[1][2][3][4] In Hindustani classical music tradition, it is employed as a repertoire of exercises to cultivate the musicality of one's voice or fingers.
[6][7] It is followed rigorously by the students as well as exponents of vocal and dancing forms.
The Riyaaz or Sadhakam, which often starts early in the morning at four,[8] is taken seriously by the students for it requires intensity, discipline and commitment for years and forms an important component in the Guru - Shishya parampara (teacher-student tradition).
[9] In Carnatic music, the impression is that the assiduous sadhakam of the Trinity of Carnatic Music was the bedrock of the excellence of the old-world vidwans.
[10] A popular system for practice of the tabla, known as chilla, is mostly followed by Muslim exponents of music and involves 10–12 hours of daily riyaz for 40 days.