Thumri
A classical vocal form shaped by poetic sensitivity and expressive depth.
Course Overview
Thumri is a classical vocal form where melody and poetry come together in an intimate and expressive way. In this course, recorded lessons are combined with three live sessions that guide you step by step through the form.
The recorded modules establish the musical and poetic foundations of thumri, while the live sessions deepen understanding through guided demonstration and practice.
This course is best suited to singers with some grounding in classical study who are ready to explore a more expressive dimension of the tradition.
🎥 Video — Thumri Course Introduction
What This Course Develops
Thumri invites a more intimate and expressive way of singing, where poetry and melody are closely intertwined.
This course is designed for singers who seek refinement rather than excess. It clarifies how poetry, phrasing, and subtle ornamentation work together, so expression feels guided rather than forced.
Through recorded lessons and live sessions, you are led step by step into the expressive language of thumri. Instead of adding more, you learn when to hold back, when to allow a phrase to open gently, and how meaning can shape the melody.
Explore Thumri Formats
This course may be studied through guided live instruction or independent self-study.
Thumri — Full Course
(Recorded lessons with three live Zoom classes)
The Full Course includes all recorded lessons, along with three live Zoom sessions for guided instruction and refinement.
What You Will Study
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The history and aesthetic foundation of thumri
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Focused instruction in vocal technique and phrasing
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Guided daily exercises for tonal control and expression
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A complete practical presentation demonstrating how a thumri is shaped in performance
Live Sessions
These sessions allow students to:
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Observe the form in greater depth
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Ask questions directly
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Gain clarity through guided explanation
Each session includes 45 minutes of instruction followed by 15 minutes of discussion.
Live Session Structure
Live Class 1 — Thumri Form and Expression
Explore what gives Thumri its distinctive character. Melody, mood, and poetry are examined closely, showing how expression is shaped from within.
Live Class 2 — Practical Vocal Development
Focus on phrasing, ornamentation, and vocal control, with emphasis on clarity, balance, and expressive restraint.
Live Class 3 — Composition and Rhythm
Understand how melody and text sit within rhythm (tāl), and how expressive freedom develops within structure.
Tuition: $249
Button: Enroll in Thumri Full Course
Thumri — Self-Study
(Recorded Lessons Only)
This course includes the same recorded lessons as the full course, without live sessions.
What You Will Study
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The history and aesthetic foundation of Thumri
-
Focused instruction in vocal technique and phrasing
-
Guided daily exercises for tonal control and expression
-
A complete practical presentation of a Thumri in performance
Through this course, you will learn to:
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Strengthen tonal clarity and control
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Shape phrases with subtle ornamentation
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Understand how poetry and melody interact
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Observe a complete Thumri in performance context
These lessons provide a steady foundation for developing clarity and musical sensitivity over time.
Tuition: $79
Button: Enroll in Thumri Self-Study
Experience a Full Thumri Performance
Thumri is best understood through listening. Its emotional nuance, poetic sensitivity, and subtle shaping of melody unfold gradually in performance.
The rendering below reflects the expressive depth and refinement explored throughout this course.
Thumri in performance — Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan
(Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOgvGRRw3qM
