Carnatic Music Lessons 101: What Teachers Focus on in Beginner Lessons
Introduction
The world of Carnatic music is enchanting, to say the least. If you are a beginner who is eager to explore this fascinating art form, you have come to the right place. This blog will shed light on some of the fundamental elements that music teachers focus on during beginner Carnatic music lessons. By understanding these concepts, you will build a solid foundation for your musical voyage. So, let’s dive straight in and unravel the true essence of Carnatic music!
What is Carnatic Music?
Carnatic music is one of the oldest and richest classical music traditions in the world. Originating from the southern part of India, Carnatic music has its root in the ancient Vedic scriptures. Intricate melodies, complex rhythms, and profound emotional expression are some of its key features. It comprises raga (melodic scales), talam (rhythmic cycles) and swara (musical notes). These elements together create a sublime experience that engages both the mind and soul.
Important Carnatic Music Lessons For Beginners
- Raga
In Carnatic music, a raga is a melodic framework that forms the foundation of composition or improvisation. It is a collection of musical notes arranged in Aarohanam (ascending order) and Avarohanam (descending order). Each raga is often associated with a particular mood or time of day. Learning ragas involves practising scales, exploring different note patterns, and understanding the emotional essence each raga evokes. By exploring different ragas, you can develop an ear for melody and create your own compositions. - Talam
Talam acts as the metre to the poetry weaved in lyrics. It is the rhythmic aspect of Carnatic music and consists of a cyclic pattern of beats that provide a structure to musical compositions. Comprehending talam helps in developing a sense of rhythm, enabling you to keep time and synchronise with other musicians during performances. Carnatic music teachers will guide you in mastering the art of keeping time, clapping or playing percussion instruments, and understanding the rhythmic patterns that bring life to Carnatic music. - Swara
Swara or musical notes are the building blocks of melodies in Carnatic music. Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni are the seven primary notes used to create a raga. A strong grasp of swaras enables musicians to navigate melodies, improvise within ragas, and eventually delve into intricate compositions. To develop a strong foundation of swara, you can practise exercises like vocalisation, ear training, and practising note sequences.
Conclusion
By developing a good understanding of these concepts, you can march towards exploring the finer aspects of Carnatic music. Online learning music has gained a lot of prominence in recent years.
You can enrol for Carnatic vocal classes at Aritum Academy and elevate your musical prowess. Arun Sairam is the faculty head of their Carnatic music course. Their platform has numerous amazing features, such as 1:1 live classes by certified music teachers, digital tools built especially for learning music and masterclasses by industry legends. Also, Annesh Pradhan has joined their platform, and they are now offering online tabla classes as well. You must visit their website for more information!
