Music of India
Hindustani classical music of North India forms the core of this MIT OpenCourseWare course, which also traces the ancient foundations shared across Indian classical music and dance. Students practice ragas and talas directly, learning songs, dance movements, and drumming compositions rather than studying theory alone. The course builds listening skills through assigned recordings, pairs them with readings on the history and structure of the tradition, and includes concert attendance as part of the coursework. Materials include MIT's syllabus, assignments, and listening lists, making it suitable for someone with no prior background in Indian music who wants a structured, practice-based introduction. As an OpenCourseWare offering, all course materials are free and there is no certificate.