Early morning riyaaz holds a very special place in the journey of every classical music student. The mind is quieter, the surroundings are calmer, and the voice gets an opportunity to awaken naturally.
I personally recommend beginning the practice with warm water alongside you. It is a simple habit, but it helps make the early morning riyaaz more comfortable.
One of the important practices I encourage is “Kharaj riyaaz.” It is about gradually taking the swaras towards the “Mandra Saptak”, without forcing the voice. We may begin very simply with Sa, and then slowly explore movements such as Sa–Ṇi–Ḍha, allowing the lower notes to settle naturally.
The key is not to rush. Riyaaz is a process of opening the voice, not pushing it.
Once the voice begins to become comfortable with the lower register, we can gradually introduce ‘Alankars’ into our practice. With consistent riyaaz, day after day, the vocal range begins to expand. Just as we develop comfort in the Mandra Saptak, our ability to explore the “Taar Saptak” also grows progressively.
This is why consistency matters more than intensity.
A few minutes of sincere, attentive riyaaz every morning can become the foundation for a much stronger voice, wider range and deeper understanding of swara.
For me, riyaaz is not simply an exercise for the voice. It is a daily discipline of listening, feeling and connecting with music. One swara at a time.
