In the world of Indian classical music, discipline is everything—especially when it comes to Hindustani vocal music. For children learning this ancient art, establishing a riyaaz routine is the most critical step towards musical excellence. With the rise of online Hindustani vocal classes and structured learning platforms, even young kids can now receive authentic training right from their homes.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to build a consistent riyaaz routine for children, the ideal structure for daily practice, and how to use online Hindustani music classes effectively to accelerate learning.
Why is a Riyaz Routine Essential for Kids Learning Hindustani Music?
Riyaz, or daily practice, is not just a tradition—it’s the backbone of Indian classical training. For children, consistent riyaaz:
- Builds vocal muscle memory
- Improves pitch accuracy (swara suddhata)
- Develops aural skills
- Reinforces theoretical concepts
- Builds discipline and patience
Since Hindustani music is deeply rooted in oral tradition, the best way for children to truly absorb its nuances is through repetition, reflection, and regular practice. Whether they’re taking online Hindustani music classes or learning from a local teacher, riyaaz is what cements knowledge into mastery.
Setting Up a Structured Riyaz Routine at Home
Creating a riyaaz habit is easier than you think—especially when supported by a consistent environment and a curious mindset. Here’s a breakdown of what a beginner-friendly riyaaz session could look like for a child aged 6–14.
1. Warm-up Exercises to Improve Vocal Strength
Just like athletes stretch before a game, vocalists need to prepare their vocal cords.
Warm-up techniques may include:
- Deep breathing exercises (Pranayama) – Inhale for 4 counts, exhale slowly for 8.
- Lip trills and humming – Loosens facial muscles and reduces vocal strain.
- Sa-pa-sa patterns – Singing the root note (Sa), Pa (5th), and back to Sa.
- Meend (glide between notes) – Gentle glides build voice control.
Starting riyaaz with warm-ups ensures the child’s voice is ready for more complex tasks while preventing vocal fatigue. These are often taught in beginner-level hindustani music lessons.
2. Practicing Alankars for Vocal Agility
Alankars are patterned exercises using swaras (notes) that develop voice control and agility.
A few beginner-friendly alankars include:
- Sa Re Ga, Re Ga Ma, Ga Ma Pa… (ascending and descending patterns)
- Omkar-based alankars for breath control
- Speed variations (Vilambit and Drut laya)
Practicing alankars for 10–15 minutes daily increases flexibility in vocal transitions. Online classes usually incorporate alankars into their weekly curriculum—especially in online Hindustani vocal classes designed for kids.
3. Developing Swara Perfection with Sargam Practice
Sargam (Sa Re Ga Ma) practice is essential to develop the child’s pitch accuracy and listening ability. The following practices are recommended:
- Singing in tune with the tanpura or shruti box
- Note recognition: The teacher plays a swara, and the child identifies or sings it
- Practicing slow swara progressions and matching with the shruti
Using pitch-correction tools and apps can help ensure the child is staying on pitch. Many online Hindustani music classes provide digital tanpura apps or riyaaz tools to support this.
4. Understanding Raagas: A Beginner-Friendly Approach
While raagas may seem complex, children can start learning them through:
- Singing basic bandishes (compositions) in popular raagas like Yaman, Bhupali, or Kafi
- Recognizing raag characteristics through listening and singing exercises
- Practicing arohan-avrohan (ascending-descending scales) of selected raagas
- Learning 1 or 2 phrases (pakads) from each raaga
Most Hindustani vocal classes introduce raagas after foundational swara work, ensuring children are not overwhelmed.
5. Importance of Listening and Imitation in Hindustani Music
One of the most powerful tools in Hindustani music is listening, and kids are naturally great at it.
Encourage your child to:
- Listen to recordings of maestros like Kishori Amonkar, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, or Shubha Mudgal
- Imitate phrases and bandishes taught by the teacher
- Use online resources like YouTube playlists, Spotify, and Gaana for curated classical playlists
The more they listen, the better their understanding of taal (rhythm), raag expression, and ornamentation like meend, gamak, and taans.
Best Online Hindustani Vocal Classes for Kids
With the convenience of technology, you no longer need to live in a metro city to find a great guru. Here are some options for online Hindustani vocal classes that are designed especially for children:
1. Music Pandit (www.musicpandit.com)
Music Pandit offers age-appropriate, engaging, and structured online Hindustani music classes for kids aged 6–14. Key features include:
- Step-by-step progression through levels
- Certified teachers with performance experience
- Interactive games and activities to reinforce learning
- Weekly performance opportunities and feedback
2. Riyaz App
The Riyaz App provides guided hindustani music lessons with real-time feedback and visual pitch tracking. It’s ideal for supplementary practice.
3. Shankar Mahadevan Academy
One of the most well-known music academies, it offers structured online Hindustani vocal classes led by trained teachers. It follows a traditional curriculum with a modern interface.
When choosing a platform, look for one that offers:
- Free trial or counseling sessions
- Individualized attention
- Regular assessments and student showcases
How to Keep Kids Motivated for Riyaz Practice?
Keeping kids engaged can be tough—especially with digital distractions all around. Here are some ideas to build a practice routine that sticks:
- Use a visual tracker or calendar to mark practice days and reward consistency
- Set small goals (e.g., “sing this bandish 3 times without mistakes”)
- Include fun elements like quizzes, singing games, or improvisation time
- Join group sessions where children get to sing and listen to peers
- Celebrate progress with mini recitals for family or friends
Make riyaaz less of a “chore” and more of a creative time for expression and growth.
Common Challenges in Learning Hindustani Singing Online
Despite its benefits, online learning comes with a few hurdles:
1. Lack of In-Person Feedback
While video-based feedback is helpful, children sometimes miss physical cues or subtle corrections a live teacher might offer. This is why it’s important to choose platforms where teachers provide personalized corrections and regular feedback.
2. Difficulty in Maintaining Attention
Young kids may struggle to sit through a 45-minute online class. Platforms like Music Pandit break lessons into shorter, interactive segments and use visual aids to maintain engagement.
3. Technical Glitches
Internet lag or audio quality issues can affect classes. Ensure a good microphone and headphones, and use a stable internet connection to reduce disruptions.
4. Lack of Peer Interaction
Offline classes often offer community and peer motivation. Online courses can replicate this through virtual jam sessions, community platforms, and regular student showcases.
Conclusion: How Regular Riyaz Enhances a Child’s Musical Growth
Hindustani classical music is a beautiful blend of discipline, emotion, and creativity. And the journey begins with a simple, daily commitment—riyaaz.
By creating a structured practice routine, enrolling in high-quality online Hindustani vocal classes, and encouraging consistent listening and singing, your child can build not only musical skill but also concentration, confidence, and emotional intelligence.
Platforms like Music Pandit and others are changing how children learn Hindustani music online, offering convenience without compromising quality. So if your child dreams of singing aalaps, taans, or bandishes one day, the best time to start is now—with a strong, supportive, and enjoyable riyaaz routine.
Ready to begin your child’s musical journey? Explore online Hindustani music classes with Music Pandit and let your child discover the joy of music with the right teacher, right routine, and right rhythm.
