Voice & Singing

Dhrupad Voice Practice

Learn Indian classical singing rooted in the Dhrupad tradition. Weekly practice of breath, resonance, intonation, and deep listening, building a stable foundation through voice culture, alankāras, rāga study, and traditional compositions.

Dhrupad Voice Practice

Private Study
60 minutes
Voice & Singing
Learn Indian classical singing rooted in the Dhrupad tradition. Weekly practice of breath, resonance, intonation, and deep listening, building a stable foundation through voice culture, alankāras, rāga study, and traditional compositions.

About the classes

Rooted in the Dhrupad tradition, these classes aim to guide you toward embodying its classical principles. Through the traditional practice of listening, repeating, and deeply absorbing, you cultivate a refined ear and the ability to internalize the system's full depth.

Program Overview

This structured curriculum offers a comprehensive foundation in Indian classical vocal music. The program progresses from foundational techniques to practical application, covering the following key areas:

1. Vocal Technique & Foundation

  • A-kar and Voice Culture: foundational vocal exercises and techniques for developing tone and control.
  • Tanpura: tuning and playing the essential drone instrument.
  • Alankaras (scalar exercises): For precise intonation, voice agility, and mobility.

2. Theory & Practical Integration

  • Integrated Theory: practical application of theoretical concepts.
  • Introduction to the Raga System: understanding the melodic framework of Indian classical music.

3. Raga Study & Development

  • Raga Kalyan/Yaman: study of the Kalyan scale and related alankaras, with an introduction to Raga Yaman (optional).
  • Raga Bhairav: study of the Bhairav scale and related alankaras, with an introduction to Raga Bhairav (optional).

4. Repertoire & Context

  • Traditional Compositions: learning selected pieces from the classical repertoire.
  • Cultural Overview: a general overview of the Indian classical music scene.

For beginners: a six-month commitment is not compulsory; however, I highly recommend this program to establish a solid foundation in Indian classical music. It is carefully designed for your essential first stage and is structured for a consistent six-month studies.

For continuing & advanced students: based on your previous experience and goals, I will design a personalized program to advance your study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the sessions online or in person?

Both online and offline options are available, be sure to specify which one you prefer while booking.

Is the course refundable?

No.

Is it required to have any previous level?

Anyone can join

Book your session now

Choose the most appropriate plan
and select the perfect date and time for your session.
1 month
262
4 sessions
60 minutes
Commitment of 1 month (total 4 weekly sessions).
Book your Session
3 months
720
12 sessions
60 minutes
Commitment of 3 months (total 12 weekly sessions).
Book your Session
6 months
1206
24 sessions
60 minutes
Commitment of 6 months (total 24weekly sessions).
Book your Session
Single lesson
72
1 lesson
60 minutes
Book your Session

Kind words from my students

Having studied with many teachers over the last decades, I can say without exaggeration that Simona´s depth is exceptional. Whether it is her musicality, her skill, or the breath of theory and philosophical dimensions, she is an integrator. Importantly, it is her own authentic connection to music and its many dimensions that is evident and powerful. Simona does not merely explain or instruct, she exemplifies by embodying, by living the teachings herself. This continues to infuse each lesson with new sparks of inspiration and joy, while always meeting me where I am. Maybe one of her rarest gifts is the remembering of what has been dismembered, by the overly technical, heady approaches to music of the West. Something that unfortunately too many of us have been objected to and confused by. Having been one of those, I may recommend her especially to those who are not simply looking to learn music, but to those who wish to (re-)connect with music in ways that are more natural, deeper, and personally meaningful at its roots.
Mendel, Netherlands
I want to say thank you from my heart. ❤️ After just three vocal classes, I can already feel a real shift. My vocal range is opening, tones feel freer, and most of all, my confidence with my own voice is growing. Your way of teaching feels so clear, supportive, and grounded. Each session creates a safe space where I can explore, trust, and truly connect with my voice. It’s not just about technique - it’s about expression, presence, and allowing the voice to unfold naturally. I’m deeply grateful for this journey and excited to see how much more will open along the way. With love 🤍
Navanita, Cyprus
With her breadth and depth of knowledge across Indian spiritual traditions, through sanskrit, mantras, vedas, and dhrupad, Simona introduced and guided me through this deep and complex space. On top of which her warm presence makes every class a treat.
Victor, Singapore
Simona is a professional and passionate teacher of Dhrupad singing and Vedic chanting. She transmits her knowledge with ease and makes you feel comfortable, even if you have no musical background. The course I joined was fun and full of insights about Indian philosophy, culture, and, of course, music.
Ivana, Italy
I absolutely love my sessions with Simona. She is so much more than just a vocal coach. The presence and being-ness she brings to our sessions is so palpable and touches me deeply every time. Whether it’s the singing practice itself, her knowledge about the western approach to music or her embodied wisdom of the ancient and mystical Indian approaches to music, there is always something new to discover! I’m glad to be on this journey with Simona and would recommend her to anyone wanting to explore the essence of music, sound and the nature of the universe.
Marian, Germany
I’ve been taking private classes with Simona for the past 2 years now and have noticed significant improvements with my voice. She taught me lots of useful exercises and routines to work on the range and clarity of my voice. She always shares interesting stories about Hindustani music, Mantras, Ragas - very happy to have such a knowledgeable teacher and can highly recommend taking classes with her!
Anna, Austria

More offerings for you

see all
MEET YOUR GUIDE

Hi, I’m Simona Apsarā.

I’m a vocalist, mentor, and practitioner devoted to voice and sacred sound. Rooted in the Dhrupad tradition and living wisdom lineages of India, I guide students to rediscover their own voice - its freedom, resonance, and expression.

While I hold academic degrees in Indian Classical Music, Jazz, and Indology, the true foundation of my work comes from lived study in India, years of practice, sādhana, and guidance from teachers within Dhrupad and Indian philosophy.

My work bridges East and West, making these teachings accessible and embodied. I share them as living practice, inviting voice to become a path of awareness, devotion, and inner clarity.