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Carnatic Music 101 (Beginner):

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Overview:
 

Carnatic Music 101, the beginner stage in Carnatic music is divided into nine topics:

 

-Introduction to Carnatic Music

-Sarali Varisai

-Jantai Varisai

-Dattu Varisai

-Melstaayi Varisai

-Mandrastaayi Varisai

-Raagams

-Geetams

-Voice Training

 

1. Introduction to Carnatic Music:

  

     Students will learn preliminary Carnatic music concepts. Concepts such as shruthi, raagam, taalam and swaram notations will be covered in this course. Students will also be given a brief summary regarding the history of Carnatic music and important figures (such as Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri) who helped mold the art form. Students will also learn the Raagam Mayamalavagowla.

 

  

2. Sarali Varisai:

  

     Sarali Varisais are the most basic exercises practiced in Carnatic music. There are fourteen sarali varisais and each exercise is more difficult than the previous one. In this course, Students will learn to sing all Sarali Varisais in three speeds (first, second and third).

 

    

 3. Jantai Varisai:

 

     Jantai Varisais are the next step after sarali varisais and a crucial building block to Carnatic music. Unlike in sarali varisais, each swaram is doubled in jantai varshais. Students must complete all twelve jantai varisai exercises.

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 4. Dattu Varisai:

 

      After Jantai Varisais come the two dattu varisai exercises. Dattu Varisais are two long exercises that further explore the skip note concept.

 

    

5. Melstaayi Varisai:

  

     Until this point, the exercises have limited the vocal range to an octave. melstaayi varisai exercises strive to expand the higher end of students’ vocal ranges. There are totally five melstaayi exercises.

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6. Mandrastaayi Varisai:

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     Mandrastaayi Varisai exercises strive to expand the lower end of students’ vocal ranges. There are totally five mandrastaayi exercises.

 

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7. Raagams:

 

     Throughout this course, students will be introduced to melakarta and pentatonic raagams.

 

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8. Geetams:

 

     Throughout this course, students will learn and memorize geetams in first, second and third speeds.

 

    

9. Voice Training

 

     Throughout this course, students will learn basic Indian style voice training. 

 

 

Prerequisites:

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None

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