A Comparative Study on Traditional and Digital Methods of Teaching ‘Hindustani Classical Music

ABSTRACT Traditional learning of Hindustani classical music relied on the guru-shishya Parampara, emphasizing lived experience, oral transmission, and lifelong mentorship. However, pedagogical methods have undergone a change with digitalization, increasing access through virtual classes, apps, and recorded media. This paper examines learner experience, pedagogical depth, access, and skill development in traditional versus digital modes. Employing surveys, learning logs, observation notes, and digital platform metrics, this study has found that traditional teaching remains essential for emotional expression, improvisation, refinement, and aesthetic absorption, while digital learning allows flexibility, self-paced progress, and wider reach. These findings suggest that a blended model successfully integrates technological tools into the mentorship-based learning approach. The paper argues that hybrid pedagogy will best sustain the Hindustani musical heritage, meeting modern educational needs.