---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/faq/at-the-concert/i-have-never-been-to-an-indian-classical-concert-will-i-follow-it'
title: 'I have never been to an Indian classical concert. Will I follow it?'
author:
  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/user/0f961cccc99524ed'
date: '2026-09-04T15:20:30+00:00'
updated: '2026-10-19T21:52:01+00:00'
type: website
summary: 'Yes. You need no background in raga or taal. A raga opens with the alap, a slow section with no pulse, and the tabla enters later.'
tags:
  - 'At the concert'
image: 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg'
published: true
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  site_name: KalaSudha
  'image:url': 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg'
  'image:secure_url': 'https://kalasudha.com/themes/custom/music_agency/assets/icon/logo.svg'
  'image:type': image/svg+xml
  'image:alt': KalaSudha
---
##  [I have never been to an Indian classical concert. Will I follow it?

 ](/en-gb/faq/at-the-concert/i-have-never-been-to-an-indian-classical-concert-will-i-follow-it) 

Yes. You do not need to recognise a raga or count a taal to follow a **Hindustani** (North Indian) classical concert.

A raga performance opens with the **alap**, a slow section with no pulse. In instrumental music the **jor** then brings in a steady pulse, and when the [tabla](/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-a-tabla) enters with the composition, the rhythm takes hold.

Come at the door time so you hear the opening alap. New to the format? Read [what a baithak is](/faq/at-the-concert/what-is-a-baithak) and [when to arrive](/faq/at-the-concert/when-should-i-arrive). Going to a dance evening? Read [what Kathak is](/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-kathak).