This course invites you to explore the depth and beauty of Hindustani devotional music, blending raga-based bhajans, voice development, and guided musical practice under the guidance of acclaimed vocalist Ruchira Kedar.

It's a holistic approach to devotional singing – combining raga-based repertoire, voice culture, and improvisation to help you build both musical skill and a deeper connection to your practice. You'll develop your voice through practical vocal exercises designed for daily riyaz, while building the confidence to improvise as you explore the richness and emotion at the heart of Hindustani devotional music.

By the end of Term 1, you'll be able to sing and perform three raga-based bhajans or bandishes, with a growing foundation in alaap and paltas to support musicality and simple improvisation. You'll have established a regular vocal riyaz practice, singing with improved pitch, breath control, and vocal expression – and developed a deeper appreciation of devotional music through the framework of Hindustani classical tradition.

This course is designed for adults who enjoy devotional music and wish to develop their singing through structured guidance. It's ideal for students that have a singing background and are interested in Hindustani vocal music, existing Darbar Academy students looking to broaden their repertoire, and anyone seeking a mindful musical practice that combines voice, breath, and devotion.

• Weekly 60-minute sessions with Ruchira Kedar
•  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