Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana

Ranjana Ghatak

Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana is a podcast exploring Indian classical and devotional music, through intimate conversations with musicians from and influenced by the Indian subcontinent, in addition to short episodes that unpack key concepts to guide your way in.

  1. Episode 1

    In Conversation with Padma Bhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty | Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana S1E01

    Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty is one of India's most respected vocalists - loved and revered as both a performer and Guru. In this episode, Ranjana explores Panditji's relationship to creativity and music in addition to guidance to students who wish to develop their musicianship and understanding of the subject. Tanpura: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUN8Dh8nzKQ&list=RDwUN8Dh8nzKQ&start_radio=1 [01:05] Overview of Today's Session & The Impact of Indian Music [01:53] Note Names in Indian Music (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni) [02:51] Flat (Komal) and Sharp (Teevra) Notes [03:29] Genres: Classical (Khayal, Dhrupad), Semi-Classical, and Devotional (Bhajans) [04:12] What is a Raga? (Key Concepts and Characteristics) [05:04] Connection to Nature and Time of Day [07:09] How a Raga is Learned and Mastered [08:26] Notation Patterns (Paltas) [09:30] Key Instruments: The Tanpura (The Drone Effect) [11:21] Roles of Musicians and the Swarmandal (Auto-Harp) [13:08] The Tabla and Cyclical Rhythms (The Concept of Tala) [14:51] Accompanying Instruments (Harmonium, Sarangi, Esraj, Flute) [16:06] Structure of a Khayal Performance: From Slow to Fast [17:13] What is an Alap? (The Introduction to a Raga) [18:43] Section Breaks: Medium Tempo (Madhyalaya) and Fast Tempo (Drut) [19:44] What is a Tarana? [20:41] Typical Structure of a Concert [21:19] Conclusion, Course Announcement, and How to Connect 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalofferings2/p/introduction-to-hindustani-vocal-self-paced-course 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak

  2. Episode 2

    Foundations of Listening: Key concepts and Note Names | Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana S1E02

    In Episode 2 of Indian Music Journeys, Ranjana breaks down the fundamental concepts behind Indian classical music — from the names of the notes (swaras) to the key ideas that shape how this music is experienced and felt. Perfect for beginners and enthusiastic listeners who want to understand what they're hearing. [00:26] Introduction & Recap of Episode 1[01:05] Overview of Today's Session & The Impact of Indian Music[01:53] Note Names in Indian Music (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni)[02:51] Flat (Komal) and Sharp (Teevra) Notes[03:29] Genres: Classical (Khayal, Dhrupad), Semi-Classical, and Devotional (Bhajans)[04:12] What is a Raga? (Key Concepts and Characteristics)[05:04] Connection to Nature and Time of Day[07:09] How a Raga is Learned and Mastered[08:26] Notation Patterns (Paltas)[09:30] Key Instruments: The Tanpura (The Drone Effect)[11:21] Roles of Musicians and the Swarmandal (Auto-Harp)[13:08] The Tabla and Cyclical Rhythms (The Concept of Tala)[14:51] Accompanying Instruments (Harmonium, Sarangi, Esraj, Flute)[16:06] Structure of a Khayal Performance: From Slow to Fast[17:13] What is an Alap? (The Introduction to a Raga)[18:43] Section Breaks: Medium Tempo (Madhyalaya) and Fast Tempo (Drut)[19:44] What is a Tarana?[20:41] Typical Structure of a Concert[21:19] Conclusion, Course Announcement, and How to ConnectTanpura:    • TANPURA SCALE A# | Scale A sharp   🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalofferings2/p/introduction-to-hindustani-vocal-self-paced-course 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalofferings2/p/introduction-to-hindustani-vocal-self-paced-course 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak

  3. Episode 4

    Introduction to Time Cycles - Teental, Jhaptal and Keherva| Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana S1E04

    In Episode 4 of Indian Music Journeys, Ranjana breaks down the fundamental concepts behind time cycles. How they are counted and clapped and learning Teental, Jhaptal and Keherva.  Teental (16 beats/matras 4+4+4+4) +                                   2                             0                     3  dha dhin dhin dha | dha dhin dhin dha| dha tin tin ta| ta dhin dhin dha  Jhaptal (10 beats/matras: 2+3+2+3)  +              2                       0           3  dhin na | dhin dhin na | tin na | dhin dhin na  Keherva (8 beats/matras: 4+4)  +                     0  dha ge na ti | na ka dhi na  [00:26] Introduction to Time Cycles and the Tabla . [02:35] Learning Teental (16 Beats) An in-depth breakdown of Teental. [06:20] Rhythm & Concentration Exercise [08:20] The Shared Language of Concert Communities [10:06] Learning Jhaptal (10 Beats) [11:48] Learning Keherva (8 Beats) [13:52] Further Learning 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalof... 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak New to Indian Vocal Music and want to learn? Free 20 min https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalofferings2/p/introduction-to-hindustani-vocal-self-paced-course 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak

  4. Episode 5

    Kaushiki Chakrabarty Part 2 | Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana | S1E05

    Part 2 to an incredible conversation where Kaushikiji talks about key lessons she's learnt from her Gurus, her journey of liberation and freedom through Pankh and some technical vocal guidance for vocal students. [00:00] Lessons From Her Guru [05:25] The Intersection of Music and Spirituality [10:10] Redefining the Guru-Shishya Relationship [15:10] Navigating Social Media and Individuality Advice for the next generation of classical musicians facing the fast-paced, overwhelming digital age. [23:00] Holistic Music Creation and the Journey to Pankh [37:18] Vocal Care and Daily Rituals [41:06] The Physics of Voice Projection & The Acoustic Tanpura [45:15] Lifetime Inspirations & Desert Island Discs [50:10] The Future of Ragas & Looking Ahead to 2026 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalof... 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak 🎵 Continue your journey with Ranjana: Free 20 min class https://www.ranjanaghatak.com 🎓 Self-Paced Vocal Course – Introduction to Hindustani Vocal https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/vocalofferings2/p/introduction-to-hindustani-vocal-self-paced-course 🎶 Swaranjali – Ranjana's Vocal Membership Program https://www.ranjanaghatak.com/swaranjali 📸 Follow on Instagram: @ranjanaghatak

About

Indian Music Journeys with Ranjana is a podcast exploring Indian classical and devotional music, through intimate conversations with musicians from and influenced by the Indian subcontinent, in addition to short episodes that unpack key concepts to guide your way in.