Kirtaniya's path of learning isn't just limited to musical excellence as one must work on spiritual growth in parallel. Many of the old ragis had strict nitnem regimen which they followed alongside their regular riyaz sessions or kirtan duties.

In the documentary "Sikh Kīrtana Maryādā atē Paramparā" [2], Bhai Avtar Singh shares that his father Bhai Sahib Jwala Singh would say every member of the jatha should do Panj Baniyan Nitnem before singing Asa Di Vaar for only then it becomes kirtan. Moreover, Bhai Hira Singh (and his father Bhai Bhaag Singh) would get all members of the jatha to do Sukhmani Sahib prior to Asa Di Vaar kirtan. Similarly, Bhai Baldeep Singh recounts a story [3] about Bhai Kalu where he would wake up at 2 AM for ishnaan and do sukhmani sahib before walking to Kesgarh Sahib to sing Asa Di Vaar.

Furthermore, there's a reason so many were and are still drawn to Sant Sujan Singh Ji's recordings, the reason being years of Sadh Sangat and blessings that they received from Baba Nand Singh Ji.

So as learners of Gurbani Sangeet we must take inspiration from the life of puratan ragis and work on spiritual growth alongside musical learning. In the end, it is Guru's Kirpa with which such things are achieved.

Sources:

1. Picture retrieved from "Amolak Heera" by Major Balwant Singh.

2. Sikh Kīrtana Maryādā atē Paramparā produced and directed by Bhai Baldeep Singh.

3. "The Rababi Legacy - The Story of Bhai Kalu" vlog by The Mardana Project.