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Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to some of your most common questions about our services.
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FAQs
I haven't had a music lesson before, can I start with Raga music SChool?
Of course you can!! We cater for students of all abilities, all ages and are able to start you off right at the beginning.
Do I need to own my own instrument to start lessons?
No! We have instruments available to use for lessons, and can direct you as to the next steps needed for practice at home.
I am not from the subcontinent, can I Still learn with Raga Music School?
Absolutely! We believe that Raga-based music theory is applicable to all forms of music. This form of music is not exclusive to a culture, as exemplified by our own teacher Mr. Gordon!
What is a raga?
Quite simply, a raga is a way to sing or play a collection of notes to evoke a certain emotion or feeling. There are over 60 ragas, each having their own mood, set of notes, characteristic melodies, and usually performed at a certain time of day.
What is different about Raga-based music as opposed to Western music?
1. Ragas are melody based, rather than harmonically based as in Western Music.
2. Hindustani classical music has a set structure, starting slow (called Vilambit) and then increasing in tempo over the course of a performance.
3. It is heavily improvisational, where the musician applies his/her knowledge of the features of the raga and returns to a short refrain at the end of each time cycle (taal).
I am a Western musician who wants to fuse some Ragas into my own music, can I do that with you?
Yes! This is one of Mr. Gordon's specialities, with a dedicated teaching program on this very subject!
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I Don't live in Melbourne, can I do zoom lessons with Raga Music School?
Yes! We have taught students from all over Australia, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
I don't want to be classically trained, I just want to learn my favourite film songs, can I do this with you?
Of course you can! Film songs are a speciality of Ustad Aminul Haque and his wife Nasreen. We take joy in all genres of music - there is much to learn from the techniques used in the film son genre.
My english isn't great, can I learn with you?
Music is a universal language, and Ustad Aminul Haque speaks four more! Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and English.
My Child is on the spectrum, do you cater for my child?
This is a topic near and dear to our heart at Raga Music School - the answer is a thousand times yes. We have numerous examples of how this form of music has changed our students lives, we have extensive experience in this area across our three teachers.
Do you actually teach the songs I want to learn?
Not only do we teach them to you, we provide a complete notation service for any and every song within this area. You want all the songs from your movie notated and catalogued for your next performance - we can do it!
Do you provide performance opportunities for your students?
Ustad Aminul Haque founded the Gharana Music Circle for this very reason! We hold regular auditorium performances for students and professionals alike to share their love of music with the wider public.