Music (Vocals) Experience

Indian Classical Vocal Experience for Kids (Ages 4+)

1. Welcome with Baal Geet (10 Minutes)

• Objective: Create an engaging and joyful start to the session.
• Gather the kids in a circle.
• Sing a simple and popular Baal Geet (children’s song), such as “Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai” or “Chanda Mama Door Ke.”
• Encourage kids to join in, clapping to the rhythm to set a fun and participatory tone.
• Briefly introduce the theme: “Today, we’ll explore the magical world of Indian classical music!”

2. Introducing Indian Classical Music (5 Minutes)

• Objective: Provide a basic understanding of Indian classical music.
• Explain in simple terms:
  • “Indian classical music is like a story told through beautiful notes and rhythms.”
  • Talk about Sargam (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa) as the foundation of Indian music.
  • Share a fun fact: “The Sargam is like the alphabet of music, and every song comes from these sounds!”

3. Matching vocals with Harmonium (15 Minutes)

• Objective: Introduce kids to key instruments used in Indian classical music.

Harmonium:

• Show the harmonium and let kids observe how the keys are pressed while the bellows are played.
• Play a simple Sargam tune and explain: “This is how we match our voice to the harmonium.”
• Let each child try pressing a key to hear the sound.

Tabla:

• Demonstrate the tabla, highlighting the two drums (the dayan and bayan) and their unique sounds.
• Play a simple rhythm and explain how tabla keeps the beat in music.
• Let a few kids try tapping a basic beat.

4. Activity 1: Singing the Sargam (10 Minutes)

• Objective: Introduce kids to vocal basics using the Sargam.
• Lead the kids in singing the Sargam in a call-and-response format (you sing a note, they repeat).
• Add gestures for each note to make it interactive (e.g., raise your hand for high notes).
• Encourage them to explore different tempos: “Let’s sing it slowly, now faster!”

5. Activity 2: Rhythm and Melody Challenge (15 Minutes)

• Objective: Combine vocals and rhythm in a fun and engaging way.

Part 1:

• Pair kids into groups of two. One plays a simple beat on the tabla (or claps), while the other sings a Baal Geet or a Sargam line.

Part 2:

• Introduce a group activity: Clap-and-Sing Circle.
  • Kids pass a rhythm (clap) around the circle while singing a line from a song.
  • This helps them coordinate rhythm and melody.

6. Wrap-Up: Mini-Concert (5 Minutes)

• Objective: Celebrate what the kids learned and create a sense of accomplishment.
• Form a group and sing a Baal Geet together, accompanied by harmonium and tabla.
• Share an inspiring message: “Every great singer started just like you, exploring and having fun with music!”
• Hand out small rewards like badges or stickers with musical motifs to encourage them to continue their musical journey.

This experience is interactive, hands-on, and fosters an appreciation for Indian classical music while keeping the energy and excitement high for young learners!