ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION e performing arts of India, collectively known as sangeet, include the three primary disciplines of vocal music, instrumental music, and dance. is article will focus on the two primary styles of classical music, Karnatak and Hindustani, found in India and around the world in diasporic communities. e classical traditions are the most obvious subject to address because classical music has been theorized for hundreds (if not thousands) of years, it has received critical analysis by scholars both East and West, it has been recorded since the earliest recording technologies were available, and classical concerts are presented oen in venues throughout the world. Furthermore, the lucid pedagogy in teaching Indian music has created a generational continuity that renders the present classical tradition vibrant. It should be emphasized, however, that folk music traditions in India are vast and critically important in understanding the context of classical music and Indian culture in general. e ability of scholars and the Western public to appreciate folk music is problematic for reasons such as the lack of accessible performers1 (in part due to their low economic and social status), the lack of academic research on the subject, the absence of pedagogy and resources, a general language barrier, and, overall, a vast web of rich regional variations, dialects, customs, and cultures that are truly astounding in scope.
