In Indian classical music, Alankars are more than just vocal exercises—they are the gateway to precision, agility, and artistic brilliance. While beginners focus on note clarity, advanced singers aim to master speed (layakari) and control (sur sadhana) to elevate their performances. At Krishna Music School, we train students to harness these skills through structured Alankar practice, transforming technical drills into mesmerizing musical expressions.
Why Speed and Control Matter in Alankars
Speed without control leads to muddled notes; control without speed limits expression. Advanced Alankars bridge this gap by:
- Strengthening vocal muscles for rapid note transitions.
- Training the mind to maintain sur (pitch) accuracy at high tempos.
- Preparing singers for complex raga elaborations (badhat) and taans.
Real-World Example:
A student at Krishna Music School struggled with the fast taans in Raga Bhimpalasi. After 3 months of targeted Alankar drills, they performed the same taans effortlessly in a live Kirtan session.
5 Advanced Alankar Techniques for Speed & Control
1. Layakari: Rhythmic Frameworks for Precision
Layakari (rhythmic play) involves practicing Alankars in specific rhythmic cycles (taals) like Teental (16 beats) or Ektal (12 beats). This builds synergy between your voice and rhythm.
How to Practice:
- Start with Madhyalaya (medium tempo) in Teental:
Sā Rē Gā Mā | Pā Dhā Nī Sā | (ascending)
Sā Nī Dhā Pā | Mā Gā Rē Sā | (descending) - Gradually increase speed while clapping the sam (first beat) to stay anchored.
Pro Tip: Use a metronome app to track progress. Aim for 10% faster tempos weekly.
2. Gamak-Driven Alankars: Adding Ornamentation
Gamaks (oscillations between notes) and murki (quick melodic turns) add depth to speed. Advanced Alankars incorporate these ornaments to enhance flexibility.
Exercise:
Practice the Alankar Sā Gā Rē Mā | Gā Mā Pā Dhā | with heavy gamak on each note. Focus on smooth oscillations without breaking the rhythm.
3. “Spider Walk” Swara Patterns for Vocal Agility
Inspired by instrumental techniques, this drill involves singing non-sequential swara patterns to challenge muscle memory.
Pattern Example:
Sā Gā Rē Mā | Dhā Nī Pā Gā |
Start slow, then accelerate while ensuring each note rings clearly.
Why It Works:
- Breaks monotony of linear Alankars.
- Improves vocal agility for unexpected raga phrases.
4. Breath Control for Sustained Speed
Singing fast Alankars demands efficient breath management. Poor airflow leads to shaky notes or abrupt stops.
Technique:
- Inhale deeply into the diaphragm before starting.
- Exhale in short, controlled bursts during rapid passages.
- Practice Sā-Pā-Sā jumps in one breath:
Sā Pā Sā | Rē Dhā Rē | Gā Nī Gā |…
Krishna Music School’s Insight:
Students who pair Alankars with pranayama (yogic breathing) see 30% faster progress in stamina.
5. Raga-Specific Alankars for Contextual Mastery
Each raga has unique phrasing rules. Customizing Alankars to ragas like Yaman, Bhairav, or Malkauns builds genre-specific speed and control.
Example:
In Raga Yaman (evening raga), practice:
Nī Rē Gā Mā | Dā Nī Sā Rē |… (focus on tivra Madhyam).
Application:
Use these patterns to improvise taans during a Bhajan or Khyal performance.
Tools to Enhance Your Practice
- Tanpura Apps: Ensure shruti alignment during speed drills.
- Metronome: Maintain consistent tempo progression.
- Recording Tools: Identify areas where notes blur at high speeds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing Without Warm-Ups: Always start with 10 minutes of mandra saptak (lower octave) Alankars.
- Ignoring Gamak: Speed without ornamentation sounds robotic.
- Overstraining: If your throat feels tense, slow down and reset.
Why Choose Krishna Music School?
Our curriculum is designed by maestros to help you:
- Master layakari for thunderous taans.
- Apply Alankars to Kirtan, Bhajan, and classical performances.
- Develop a personalized practice roadmap.
Conclusion: Speed Meets Artistry
Advanced Alankar techniques are not about showing off—they’re about expanding your creative freedom. With disciplined practice, you’ll effortlessly navigate:
✔️ Blistering taans in Raga Bhairavi.
✔️ Intricate Kirtan chants with rhythmic flair.
✔️ Soulful Bhajan renditions that move audiences.
Ready to Accelerate Your Journey?
Enroll in Krishna Music School’s Advanced Vocal Program to refine your skills under expert guidance. Connect with us to book a trial class today!