Classical Indian Music Practice App

The Challenge

Indian classical music students need affordable, accessible practice tools. Physical instruments like tabla and tanpura are expensive, and existing apps lacked authentic sound quality, comprehensive taal libraries, and specialised features like pitch detection using the 22-Shruti framework unique to Indian classical music. Students needed a single app that could serve as both a practice companion and a learning tool across Carnatic and Hindustani traditions.

• Physical practice instruments cost hundreds of dollars and aren't portable
• Existing apps had low-quality samples that didn't match real instrument timbres
• The 22-Shruti pitch system is unique to Indian classical music and unsupported by standard tuners
• Students needed both Carnatic and Hindustani traditions in a single app

Our Approach

Built a Flutter-based Android app with 6 studio-quality sampled instruments, 25+ taals with BPM and pitch control, a built-in Shruti pitch detector, in-app recording with audio filters and effects, and 4 notation genres. The app blends Carnatic and Hindustani traditions in a single practice tool. Monetised through a free-with-ads model plus one-time or subscription payment to remove ads.

• Studio-quality audio samples recorded from professional instruments
• Custom Shruti pitch detector using FFT-based frequency analysis
• 25+ taals across Hindustani and Carnatic traditions with adjustable BPM
• In-app recording with real-time audio effects and filters via FFmpeg
• Free-with-ads model plus premium tier for ad-free experience

“Tabla Tunes is the practice companion I wish I had as a student. The Shruti detector alone makes it indispensable for serious practitioners.”

Music Teacher

Classical Music Academy, Mumbai