Carnatic VocalCarnatic music, is a system of music commonly associated with southern India, including the modern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, as well as Sri Lanka. It is one of two main subgenres of Indian classical music that evolved from ancient Hindu traditions, the other being Hindustani music. The main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal music; most compositions are written to be sung, and even when played on instruments, they are meant to be performed in gāyaki (singing) style.
Although there are stylistic differences, the basic elements of śruti (the relative musical pitch), swara (the musical sound of a single note), rāga(the mode or melodic formulæ), and tala (the rhythmic cycles) form the foundation of improvisation and composition in both Carnatic and Hindustani music. Although improvisation plays an important role, Carnatic music is mainly sung through compositions, especially the kriti (or kirtanam) – a form developed between the 14th and 20th centuries by composers such as Purandara Dasa and the Trinity of Carnatic music. Carnatic music is usually performed by a small ensemble of musicians, consisting of a principal performer (usually a vocalist), a melodic accompaniment (usually a violin), a rhythm accompaniment (usually a mridangam), and a tambura, which acts as a drone throughout the performance. Other typical instruments used in performances may include the ghatam, kanjira, morsing, venu flute, veena, and chitraveena. *Text from Wikipedia |
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Classes
Beginner (Level 1)
These classes introduce students the scientific vocal technique behind Carnatic music. Students will be taught the complete series of beginner exercises, or varisaigal, starting with the most basic ones and methodically working towards those with more complex patterns. This is the essential foundation for learning Carnatic music.
Beginner II (Level 2-4)
The varisaigal exercises will continue in the class and geethams are introduced here to prepare themselves for the Intermediate level. Ragams (melodic modes) and new talams (rhythmic patterns) will be introduced at this stage. Simple varnams are also introduced at this level.
Intermediate (Level 5-7)
More complex varnams are introduced at this level and focuses on refinement of technique and gamakas. Following these, kritis are introduced into the repertoire.
Advanced (8-10)
These classes focus on honing the carnatic vocal craft and deep exploration of manodharmam (improvisation) techniques including Alapana, Kalpana Swaram, and Niraval.
These classes introduce students the scientific vocal technique behind Carnatic music. Students will be taught the complete series of beginner exercises, or varisaigal, starting with the most basic ones and methodically working towards those with more complex patterns. This is the essential foundation for learning Carnatic music.
Beginner II (Level 2-4)
The varisaigal exercises will continue in the class and geethams are introduced here to prepare themselves for the Intermediate level. Ragams (melodic modes) and new talams (rhythmic patterns) will be introduced at this stage. Simple varnams are also introduced at this level.
Intermediate (Level 5-7)
More complex varnams are introduced at this level and focuses on refinement of technique and gamakas. Following these, kritis are introduced into the repertoire.
Advanced (8-10)
These classes focus on honing the carnatic vocal craft and deep exploration of manodharmam (improvisation) techniques including Alapana, Kalpana Swaram, and Niraval.