Hindustani Music is one of the distinct schools of Indian Classical Music practiced mainly in North India.While the historical roots of both the music types belong to the Bharata's NATYASASHTRA, they diverged in the 14th century. The Hindustani branch of music focuses more on the musical structure and the possibilities of improvisation in it. Hindustani branch adopted a scale of Sudhha Swara Saptaka or Octave of Natural Notes.

In ancient times, it has been passed from one to another through Guru Shishya Parampara.Musical instruments used in Hindustani are Tabla, Sarangi, Sitar, Santoor, Flute and violin. It is based on the Raga system. The Raga is a melodic scale comprising of basic seven notes.

The major vocal forms associated with Hindustani classical music are the Khayal, Thumri,Dhrupad, Dhammar, Tarana and Ghazal.Indian classical music has two foundational elements, Raga and Tala. The raga, based on a varied repertoire of swara (notes including microtones), forms the fabric of a deeply intricate melodic structure, while the tala measures the time cycle.