Hey Music Practitioners,
In the quiet hours before dawn, when the world sleeps, the true musicians rise. Not for applause, not for fame, but for riyaaz—that sacred, unyielding dialogue between the soul and sound.
Riyaaz (the devoted, mindful practice) and abhyaas (the disciplined repetition) are more than routines; they are the forge where raw talent becomes eternal art.
As students of the bansuri or any classical instrument, we often chase techniques or ragas, forgetting that without daily surrender to practice, music remains a distant dream.
This guide is your reference companion—crafted for late-night study sessions, teacher consultations, or those moments when motivation wanes. I’ve verified and sourced timeless quotes from India’s classical giants, drawing from interviews, memoirs, and documented wisdom.
Let these words remind you: Every note you play today is a step toward mastery.
The Wisdom of Legends: On Riyaaz & Abhyaas
1. Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia Ji (Bansuri Maestro)
“Riyaaz ke bina aadmi chal hi nahi sakta” (One cannot progress/survive without practice).
Chaurasiaji, at 87, still dedicates mornings to riyaaz, proving that consistency outlives talent.
Student takeaway: Miss a day? It’s okay. Miss two? Restart with humility.
2. Ustad Bismillah Khan Ji (Shehnai Virtuoso)
“Do riyaaz as worship”
Student takeaway: Approach riyaaz like a worshipper, not a labourer—let the flute become your confidant.
3. Pandit Ravi Shankar Ji (Sitar Icon)
He was known to spend hours “brushing up his techniques” even after achieving global fame, demonstrating that for him, riyaaz was a lifelong commitment.
Student takeaway: Make practice your home—fill your space with the music that will make you happy.
4. Kishori Amonkar Ji (Vocal Powerhouse)
While practicing a raag, her endeavour was to find the right note, the appropriate swar. Once she attained this feat, raag followed effortlessly.
Amonkarji’s lifelong riyaaz shaped her unparalleled khayal style.
Student takeaway: Perfection is a horizon—riyaaz is the path. Walk it daily, even in small steps, to meet raagas.
5. Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji (Tabla Genius)
“The secret of my success? Practice. I practice every day, even if it’s just 20 minutes.”
Student takeaway: Even masters start small—20 minutes of focused riyaaz beats hours of distraction.
6. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Ji (Hindustani Vocal Legend)
He highlights the importance of riyaaz of base note “Sa”.
He linked consistent practice to achieving “swar siddhi” (mastery over the musical notes and the ability to embody the spirit of a raga)
Student takeaway: Abhyaas isn’t repetition—it’s revelation. Let it unlock the raga’s hidden heart.
7. Pandit Jasraj Ji (Meera Bhajan Pioneer)
“Riyaaz is crucial and has no shortcuts”
Student takeaway: Treat practice as important aspect—your flute becomes the bridge to the Lord.
Your Riyaaz Starter Kit for 2025-2026
Daily Minimum: 15 minutes (long tones + scale + phrase).
Tools: Tanpura app (free), journal for reflections.
Motivation Hack: Read the masters before starting—let the masters whisper in your ear.
Track Progress: Week 1: Clean Sa. Month 1: Full Bhupali. Year 1: Your own alap.
Students, the above references aren’t dusty words—they’re living fire. Print this, pin it, live it. Riyaaz isn’t obligation; it’s your music’s quiet revolution.
What’s your riyaaz resolution for tomorrow? Comment below.
See you in our next blog. Until then, sit with your flute. The masters are listening.
Your Riyaaz Mentor!
P.S. Share with a fellow student: “Riyaaz kar—music will carry you home.”