🎤 how do i know if i’m improving in indian classical singing?

You practice. You try. You show up.
But sometimes… you still wonder—"Am I actually getting better?"

Progress in Indian Classical Singing doesn’t always shout. Sometimes, it hums quietly beneath the surface. Let’s tune in.

This quiz is your mirror. Answer honestly, reflect deeply, and by the end—you might just realise how beautifully far you’ve already come. 🌼

🧠 Self-Check Quiz: Are You Growing As A Classical Singer?

1. How do you feel when you hear a recording of your own singing now?

A) Cringe! I still hear a lot of flaws
B) I can spot both good parts and areas to improve
C) I actually enjoy it and feel proud of how far I’ve come

Reflection:
Recording yourself is one of the simplest and clearest ways to track progress. If you’re now able to spot improvements—or even smile at your own voice—that’s a powerful sign that your ears and voice are growing together.

2. Can you hold your sur (pitch) steady while singing a raag?

A) Not really—still figuring it out
B) Sometimes—I need to stay fully focused
C) Yes! It’s becoming second nature

Reflection:
The ability to stay in sur consistently takes time, patience, and lots of listening. Even if it doesn’t feel automatic yet, your awareness of it means you’re already improving.

3. When you sing an alap or sargam, how does it feel?

A) Confusing—I follow but don’t fully feel it
B) I understand what I’m doing, but still need confidence
C) I enjoy it and experiment with it!

Reflection:
Alap and sargam are where your musical personality starts to shine. If you’re curious or playful while singing them, that’s growth. If you’re still hesitant, your foundation is still forming—keep going.

4. How often do you practice now compared to when you started?

A) Less—I’ve been irregular
B) About the same
C) More—I look forward to practice time

Reflection:
Discipline in Indian music is built slowly. If you’re starting to enjoy your practice time—or even miss it when you skip it—you’re beginning to love the process, not just the performance.

5. Has your breath control improved?

A) I still run out of breath mid-line
B) I’m getting better at managing it
C) Yes! I’m able to finish long phrases smoothly

Reflection:
Good breath control doesn’t just improve your singing—it boosts your confidence. Noticing smoother phrases or fewer pauses means your stamina and voice control are improving steadily.

6. Do you understand the mood or emotion (bhaav) of the raag you’re singing?

A) I’ve just started learning about that
B) I’m beginning to connect with the emotion
C) Yes! I feel the raag deeply when I sing

Reflection:
The soul of Indian classical music lies in bhaav. If you’ve started feeling what the raag is saying—or even wondering what it wants to say—you’re no longer just learning music, you’re beginning to live it.

7. How do you feel when your teacher gives you feedback?

A) Nervous—I worry I’m not improving
B) I listen and try to apply it
C) Excited—I love fine-tuning my skills

Reflection:
How you receive feedback often reflects how you see yourself as a learner. If you’ve moved from feeling discouraged to curious or excited, that’s a mindset shift—a clear sign of growth.

🌟 Your Results: Where Are You In Your Journey?

🔴 Mostly A’s – Sur Saadhak (The Seeker)
You're just getting started, and that’s okay! You’re absorbing so much right now, and every note you sing is laying the foundation for something beautiful. Don’t stress about perfection—focus on small, consistent wins.

🎧 Tip: Record yourself every 2 weeks. You’ll start hearing the difference!

🟡 Mostly B’s – Surveer (The Climber)
You’re in the messy middle—making visible progress but still doubting it sometimes. That’s normal. Your understanding is growing, your ears are sharper, and your voice is gaining strength. Keep showing up.

🔁 Tip: Reflect on where you were 3 months ago. You’ll be surprised.

🔵 Mostly C’s – Ustaad (The Riser)
You’ve come a long way! Your sur is solid, your breath is balanced, and your expression is evolving. You’re not just singing—you’re communicating. Now’s the time to explore more complex raags and try performing more often.

🎤 Tip: Share your voice—on stage, in recordings, or with friends!

📝 Bonus Tip: Keep a “Sur Journal”

After every practice, note:

• One thing that felt better than before
• One thing to work on tomorrow
  Over weeks, you’ll see how far you’ve come.

❤️ Final Thought

Progress in music isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it sounds like better breath. Or a note held a second longer.
Or that soft inner smile when you feel the raag for the first time.

You’re not behind. You’re on your way.
Keep singing. Keep listening. Keep growing.

🎶 Want a teacher to walk this journey with you?
Join a class at Spardha and keep learning, your way. Book a Free Trial class now!
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