Till now, we have learnt some basics about music such as 12 notes of music, octaves in music. We also tried identifying our pitch/scale.

This lesson is in C# which is suitable for males. If you are female watch this lesson instead, 'Sa' ka riyaz | A# Female instead if you a female. Our first riyaz is 'Sadhaj bharne ka' riyaz, also called 'sur bharna' riyaz or 'long notes' riyaz. Sa riyaz is usually done as a part of the morning riyaz, and can also be followed by kharaj riyaz (lower octave notes' practice). We will be covering kharaj riyaz in a coming lesson. First of all, we should try to sit straight. If possible, sit on a mat on the floor, cross-legged. No need to be too conscious and sit too tight or loose, sit comfortably. Take a deep breath in, and while exhaling slowly, sing Sa. While breathing in, the stomach will expand and while exhaling, the stomach will contract to its normal position. Turn the tanpura on at pitch C#. You can also instead hold C# key (kaali ek) in a harmonium. Breath in and while exhaling sing Sa. Sing for as long as you can. Then sing in various vowels, starting with Aa sound (Aakar). In Aakar, the mouth should be opened up in an egg shape. Our mouth should be opened such that, if we were to insert a finger between jaws, it should easily pass in. Also, 3 or 4 fingers would easily be able to get inside the mouth. Watch the video for the demonstration. Make sure to take a few seconds (5-10 seconds or so) break after every Sa. So that you can sing fresh with new energy every time. You can see it similar to filing a large container with water. Every breath you take in is similar to filling up a bucket and then you are emptying it into the container. Hence the great pandits/ustaads call it 'sur bharne' ka riyaz. This riyaz will bring stability in your voice and will fix the shakiness of the voice. It will also improve your vocal tonal quality. Your breathing will improve. You will get more familiar with your breathing and your voice. Though it will take consistent practice over time to see these improvements. The next vowel we can sing is Ee sound (Eekar). Then Oo sound (Ookar), the mouth shape/opening will be smaller than the Aakar. Then Ae sound (Aekar). Then sing O sound (Okar). Then sing Sa in humming (hmmm sound). In all these different ways of doing Sa riyaz, Aakar riyaz is the most important and should be done for the longest among others. Do start your riyaz this way, and you sure will see great results over time. Different ways we can do Sa ka riyaz:

• Aakar
• Okar (O sound of Om)
• Eekar
• Ookar
• Aekar
• Humming

This lesson is part of our free online singing lessons, to watch all lessons visit our Free online singing lessons page