How did you learn how to sing?

Singing is a lot of fun, but it is also a lot of hard work.  

I started learning music from Pt. Raghunath Prasanna when I was very young.  There were hours after hours, year after year of doing sargams.  I did not learn from a traditional hindustani classical vocalist so many of my vocal techniques are different from traditional indian classical music.   Some of my vocal techniques are emulated from the bansuri (which is different from most Indian classical singers who learn with string instruments).  I started singing later in life by listening to Jagjit Singh ji and Lata Mangeshkar ji, and trying to emulate their sweetness. 

I continue to hear many yesteryear and current singers to learn by emulation. For developing my voice I have done Mandra Saptak and Shadaz riyaz for over 20 years.  I also learn by recording myself, hearing my mistakes and trying to correct them. I have also been undeterred by the disappointments; consistency is needed because it is a long, arduous process.