Private Lessons
Private Lessons
Alberta School of Indian Music and Performing Arts provides a wide variety of private Indian vocal, instrumental, and dance programs tailored to all ages––children (from 4 years), youth, adults, and seniors, and skill levels––beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Our diverse offerings include Indian Voice (Hindustani classical, Bollywood, Ghazal, Bhajan, Kirtans, Chant, Sufi, Ginan), Harmonium, Tabla, Keyboard (Indian style), Guitar (Indian style), Sitar, Dholak, and Dance (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Bollywood) instructions.
We offer 30-minute, 45-minute, and 1-hour weekly lessons. Private music lessons are offered in-person as well as on Zoom if preferred. Register today and start your music learning journey! Call us for more details at 780-261-3809.
Our school uses an adaptive, innovative, and engaging instruction approach to meet individual needs of students. For students who seek to pursue systematic learning, we offer structured and specialized curriculum that leads students to achieve both theoretical and practical competency in Indian voice, instrumental, and dance. For students who want to learn music for fun rather than solely technical skills, we offer personalized teaching that fits their learning goals. We ensure you understand core Indian music concepts but focus lessons more on meeting your interest and goals ranging from learning special songs, genres, styles, melodies, tunes, rhythms, and dances to preparing for special occasion (wedding, graduation) performances and recordings.
Our private music lessons provide personalized attention and a tailored curriculum, allowing you to progress at your own pace and focus on specific goals. You can develop your skill faster in a less distracting environment and increase confidence and discipline. You can get personalized instruction, one-on-one attention, customized progress, deeper exploration, and instant constructive feedback to help you to make progress more quickly. We offer two concerts in a year and several recitals and community performance opportunities to enhance confidence, overcome stage anxiety, foster social connection, enhance memory, and develop motivation to practice.
Class Options: 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 1 hour
Registration Fee: $35 + GST
Monthly Fee: 30 minutes class – $150 + GST, 45 minutes class – $210 + GST and 1 hour class – $275 + GST
Number of Lessons in a Month: 4
Voice
Ages 4 to Seniors
Indian music features a range of musical forms/styles from traditional classical singing (Hindustani and Carnatic) to semi-classical (e.g., Thumri, Ghazal, Bhajan), folk (e.g., Bhangra, regional folk), and popular music (e.g., Bollywood, Indian pop). These musical forms/styles are intertwined and share common elements and at the same time maintain their distinctiveness. Today, Indian music forms/styles have received international recognition and have become an ambassador of culture and history of India and Indian subcontinent.
We offer specialized private lessons on the following singing styles for ages 4 to seniors.
Indian Classical Voice (Ages 4 to Seniors)
Description
Indian Classical Music is one of the most prominent and highly developed forms of art music of the Indian subcontinent. It is widely practiced predominantly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. Rooted in centuries-long rich history, this ancient music has two distinct music systems:
1) Hindustani Music System – also called North Indian Classical Music (chiefly practiced in North India)
2) Carnatic Music System – also called South Indian Classical Music (chiefly practiced in South India)
What to expect from the program?
Voice students enrolled in this class explore the Hindustani Music System that is primarily based on two fundamental elements, raga (a melodic framework that provides a basis for improvisatory music in Hindustani classical music) and tala (rhythmic framework). Students are provided with extensive voice training in Hindustani music involving all of its theoretical and practical aspects. Students receive opportunity to sing with musical accompaniment as well as participate in concerts, recitals, and public performances.
Learning outcomes
Through this voice training, students will be able to develop a high level of vocal skills, including an in-depth knowledge of swar (notes), modes, improvisation, creativity, Hindustani notation (reading and writing), and talas (rhythmic cycles). By completion of advanced training in this program, students can be a classical performer, playback singer, composer, and music teacher.
Bollywood Music Singing (Ages 8 to Seniors)
Description
Bollywood music is commonly known as Indian cinema or film music. It incorporates music from a wide range of Hindi films since the industry’s emergence to the contemporary times. Bollywood music has been an integral feature of Indian film industry and the most popular music culture in India as well as other parts of the Indian subcontinent and South Asian diaspora across the world. In the recent years, it has achieved international attention and worldwide popularity.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in this program enhance their vocal skills through learning a combination of old and contemporary Hindi film songs of their choice in a very simple and easy way. They are also provided training on scale, pitch, dynamics, articulation, intonation, rhythmic cycles, and various singing techniques. Students have the opportunity to sing Bollywood songs with musical accompaniment as well as participate in concerts, recitals, and public performances.
Learning Outcomes
After taking this program, students develop confidence in their singing and enhance their vocal skills through understanding of suitable scale and song types based on their voice texture. They will also be able to read and write Bollywood songs in the Hindustani music system and receive a thorough awareness of various talas (rhythmic cycles) that are used in Bollywood music. Any student having a proper training in this program can perform in live shows, music festivals, karaoke, social gatherings, or be a recording artist.
Ghazal Singing (Ages 10 to Seniors)
Description
Ghazal is a poetry that consists of rhyming couplets. They incorporate various themes, particularly of a romantic nature. Ghazal singing is a musical rendition of poetry using multiple techniques and elements adopted from the Hindustani music system. Ghazal singing is one of the popular musical forms found in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in North India.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in this program learn different popular ghazals of their choice in an effortless manner. Musical training includes identification of scale, pitch, rhythmic cycles, and various other singing techniques. Students receive opportunity to sing ghazals with musical accompaniment as well as sing in concerts, recitals, and public performances.
Learning Outcomes
After taking this program, students develop confidence in their singing and enhance their vocal skills through understanding of suitable scale and ghazal types based on their voice texture. They will also be able to read and write ghazals in the Hindustani music system as well as get a thorough idea of various talas (rhythmic cycles) that are used in Hindustani music. Any student having a proper training in this program can perform in live shows, music festivals, karaoke, social gatherings, or be a recording artist.
Bhajans, Kirtans, & Chant Singing (Ages 5 to Seniors)
Description
Bhajan, Kirtan, & Chants are the forms of devotional and spiritual singing that incorporate religious themes or spiritual ideas of the Hindu religion. They are loosely structured and follow the elements (raga and tala) of the Indian classical music system. They are sung individually or in a group among the Hindus in the Indian subcontinent and in the diaspora.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in this program learn different bhajans, kirtans, and chants of their choice in an effortless manner. Musical training includes identification of scale, pitch, rhythmic cycles, and various other singing techniques. Students are given opportunity to sing bhajans, kirtans, and chants with musical accompaniment as well as sing in concerts, recitals, and public performances.
Learning Outcomes
After taking this program, students develop confidence in their singing and enhance their vocal skills through understanding of suitable scale and bhajan/kirtan/chant types based on their voice texture. They will also be able to read and write bhajans, kirtans, and chants in the Hindustani music system as well as get a thorough idea of various talas (rhythmic cycles) that are used in these forms of music. Any student having a proper training in this program can perform in live shows, temples, community devotional gatherings, karaoke, or be a recording artist.
Sufi (Ages 8 to Seniors)
Description
Sufi singing is a form of musical practice among the Muslim-world in the Indian subcontinent that focuses on the emotions that drive humanity towards connecting with the divine: compassion, love, and patience. Sufi music, specifically Qawwali is equally popular among the non-Muslim people across the Indian subcontinent and its diaspora.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in this program learn traditional as well as Bollywood movies based on sufi music of their choice. Musical training includes identification of scale, pitch, dynamics, intonation, articulation, rhythmic cycles, and various other singing techniques. Students will have opportunity to sing sufi with musical accompaniment as well as participate in concerts, recitals, and public performances.
Learning Outcomes
After taking this program, students develop confidence in their singing and enhance their vocal skills through understanding of suitable scale and sufi types based on their voice texture. They also be able to read and write sufi music in the Hindustani music system as well as get a thorough idea of various talas (rhythmic cycles) that are used in this form of music. Any student having a proper training in this program can perform in live shows, community gatherings, karaoke, or be a recording artist.
Ginan (Ages 6 to Seniors)
Description
Ginans are the musical recitation of devotional poetry by the Ismailis (Satpanth Khoja Ismailis) of the Indian subcontinent and Ismailis in diaspora communities. These ginans are found in multiple languages (e.g., Gjuarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Siraiki, and Sindhi) spoken in the Indian subcontinent and they are composed melodies based on various Indian classical ragas and modes.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in this program learn specifically ginans rendition. Students will also be introduced to the musical aspects of ginans (i.e., modes, ragas, talas (rhythmic cycles), and musical notes). Students are given opportunity to sing ginan with musical accompaniment.
Learning Outcomes
After taking this program, students be able to recite their choice of ginans with confidence in their singing. They enhance their vocal skills through understanding of ginan-associated scale, pitch, mood, and emotion. They will also be able to read and write ginan music in the Hindustani music system as well as get a thorough idea of various talas (rhythmic cycles) that are used in this form of music.
Harmonium
Ages 6 to Seniors
Harmonium is a reed organ instrument. It is small in size, portable in nature, and versatile in use. These features have made this instrument increasingly popular in the Indian subcontinent and widely used in any form/style of music from folk/regional/traditional music to Indian classical music, Bollywood music, and religious music (bhajan, kirtan, chant, shabad, sufi, and ginan) as well as in multiple settings (concerts, temples, shrines, and recordings). It is easy to learn, play, and suitable in all kinds of musical forms, styles, and genres found in the Indian subcontinent. Also, this instrument is appropriate for all ages––children, youth, adults, and seniors.
We offer specialized private harmonium lessons for ages 6 to seniors.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in harmonium program learn a variety of playing skills, including the following:
Fingering and chord techniques: Students learn how to use their fingers in a systematic manner while playing harmonium. They also explore different chord techniques relevant to music of the Indian subcontinent, including Bollywood music, popular music, religious music, and folk/traditional/regional music.
Indian music notation: During the training of harmonium, students learn to play Bollywood songs, bhajans, kirtans, chants, Qawwalis, ginans, as well as folk, regional, and traditional songs in Indian music system. Students are provided transcriptions of music/songs of their choice in Indian notation transcribed by their teacher.
Western music notation: Students who express a desire to learn music/songs of the Indian subcontinent (e.g., Indian classical music, Bollywood music, religious/devotional music, regional music, and folk/traditional music) in Western (staff) notation are taught harmonium in Western notation system. Students are provided transcriptions of music/songs of their choice in staff notation, transcribed by their teacher.
Apart from this specific teaching, students are provided opportunity to play harmonium in recital, concerts, and public performances.
Learning outcomes
Students who get a comprehensive training of harmonium are able to play different songs, including, Bollywood songs, Hindustani classical compositions, religious/devotional/spiritual songs, and folk/traditional songs from the Indian subcontinent in a fluent manner. They also be able to have a good understanding of scales, chord techniques, rhythmic cycles, and Hindustani notation (reading and writing), and similarities and differences between Hindustani and Western notation systems. By completion of advanced training in this program, students can be a harmonium accompanist for themselves or other performers as well as play at their home, temple, community events, formal concerts, and social gatherings.
Tabla
Ages 6 to Seniors
Tabla is a percussion instrument. It is a pair of hand drums which is widely used in Hindustani classical music, Bollywood music, religious music (e.g., bhajan, kirtan, chant, shabad, sufi), and folk/regional/traditional music of India and Indian subcontinent. Due to its versatility and popularity, tabla has become an essential instrument for almost all kinds of form/style of music found in the Indian subcontinent. This instrument is appropriate for all ages––children, youth, adults, and seniors.
We offer specialized private tabla lessons for ages 6 to Seniors.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in this program learn sitting posture, basic strokes, different bols (syllables), percussive techniques, and various talas (rhythmic cycles). Student can choose from basic learning to in-depth systematic training in tabla. Students are given opportunity to play and accompany tabla in recital, concerts, and public performances.
Learning outcomes
Students who get a comprehensive training of tabla are able to play solo or accompany in different songs, including, Bollywood songs, Hindustani classical compositions, religious/devotional/spiritual songs, and folk/traditional songs from the Indian subcontinent in a fluent manner. They will also be able to have a good understanding of tempo, rhythmic cycles, and percussive techniques. By completion of advanced training in this program, students can be a tabla accompanist as well as play the instrument at their home, temple, community events, formal concerts, and social gatherings.
Keyboard
Ages 4 to Seniors
Typically, Keyboard is a Western musical instrument. Because of its similarities in keys and playing techniques to an Indian harmonium instrument, Keyboard is very popular and commonly used instrument in Indian music/songs, specifically in Bollywood music. Due to its functional variety (instrument sounds, rhythm, tempo, USB/Bluetooth/MIDI compatibility, and such), Keyboard has become the best alternative instrument to harmonium as Keyboard is convenient to purchase, readily available, lighter, and inexpensive compared to harmonium.
We offer specialized private Keyboard lessons for ages 4 to seniors.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in keyboard program learn a variety of playing skills, including the following:
Fingering and chord techniques: Students learn how to use their fingers in a systematic manner while playing keyboard. They also explore different chord techniques relevant to music of the Indian subcontinent, including Bollywood music, popular music, religious music, and folk/traditional/regional music.
Indian music notation: During the training of keyboard, students learn to play Bollywood songs, bhajans, kirtans, chants, Qawwalis, ginans, as well as folk, regional, and traditional songs in Indian music system. Students are provided transcriptions of music/songs of their choice in Indian notation transcribed by their teacher.
Western music notation: Students who express desire to learn music/songs of the Indian subcontinent (e.g., Indian classical music, Bollywood music, religious/devotional music, regional music, and folk/traditional music) in Western (staff) notation are taught keyboard in Western notation system. Students are provided transcriptions of music/songs of their choice in staff notation, transcribed by their teacher.
Apart from this specific teaching, students are provided opportunity to play keyboard in recital, concerts, and public performances.
Learning outcomes
Students who get a comprehensive training in keyboard are able to play different songs, including Bollywood songs, Hindustani classical compositions, religious/devotional/spiritual songs, and folk/traditional songs from the Indian subcontinent in a fluent manner. They also be able to have a good understanding of scales, chord techniques, rhythmic cycles, and Hindustani notation (reading and writing), and similarities and differences between Hindustani and Western notation systems. By completion of advanced training in this program, students can be a keyboard accompanist for themselves or other performers as well as play at their home, temple, community events, formal concerts, and social gatherings.
Guitar
Ages 8 to Seniors
Guitar is a stringed musical instrument that typically has come from the Western music culture. It has become a global musical instrument today. Except for Indian classical music, almost all other forms and styles of Indian music commonly use the guitar. For many reasons, this instrument has gained tremendous popularity in the South Asia and its diaspora.
We offer specialized private Guitar lessons for ages 8 to seniors.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in the guitar program learn a variety of playing skills, including the following:
Fingering and chord techniques: Students learn how to use their fingers in a systematic manner while playing guitar. They also explore different chord techniques relevant to music of the Indian subcontinent, including Bollywood music, popular music, religious music, and folk/traditional/regional music.
Indian music notation: During the training of guitar, students learn to play leads and rhythms on Bollywood songs, bhajans, kirtans, chants, Qawwalis, as well as folk, regional, and traditional songs in Indian music system. Students are provided transcriptions of music/songs of their choice in Indian notation transcribed by their teacher.
Western music notation: Students who express desire to learn music/songs of the Indian subcontinent (e.g., Indian classical music, Bollywood music, religious/devotional music, regional music, and folk/traditional music) in Western (staff) notation are taught guitar in Western notation system. Students are provided transcriptions of music/songs of their choice in staff notation, transcribed by their teacher.
Apart from this specific teaching, students are provided opportunity to play guitar in recital, concerts, and public performances.
Learning outcomes
Students who get a comprehensive training in guitar are able to play different songs, including Bollywood songs, religious/devotional/spiritual songs, and folk/traditional songs from the Indian subcontinent in a fluent manner. They will also be able to have a good understanding of scales, chord techniques, rhythmic cycles, and Hindustani notation (reading and writing), and similarities and differences between Hindustani and Western notation systems. By completion of advanced training in this program, students can be a keyboard accompanist for themselves or other performers as well as play at their home, temple, community events, formal concerts, and social gatherings.
Sitar
Ages 8 to Seniors
Sitar is a plucked stringed musical instrument. It was primarily developed for Hindustani classical music but today it has been a significant accompaniment instrument for various form/style of music of Indian subcontinent from folk/regional/traditional music to Bollywood music, and religious music (bhajan, kirtan, chant, shabad, sufi) The instrument has gained widespread popularity globally since 1950s/1960s through global icon Pandit Ravi Shankar and also due it its use by bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. This instrument is appropriate for all ages––children, youth, adults, and seniors.
We offer specialized private Sitar lessons for ages 8 to seniors.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in this program learn proper sitting posture, instrument holding, finger use, mizrab use, fretting, plucking, stroking, sliding, and bending techniques. Students can choose from basic learning (alankars, scales, simple dhunes, Bollywood songs, bhajans) to in-depth systematic training in sitar. Students are given opportunity to play solo and accompany sitar in recitals, concerts, and public performances.
Learning outcomes
Students who get a comprehensive training of sitar are able to play solo or accompany sitar in different songs, including Bollywood songs, Hindustani classical compositions, religious/devotional/spiritual songs, and folk/traditional songs from the Indian subcontinent in a fluent manner. They also be able to have a good understanding of sur, tempo, rhythm, and various stroking techniques. By completion of advanced training in this program, students can be a sitar accompanist as well as play the instrument at their home, temple, community events, formal concerts, and social gatherings.
Dholak
Ages 8 to Seniors
Dholak is a folk percussion instrument. It is a two-headed hand drum which is widely used in religious music (e.g., bhajan, kirtan, qawwali), Bollywood music, and folk/regional music (e.g., bhangra, chutney) in Indian subcontinent and beyond in its diaspora. Due to its folk sound and characteristic, this instrument is very commonly used in public, social, and religious settings, e.g., public music gatherings, temples, shrines, weddings, and auspicious ceremonies. This instrument is appropriate for all ages––children, youth, adults, and seniors.
We offer specialized private dholak lessons for ages 8 to seniors.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in this program learn sitting posture, hand positions, finger movements, basic strokes, different bols (syllables), percussive techniques, and various talas (rhythmic cycles). Students can choose from basic learning to in-depth systematic training in dholak. Students will be given opportunity to play and accompany dholak in recitals, concerts, and public performances.
Learning outcomes
Students who get a comprehensive training of dholak are able to play solo or accompany in different songs, including bhajans, kirtans, qawwalis, bhangras, chutneys, and Bollywood songs. They will also be able to have a good understanding of tempo, rhythmic cycles, and percussive techniques. By completion of advanced training in this program, students can be a dholak accompanist as well as play the instrument at their home, temple, community events, formal concerts, and social gatherings.
Dance
Ages 4 to Seniors
India is exceptionally rich in dance culture spanning from historical and systematic dance forms/styles such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and Odissi to countless regional folk and traditional dances like Garba, Bhangra, Bihu, and Ghoomar; and Bollywood dance. These dance cultures have gained significant popularity across the world and among its diasporas. These dance forms/styles are appropriate for all ages––children, youth, adults, and seniors.
We offer specialized private dance lessons, particularly Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Bollywood dances for ages 4 to seniors.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in this program learn rhythmic footwork, hand gesture, facial and body expression, movement skills, traveling, balance, musicality, coordination and such. Students will be given opportunity to perform in recitals, concerts, and public performances.
Learning outcomes
There are abundant benefits learning Indian dances. Students who get a comprehensive training of these dance forms/styles improve posture, fitness, flexibility, balance, rhythmic sense, and coordination. Additionally, it helps to stimulate mental and emotional wellbeing enhancing focus, confidence, discipline, socialization, and stress relief. Importantly, it helps to foster cultural connection to Indian heritage and traditions.
Karaoke Singing
Ages 6 to Seniors
Technology has made music so accessible. These days karaoke has been a fond activity for people who love singing. In social gatherings, celebrations, public events, and private parties, one can sing their favourite songs along with a pre-recorded instrumental track with lyrics displayed on a screen. If you have a passion for karaoke singing and you lack basic skills and music knowledge to be able to sing properly, we can help you on that.
What to expect from the program?
Students enrolled in this program learn various signing techniques such as pitch, scale, articulation, dynamics, rhythm, and diction. Our instructors help students to choose the right song, handle a microphone, breathing, ear training, stage presence, and audience engagement.
Learning outcomes
Students who get a thorough training are able to do karaoke singing seamlessly. They are able to identify scale, pitch, rhythm as well as songs that suit their voice texture and range.
