Riyaz

Not to be confused with Riaz (name).

Riyaz (lit. 'training, practice') is the systematic practice of music, dance or any other art form usually under the guidance of a teacher or preceptor.^[1][2][3][4] In Hindustani classical music tradition, it is employed as a repertoire of exercises to cultivate the musicality of one's voice or fingers.^[5] It is known as Sadhakam or Sadhana in Carnatic music.^[6][7] It is followed rigorously by the students as well as exponents of vocal and dancing forms.

The practice

The Riyaaz or Sadhakam, which often starts early in the morning at four,^[8] is taken seriously by the students for it requires intensity, discipline and commitment for years and forms an important component in the Guru - Shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition).^[9]

In Carnatic music, the impression is that the assiduous sadhakam of the Trinity of Carnatic Music was the bedrock of the excellence of the old-world vidwans.^[10]

A popular system for practice of the tabla, known as chilla, is mostly followed by Muslim exponents of music and involves 10–12 hours of daily riyaz for 40 days.^[2]

Further reading

• The shaping of an ideal Carnatic musician through sādhana - Pantula Rama