breath learns control and endurance
- Your fingers or vocal cords develop memory and technique
- Your ears sharpen in identifying correct sur
- Your heart starts feeling the structure of a raag
This is how alankar transforms from a “technical exercise” into a meditative tool.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Alankars Are Your Musical DNA
In classical music, there’s no end — only deeper layers.
You might master hundreds of compositions, but if your alankars are weak, your singing or playing will lack precision and command.
But with strong alankar practice, even a simple raga can sound divine.
Just like zero gives value to numbers, the most basic alankar gives structure to your music.
So never skip the fundamentals.
✅ Tips for Students:
- Vocalists – always tune your tanpura first, then practice alankars
- Instrumentalists – change scales weekly to widen your adaptability
- Practice in slow tempo first, increase only with clarity
- Record yourself — listen, identify your weak spots
- Never underestimate even the simplest pattern
If you'd like, I can also prepare:
