In this blog, we spotlight 5 legendary Indian classical singers whose timeless contributions continue to shape how music is learned and lived today. We also highlight how platforms like Furtados School of Music (FSM) make this cultural heritage accessible to new-age learners through immersive training and reference to such musical legends.
In the vast soundscape of Indian classical music, some voices don’t just perform — they inspire. These voices are not bound by time; they’ve transcended generations, creating musical blueprints for learners, dreamers, and future maestros. Their art, rooted in centuries of tradition, continues to influence modern music education and personal expression.
For today’s music students, especially those exploring Indian classical music — both Hindustani classical music and Carnatic styles — understanding these trailblazers is like holding a key to the kingdom of emotion, rhythm, and voice.
5 Indian Classical Singers
1. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi: The Powerhouse of Hindustani Classical Music
When you speak of Hindustani classical music, one of the first names that comes up is Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. A titan from the Kirana Gharana, Joshi’s voice had the ability to soar and dive through emotions like few could. Known for his khayal renditions, devotional bhajans, and unmatched command over ragas, he carried the torch of Indian classical singing well into the modern age.
His music was not just performance — it was prayer, passion, and perfection rolled into one. For music students, his recordings are masterclasses in voice modulation, raga improvisation, and emotional expression.
2. M. S. Subbulakshmi: The Voice of the Nation
No conversation about Indian classical singers is complete without M. S. Subbulakshmi, the first musician ever to be awarded the Bharat Ratna. A Carnatic vocalist par excellence, her voice carried the weight of devotion and the grace of discipline.
She brought Indian classical music to global stages, from the United Nations to London’s Royal Albert Hall. Even today, young learners study her compositions to understand diction, purity of note, and spiritual intensity.
FSM often encourages students to listen to legends like Subbulakshmi to understand how precision and devotion can coexist in every note.
3. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan: The Soul of Patiala Gharana
Among the jewels of Hindustani classical music, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan shone the brightest. His ability to blend intricate taans with emotional storytelling made his performances unforgettable. He had a unique flair for mixing classical finesse with a dramatic, soulful delivery that instantly captivated audiences.
His legacy lives on in the way modern singers are taught to balance technique with personality — an approach often highlighted in FSM’s Hindustani vocal curriculum. Students are encouraged to explore his recordings to understand the finer nuances of expression and agility.
4. Kishori Amonkar: The Maverick of Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana
Kishori Amonkar was a revolutionary — not just a singer, but a thinker. She took the rigid structures of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana and infused them with her own emotive interpretations. Amonkar believed in singing from the soul, not just the rules, which made her renditions deeply personal and universally moving.
She inspires students today to go beyond just learning — to feel, express, and question. At FSM, this emotional approach to classical music is often emphasized. By introducing learners to artists like Kishori Amonkar, FSM helps foster not just technical excellence, but emotional intelligence in music.
5. Ustad Amir Khan: The Master of Slow, Soulful Singing
Ustad Amir Khan, founder of the Indore Gharana, introduced a meditative, slow-paced singing style that focused deeply on the emotional depth of a raga. He wasn’t just a vocalist — he was a poet in motion.
What makes Amir Khan relevant to today’s learners is his contemplative style, which teaches patience, attention to detail, and the beauty of minimalism in music. FSM often incorporates exercises and listening sessions around such artists, helping students appreciate the art of restraint and depth.
Furtados School of Music: Bridging Legends and Learners
At Furtados School of Music (FSM), the mission goes beyond teaching — it’s about shaping musical journeys rooted in cultural legacy and forward-thinking pedagogy. While learners might start with a simple alankaar or sargam, they are gently introduced to the musical philosophies of India’s greatest classical singers.
FSM integrates Indian classical music into its curriculum not as a relic, but as a living tradition. Through structured online courses, workshops, and artist-led sessions, students are encouraged to listen to and reflect on the works of these legends. For instance:
- In Hindustani vocal sessions, students are guided through raaga-based improvisations, referencing recordings by Bhimsen Joshi and Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.
- Carnatic learners are introduced to the Bhakti-rich compositions of M. S. Subbulakshmi to master pronunciation, tone, and spiritual intensity.
- FSM’s faculty often use excerpts from Kishori Amonkar’s performances to inspire creativity and interpretation.
This exposure to legendary singers builds more than technique — it builds context, heritage, and artistic identity.
Why Modern Music Learners Must Explore Classical Icons
Today’s generation of music students is surrounded by global sounds, tech-driven music tools, and instant gratification. Yet, there’s profound value in pausing to study the past. Indian classical singers like the ones above offer timeless lessons in discipline, creativity, and authenticity.
Their music shows us:
- That excellence takes time
- That voice is both instrument and soul
- That art grows when rooted deeply
By revisiting their work, learners gain more than inspiration — they find direction.
In Conclusion
The legacy of Indian classical music is as much about heritage as it is about the future. Icons like Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, M. S. Subbulakshmi, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Kishori Amonkar, and Ustad Amir Khan have carved paths that modern learners continue to walk on, adapt, and celebrate.
At FSM, the journey of a music student is enriched with these timeless influences, proving that even in an age of digital music and global genres, the echoes of Indian classical legends remain not only relevant — but essential.