When learning Indian classical vocal, the completion of initial voice training through sargams is followed by the first Raga. Yaman is generally the first choice of the teacher. As children begin practicing the aroh, avroh, and pakad of Yaman, they usually learn a sargam geet1 and may also come across a lakshan geet.2 The chhota khayal with its alaaps and taans is probably next. As soon as kids complete one khayal, we can congratulate them on having a presentable composition. But is this the right time for them to give a performance? Probably not.
One of the expectations that parents develop from kids who have learned music for a few months is to see them in a concert. While exposure to the stage may develop confidence and improve one’s presentation skills, which are a part of the learning process, early and unnecessary applause and a false belief of artistic accomplishment may also become a distraction to one’s tutelage. For the early elimination of stage fear and encouragement, students can perform among peers and other musicians, who may further guide them, in temples and schools, and in front of family members. But if you are seriously considering making your child an artist, participation in TV shows and public performances may be a blockage in learning classical music.
While the ancient custom of waiting for a recital till formal training is complete may not be practicable today, we have to make sure that temporary fame does not replace the learning process. If extra time is spent on preparing an attractive composition for an audience rather than strengthening the foundation, it may be a big mistake. Similarly, if participation as a performer is not occasional, music, which is a potential source of relaxation from studies at school, becomes a burden because of desires emerging from illusionary limelight. Moreover, the development of objectives like fame and money in the mind can unknowingly separate one from spirituality, a major companion of music, at a very early age. In times when we may find singers who are famous in spite of little training, we have to ask ourselves if we aspire to make our children musicians or mere celebrities.
[1] a composition, set to a rhythmic cycle, that employs musical notes as the lyrics
[2] a song that tells us about the features of a Raga
