This course invites you into the timeless world of ghazal singing, where poetry and melody meet to create some of the most emotionally expressive music in the Hindustani tradition. Guided by experienced performer and teacher Nirmalya Roy, you'll go beyond simply learning songs — exploring how melody, lyrics, and emotion come together to create a truly expressive performance.

You'll build your voice through practical exercises, focused listening, and regular riyaz, developing the vocal habits and control needed to sing with confidence. Alongside this, you'll study the poetic and musical foundations of the ghazal tradition, learning to interpret verse with sensitivity and understanding how meaning shapes musical phrasing.

By the end of Term 1, you'll be able to perform selected ghazals with improved phrasing and musicality, interpret melody and lyrics with genuine emotional depth, and appreciate the genre with a more trained, discerning ear — carrying forward a rich and deeply poetic musical tradition in your own voice.

This course is designed for adults who enjoy ghazals and want to learn to sing them with confidence, musicality, and emotional expression. It's especially suited to lovers of legendary artists like Jagjit Singh, Mehdi Hassan, and Begum Akhtar, as well as existing vocal students looking to explore a new repertoire, and anyone drawn to the beauty of semi-classical and light classical music.

• Weekly 60-minute sessions with Nirmalya Roy
•  Access to the Darbar Academy students' area for reviewing recorded sessions or catching up on missed lessons
• Access to Darbar Academy's students-only WhatsApp community to stay connected, share progress, and engage with fellow learners and instructors for ongoing support
• Individual attention and tailored exercises to improve your playing
• Audio recordings and notations to support your daily practice