An artist is a person who has an inherent or born talent in him / her or has tremendous passion towards the art. Since we are talking in context of music, an artist has to keep learning and gaining knowledge in music which is as vast as an ocean. In the traditional form of Indian Music a person who is keen to grow himself or herself as an artist has to be very focused and devoted to the music from a very early age of life. People who are born in a family of music performers have an edge over others. Some say that they start learning music in their mothers womb, before their birth. Those are real lucky people. Anyway, it is not just about born talent, there are other factors that are really very important in the becoming of an ‘artist’. You have to be very disciplined & punctual about learning music. Regular ‘Riyaz’ (Practice) is key. Most importantly you have to have a good teacher (Guru). In Indian classical music there are various Gharanas (familiies) of music. Each gharana has its unique style and structure of presentation. The beauty of performance lies in variations and creativity by an artist within the defined structure of a particular gharana. An artist creates different emotions by performing various forms (Ragaas) of music. The forms or Ragaas are based on basic forms (thaats) and are performed based on specific times in a day. The time decides the mood and so does the form (Raaga) decides the mood or creates an atmosphere that is suitable to the time of the day.

An Artist is one who has learned music and is able to give performance and entertain the audience.  He may or may not be a good person at heart. He may be performing just to impress people with his talent and concentrate more on the presentation than the beauty of the form of music.

The Real Artist however is a ‘good quality’ human being. He (or She) is very humble and down to earth person. He (or she) is very versatile, yet simple in his / her presentation. He (or She) gets so deeply involved in the music that he (or she) forgets everything and has the ability to move the audience into a divine or spiritual level for few moments. The Real Artist does not make an attempt to do so, but this happens naturally.

Music itself has the ability to change a bad person into a good one and make him a real artist but the person has to put a lot of effort in leaving behind his ego and arrogance which can get enhanced due to the fame and popularity amogst the audience.  It’s easy for a person who is kind (Satva guni) by nature, to become a real artist if he is able to maintain the balance between a good person and a famous person.

Music is divine.  The classical form of Indian music has been cherished over the years for its purity and ecstacy and people have experienced great deal of satisfaction and happiness of mind by listening and practicing it. The first word that is uttered while you begin the riyaz (practice) is ‘OM’. By saying OoooMmmm while releasing your breath you not only clear your vocal chords but also pray to god and take his blessings.  Most singers practice ‘OM’ for ten minutes before they start the next exercises of signing.  A singer can practice or perform for hours at a stretch with only 7 notes.  These are ‘Sa’ ‘Re’ ‘Ga’ ‘Ma’ ‘Pa’ ‘Dha’ ‘Ni’. He can create many combinations of tunes with these 7 notes.  Apart from these basic (shuddha)  notes there are komal (soft) notes with which one can create various forms (Ragaas) of music. The classical form of music creates emotions which can be romantic and devotional as well. The music is so soothing that it calms down your mind and releases all your thoughts. For a singer music is a form of worship and for a listner it is a form of meditation. Both achieve oneness while experiencing it and feel relaxed and heavenly. It takes great time and effort to become a good singer and a good listner, but the satisfaction & peace of mind can be achieved instantly if one has deep interest and great feelings for music.