Discover the Elegance of Dhrupad Music at Pune's Unique Gurukul

Dhrupad music holds a special place in Indian classical traditions as one of the oldest and most profound styles. For those interested in learning this ancient art form, Dhrupad Gurukul in Pune offers a rare opportunity to immerse in its depth. This specialized institute focuses on the Dhrupad style, nurturing both vocal and instrumental skills with a strong emphasis on traditional values and modern learning aids. If you are looking for flute learning at Pune or wish to explore Dhrupad vocal music, this gurukul stands out as a dedicated center for serious students.

What Makes Dhrupad Gurukul Special?

Dhrupad Gurukul is not just another music school. It is a non-residential gurukul that preserves the Guru-Shishya Parampara, the traditional teacher-student relationship that has been the backbone of Indian classical music for centuries. The institute’s curriculum is designed to develop voice culture, Naad Yoga (the yoga of sound), and a deep understanding of ragas through disciplined practice.

The founder and lead guru, Sameer Inamdar, is a renowned Dhrupad flautist. He is credited with inventing the "Dhrupad Flute," a curved bamboo flute tailored specifically for the Dhrupad style. This innovation reflects the gurukul’s blend of tradition and thoughtful modernization.

How to Begin Your Journey in Dhrupad Music at the Gurukul

Step 1: Choose Your Path – Vocal or Flute

At Dhrupad Gurukul, students can choose between two main courses:

• Dhrupad Flute: Starting from basic flute holding techniques to advanced raga presentations, this course is ideal for those who want to master the bansuri in the Dhrupad style.

• Dhrupad Vocal: This course focuses on voice culture and meditation through sound, helping students develop a strong and controlled vocal technique.

  
  

Both courses emphasize slow, deliberate practice to build a solid foundation.

Step 2: Decide Your Mode of Learning

The gurukul offers flexible learning modes to accommodate different needs:

• Offline Classes: Conducted at the Pune center located at Laxmi Nivas, Near Nagnath Paar, Sadashiv Peth. This option suits students who prefer face-to-face interaction and hands-on guidance.

• Online Classes: For those unable to attend in person, the gurukul provides online sessions supported by high-definition audio and video recordings. A dedicated app helps students practice effectively at home.

  
  

Step 3: Join a Small Batch

Classes are kept small, typically with 5 to 8 students per batch. This ensures personalized attention and a close-knit learning environment where students can interact directly with the guru and receive detailed feedback.

Traditional bamboo flute designed for Dhrupad music

The Sameer Flute, designed specifically for Dhrupad music, is a key feature of the gurukul’s instrumental training.

What to Expect from the Curriculum

The curriculum at Dhrupad Gurukul is structured to build a deep connection with the music’s spiritual and technical aspects.

• Voice Culture and Naad Yoga: Students learn to control breath and sound, developing a meditative approach to singing and playing.

• Raga Learning: Detailed study of ragas, their moods, and improvisation techniques.

• Traditional Techniques: Emphasis on the Guru-Shishya Parampara ensures that students absorb not just the notes but the philosophy behind the music.

• Practice Support: Use of modern technology like HD recordings and a mobile app helps students maintain consistent practice outside class hours.

  
  

Why Choose Dhrupad Gurukul for Flute Learning at Pune?

If your goal is flute learning at Pune with a focus on classical depth, this gurukul offers unique advantages:

• Expert Guidance: Learn from Sameer Inamdar, a master flautist with deep knowledge of Dhrupad.

• Specialized Instrument: The Dhrupad Flute enhances the traditional sound and technique.

• Balanced Tradition and Technology: While rooted in age-old methods, the institute embraces tools that improve learning efficiency.

• Community and Culture: Small batches foster a supportive environment where students share their progress and challenges.

  
  

Location and Contact Details

The gurukul is located at:

Laxmi Nivas, Near Nagnath Paar, Sadashiv Peth, Pune – 411030

There is also activity noted in Tingare Nagar, Pune, for additional sessions or workshops.

For inquiries and enrollment:

• Visit the official website: dhrupadgurukul.com

• Contact number available on the website for direct communication.

  
  
  
  

Final Thoughts on Learning Dhrupad Music at Pune’s Gurukul

Dhrupad Gurukul offers a rare chance to learn one of the oldest forms of Indian classical music with expert guidance and a curriculum that respects tradition while embracing helpful technology. Whether you want to master the flute or develop your vocal skills, this institute provides a focused, supportive environment.

Dhrupad Curved Flute - Flute Learning process explained !

Flute classes in Pune - Dhrupad Gurukul

Dhrupad Curved Flute was invented By Guru Sameer Inamdar, (who is a renowned dhrupad flautist ) in 2018, after years of research . Last year he started first batch of Dhrupad Curved flute along with other regular batches of normal flute learning.

On his students insistence, Dhrupad Gurukul is starting with more batches on Dhrupad Curved Flute Available to both offline flute learning and online flute learning .

Many Students had Certain queries regarding Dhrupad Curved Flute, through this article will try to clear those doubts.

Why to use Dhrupad Curved Flute?

Its the only flute ,which is most suitable for dhrupad oriented music. This flute allows to play all the characteristics that human voice is capable (which usually used in Dhrupad Vocalist)

So ,in short it not only capable of producing the versatile sound but it is capable of producing different dynamics of sound first time ever on the flute.

How Dhrupad Curved Flute is different from Normal Flute?

Dhrupad Curved Flute is a 10-Fingeres flute, where all the 10fingers are used to play the flute without using any extra key or external mechanisms giving total control to the fingers which helps in playing different shades of a single swar.

Being a U- shaped Flute, it is easier to Maintain the continuity of swars and play meend more fluently. With this flute, you can easily play 3 octaves, giving more possibilities while playing different ragas.

Is curved flute only for Dhrupad Music?

Dhrupad Curved Flute was specifically designed considering the intricacies of Dhrupad Music but it also give flexibility of playing all kind of music and ragas . Moreover Dhrupad Curved Flute allows all the 3 octaves along with all the shuddha and komal (Half open notes) by using all the 10 fingers. So this gives the more versatility to this flute in any genre.

Who Can learn the Dhrupad Curved Flute?

Anyone can learn Dhrupad Curved Flute but the student should have patience and proper dedication.

Is it hard to play the Curved Flute ?

With proper guidance ,this takes around 4-5 years to master the curved flute.

How many notes can this bansuri play ?

With Dhrupad Curved Flute you can easily achieve 3 octaves.

Which is better flute or bansuri - Normal or Curved Flute?

Dhrupad Curved Flute is a complete and more Versatile Flute as compare to Normal Flute, like while playing "ma" and "pa" or " Ga -Pa" , "Re Pa" , "sa Sa" etc on normal flute we don't get proper Meend but it is easier to maintain continuity of swars, because of its U- shape and by using all 10 fingers switching between 2 swars is very smooth.

No extra key or External mechanism is used on Curved Flute, so it is easier to control Different shades of same swars used in different Ragas.

Usually, only few ragas are performed on bansuri like Bhoopali, hansdhwani.. etc but on Dhrupad Curved Flute you can easily play ragas with more esthetically and precisely (Like adhbood Kalyan , kamboji , Purvi, Darbari etc ,which are very rarely played on bansuri as this flute gives the flexibility of going upto 3 octaves and better control on transition of Swars.

How long does it take to learn the curved flute?

Learning Dhrupad Curved flute, like any other art forms take time and patience.

Is this lord Krisna's flute?

In some Classical Texts, there is mention of one of Krishna's Flute named Mahananda, which is like a fish hook. Inspiration of Dhrupad Curved flute is taken from that.

Who gave bansuri to Krishna?

Lord Shiva gave bansuri To Krishna.

What are the health benefits of playing this Bansuri?

There are numerous health benefits of flute playing .

Is this the hardest musical instrument to learn?

No, but it looks like the Hardest Musical instrument, as we are not used to playing with 10 fingers. But once you get a hang of using all 10 fingers, it is the most friendly musical instrument.

How many hours a day should I practice flute?

Disciplined and regular practice is more important to learn any art form, rather than practicing for N number of hours.

Is playing flute good for lungs?

Yes, Many of our students who are asthmatic have experienced improvement in their health after they started playing bansuri.

Is this a bansuri for the beginners?

Yes, on the contrary Dhrupad Curved flute is easier for beginners as they are starting from zero in comparison to the students who are used to playing normal flute as they have to go through the process of unlearning and starting again from the basics of how to hold a flute, fingering techniques etc.

Dhrupad Bansuri - A Stunning Truth!

History of Bansuri

Bansuri produces such a magical , sweet sound (in scientific terms purely sine wave) and it's a lord Krishna's instrument. As per Natyashastra, the classic Sanskrit text on music and performing arts, bansuri is considered as an important instrument and complementary to the human sound and Veena (Vaani - Veena - Venu).

Bansuri is probably the most simple instrument found in different ancient cultures. It is found in different shapes, Transverse flute(side way) appeared only in ancient India. Small Sized Bansuri were mainly used in the Folk music. Fipple Flutes were most common in different Cultures mostly in Greece, Egypt and India.

Many innovative shapes are also found in different cultures, algoza which is a "twin bansuri" in different keys constructed as a single instrument is found in the Himalayan foothills, allowing the musician to play more complex music.

Krishna's Bansuri

In Bhagavad Gita also various types of Krishna Flutes are mentioned. As per text, three kinds of flutes were used by Krishna.

- Venu which is very small, not more than six inches long, with six holes.

-Murali is about 18inches long with a hole at the end and four holes on the body. this kind of flute produces a very enchanting sound.

- Vamsi flute is about 15inches long, with nine holes on its body.

Krishna has a longer vamsi, which is called Mahananda, which is like a fish hook that captures the fish of Radha's heart and mind.

When it is still longer it is called Akarsini. When it is even longer it is called Anandini. The Anandini flute is very pleasing to cowherds.Another flute is known as Madanajhankrti.

Evolution of Dhrupad Curved Flute

The music which is truly ancient ,originated from Saam Veda is Prabhandha , Dhrupad . Now These styles -approaches are considered as the purest and oldest form of Indian Classical Music. So Dhrupad music is considered as a mother of all music .

Dhrupad music uses various voice techniques which are used in vedic hymns. Each swar in dhrupad can have different variants, Dynamics of sound embodied in Udatta, Anudatta and Svarita of a single notes creates microtonal shades of a single node.

All these minute technicalities of Dhrupad music created a need for an instrument where all these minute detailing of dhrupad music and continuity of the Swars can be achieved , which was not possible on the normal Six finger flute. All these hurdles, while playing Dhrupad On normal Bansuri lead to the invention of Dhrupad Curved Flute.

Dhrupad Curved Flute, which is the brainchild of Guru Sameer Inamdar, the seed of this innovation was sowed, while he was learning the Dhrupad music. The minute intricacies which are essential part of Dhrupad Music was not possible on the Normal bansuri.

Dhrupad Curved Flute is a U-Shaped Flute, which is played using all 10 Fingers first time ever without using any additional keys or any mechanism.

This Flute allows Orientation of Swar, Continuity between Swars -Meend, Different types of Gamaks and all the three Octaves. Moreover, this allows the connectivity between the Octaves precisely.

Unique design and better Functionality of Dhrupad Curved Bansuri helps in Achieving the core concept of Naadyog.

Experience the transcendental sound of Dhrupad Curved flute!!