Step into the soulful world of Hindustani classical music with Akshat Pratap Singh, a PhD scholar from Banaras University and disciple of Pandit Devashish Desai. In this Art Gharana podcast episode, Akshat unravels the magic of ragas like Yaman (the beginner’s blueprint), Jog (meditative melodies), and Malkauns (midnight mystique), while sharing swara practice hacks, guru-shishya wisdom, and a fiery take on autotune’s clash with tradition.
Whether you’re a curious learner or a performer refining your craft, this episode is your gateway to:
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Raag Yaman’s symmetrical swaras perfect for mastering pitch and improvisation.
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Komal notes in Raag Jog evoke spiritual longing with flattened Gandhar and Nishad.
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Daily riyaz routines Akshat’s 7-step formula for breath control and muscle memory.
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Why tradition beats autotune raw emotion over algorithmic perfection.
Explore deeper with Art Gharana’s Carnatic vs Hindustani Music Guide or dive into structured learning via Art Gharana’s vocal courses.
Key Highlights
02:36
Raag Jog: Meditative Melodies & Emotional Depth
Akshat unravels Raag Jog’s haunting beauty, rooted in komal swaras (flattened Gandhar and Nishad). Used by legends like Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, this raag creates a spiritual atmosphere with phrases like “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa”. Its microtonal shifts evoke longing, making it ideal for evening introspection.
16:00
Raag Yaman: The Beginner’s Gateway to Swara Relationships
Raag Yaman’s symmetrical structure (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa) simplifies swara relationships, earning it the title "Beginner’s Best Friend". Akshat shares how Bollywood classics like “Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo” borrow from Yaman. His 3-step formula—middle octave focus, alankar drills, and bandish integration—helps learners build fluency.
18:30
7 Swara Practice Hacks for Daily Riyaz
Akshat’s daily routine blends tradition and practicality: morning Sa-Pa-Sa warm-ups, mirror sessions to fix tension, and whisper drills for breath control. He emphasizes recording sessions to match tanpura drones and "sargam sprints" to master scales. “Repetition isn’t boring—it’s muscle memory magic,” he says.
24:19
Autotune vs Tradition: Why Raw Skill Wins
In a fiery take, Akshat calls autotune “instant noodles for the ears”—convenient but soulless. While apps like SwaraMaster aid beginners, he argues live meend (glides) and gamak (oscillations) demand unfiltered skill. “You can’t auto-tune emotion,” he states, urging learners to prioritize guru-led nuance over shortcuts.
Meet your Guests
Akshat Pratap Singh
(Hindustani Vocal (English, Hindi))
