Dear Dhikshita Ji,
(Note:I don't why know why my reply is not posted for so long. I posted the following same content 5 days back. since it is not reflected here in this thread, i'm posting it again.)
Very nice to see your reply and also your noble intention to start to practice sandhyavandanam.
I would like to share few info and also my views with respect to vedic chanting and learning, and
also some points on sandhyavandanam too.
Regarding Vedic hymn chanting:
In this chaotic world, where ppl raise doubts or questions to each and everything they encounter, whether it is sensible or not, i would say, the intention to somehow learn vedic hymn, whether it is self taught or through audio cds, whatever way many be the channel, but the intention itself is noble. It is my very strong feeling that you would not incur any sin for this violation for not learning through a proper guru. More so, if the intention to learn is not for any desire based.(ie., reciting 'Rudram' for any specific result.)
Having said all this, when we look in to the structure of vedic hymn, the glory and power of a vedic mantra and also finally, the most praise worthy guru parampara tradition, its seems very compelling to learn it through an adept Guru.
The Structure of a vedic hymn is very technical, it has got swaras like udaata, anudaata and swarita majorly and the letters have specific time duration to recite like dheergam, hrasvam and plutam and the also the visarga sandhi with the following words changes the phonetics .. These are some of the major points to be considered while reciting a vedic mantra.
So, Considering all this, even though if we learn on our own, there are more chances that we might not be aware if we are making a mistake or reciting properly. Also, learning through a Guru not only helps us learn things quite easier without getting much into the technicalities, but also, help us to get the grace of a Guru, which is indispensable, that helps us in getting mantra siddhi. (to get perfection in mantra recital and to receive recitations full result)
So, Atleast initially learn few sessions from a guru, and then with his hearty consent, learn of your own. With little time allotted, say like 20 to 30 mins every day and with proper disciple, you will make a great progress.
And regarding learning Sandhyavandanam:
There is an app in play store by name ' Sandhyavandanam' developed by 'Mahastro'.
Recently, i suggested this in another post in the same category. It will be very helpful for beginner or for anybody in general.
It makes things easier in every possible way. Check it out. you might find it very helpful.
May God bless you to learn vedic mantras and sandhyavandanam.
Best wishes.
Sarvam Krishnaarpanam.
Venkat.