Singing and playing a melody in a five note raag
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can sing and play a melody using a raag.
Key learning points
- In a raag, aaroh is the name the ascending notes and avroh is the name for the descending notes.
- Raags can be played and sung - or both.
- We can sing the notes in a raag using the sargam. The notes are Sa, Re, Ga, ma, Pa, Dha, Ni.
- Sa, Re, Ga, ma, Pa, Dha, Ni can be played on C, D, E, F, G, A, B on our instruments.
Keywords
Sargam - the name for the singing notes in Hindustani classical music
Raag - musical notes used to make a composition (from Sanskrit language meaning ‘to colour’)
Aaroh - the ascending notes in a raag (going up in pitch)
Avroh - the descending notes in a raag (going down in pitch)
Common misconception
A raag can only be played on a sitar.
Raags can be sung too. They can also be played on other instruments. Common instruments used in Hindustani classical music include harmonium, flute, bansuri and sarod. In the classroom, a largely accessible instrument is a glockenspiel.
Teacher tip
Take plenty of time to learn the melody. Learning by the oral tradition is a key part to Hindustani classical music. When children feel familiar with the melody and confident in singing it, move on to playing on instruments at that point.
Equipment
Glockenspiels, xylophones or chime bars. Keyboards could also be used -though these tend not to have the note names visible. One instrument between two is suggested.
Licence
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