Arpita Polley

*Musical Education: *

• I began my musical education at the age of three under the loving guidance of my mother.
• Over the next twenty-five years, I delved into the rich tradition of Indian Classical Music through the Guru Shishya Parampara, learning from esteemed Gurus such as Dr. Indresh Mishra (Great student of Pandit Channulal Mishra)of Benaras Gharana, Dr. Pandit Pradip Kumar Ghose, Pandit Ranjan Mukhopadhyay and Vidushi Madhumita Saha of the Kirana Gharana. My training encompasses Vocal Classical music along with Bhajan, Thumri, Kajri, Chaiti, Baromasya, and more.
•  I also had the privilege of learning Ghazal from Kumkum Bhattacharya and various types of Sugam Sangeet (Folk, Tappa, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, Modern Song, Kirtan) from Dr. Nupur Ganguli, Pranab Majumder, and Ujjwal Das.
• Currently, I am blessed to receive guidance from Pandit Haridutt Sharma. I earned my Master of Music (M.A.) in 2018 from Rabindra Bharati University and hold Sangeet Visharad from Prachin Kala Kendra, Chandigarh in Vocal Classical, Rabindra Sangeet, and Nazrul Geeti, as well as Sangeet Bivakar from Bangiyo Sangeet Parishad in Sugam Sangeet.

*My Involvement Includes: *

• In 2017, I founded the Vaidic Cultural Academy in Kolkata, which now has a branch in Ghaziabad.
•  I am working as a Music Teacher at SSC School in Ghaziabad and am associated with Surasree Music Academy in Howrah.
•  I have performed vocal music in various cities across India.
•  I am a founder member of the Calcutta Charukala Society, Kolkata.
• Additionally, I serve as a formal judge for Prachin Kala Kendra, Chandigarh.
• I have had the honour of meeting and receiving blessings from some of India's most revered artists, including Late Pt. Rashid Khan, Pt. Samar Saha, Pt. Kumar Bose, Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasiya, Vidushi Girija Devi, Padma Bhushan Begum Parveen Sultana, Pt. Venkatesh Kumar, Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty, Koushiki Chakraborty, Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, Bidushi Jaya Biswas, Pt. Swapan Chowdhury, Pt. Gurudas Mukhopadhyay, and Ustad Akram Khan etc.

The teaching method of vocal music is a traditional and personalized approach that aims to nurture the student's vocal abilities and foster a deep understanding of music. Here are the key aspects of this method:

1. One-to-one and one-to-many mode: The guru (teacher) imparts training to students individually, allowing for personalized attention and feedback. This approach enables the guru to tailor the teaching to the student's unique needs and learning style. In a one-to-many mode, the guru teaches multiple students simultaneously, promoting a sense of community and camaraderie.

2. Guru Shishya Parampara: This ancient Indian tradition emphasizes the importance of the guru-student relationship. The guru not only teaches music but also imparts values, discipline, and life skills, fostering a strong bond between the guru and shishya (student).

3. Understanding the flavour of music: The guru helps students develop an understanding of the nuances of music, including the emotional and aesthetic aspects. This involves exploring various ragas, taals, and genres to cultivate a deeper appreciation and connection with music.

4. Give the training on breathing control and control of voice: Proper breathing techniques and vocal control are essential for effective singing. The guru guides students in developing these skills, ensuring they can produce a rich, clear, and expressive voice.

5. Voice modulation: Students learn to modulate their voice to convey emotions, convey the meaning of lyrics, and navigate complex melodic patterns.

6. Theory of music: The guru teaches students the fundamentals of music theory, including notes, scales, ragas, and taals. This knowledge provides a solid foundation for their musical journey.

7. Concept of taal: Students learn about various taals (rhythmic cycles) and how to apply them in different musical contexts, enhancing their sense of rhythm and timing.

8. Performance techniques: The guru prepares students for performances, teaching them how to engage with the audience, manage stage presence, and showcase their skills confidently.

By incorporating these elements, the teaching method of vocal music provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to learning music, empowering students to become accomplished musicians and appreciative listeners.