Certificate Program in Classical Music

About the Course

Carnatic Music is believed to be a divine art form which originated from devatas and is revered as symbolic of NADA BRAMHAM. Ancient works also describe the origin of the Saptaswaras to the sounds of animals and birds and human’s effort to reproduce these sounds through observation. Sama Veda is believed to have laid the foundation for Indian classical music, consisting of hymns set to musical tunes.

It is infused with divine values and is a form of prayer to God, which is truly a way to attain salvation. School of Arts & Culture is introducing this Offline Certificate course in Indian Classical Music with our Associates globally to prepare young artists for this Divine Art and take forward the legacy of our culture globally

Objectives of the Course

Introducing the student to the Basics of Music.
Different types of Bharatiya Sangeeta.
Knowledge about Swara, Taala, Shruthi, etc
Learning to start singing with Sapta Swaras.
Basic singing lessons & exercises.
Arohana & Avarohana of Swaras & Basic Structure of few Ragas.
Knowledge on Compositional Forms.
Life History of great personalities of the field of Carnatic Music.

Syllabus for Carnatic Music - Level 1

Highlights : Practical

Sarali Varisai – 14 (3 Speeds)
Janta Varisai – 9 (3 speeds)
Melsthayi Varisai – 5 (3 speeds)
Mandrasthayi Varisai – (3 speeds)
Dhattu Varisai – 2 (3 speeds)
Alankarams -3
Chathusrajathi Eka Thalam (3 Speeds)
Chaturasra Jathi Rupaka Thalam (3 Speeds)
Tisra Jathi Triputa Thalam (3 Speeds)

Highlights : Theory

Introduction to Music
About Nadam & Sruthi
Sapta Swaras, their nomenclature & the origin of their sound
Tri Sthayi
Notes on Purvanga, Uttharanga, Dhathu, Mathu, Akshara Kala
About Tala Avartha Angas, Shadangas.

Reference Books :

The Ragas of Carnatic music, Ganamrutha bodhini

Syllabus for Carnatic Music: Level 2

Students will learn vocal music Swaras (tunes, pitch), talas (music rhythms) for better music understanding which would help students to execute vocal music well. Every class begins and ends with tuning student’s voice with Shruthi (Pitch). Theory classes will be conducted along with classical music, whenever it is necessary to have the proper knowledge of the music.
In this level students will work on more Krithis/Keerthanams in different Raga and different Taala with Swara.
Learning of more Varnams in different ragas and talas and Pancharathna Kruthis.
Students are expected to finish this level according to their own pace, learning ability, class attendance, and with regular practice.

Highlights: Practical

Alankarams -4
Chatusrajathi Matya Thalam (3 Speeds)
Chatusrajathi Dhruva Thalam (3 Speeds)
Misra Jathi Jhumpa Thalam (3 Speeds)
Kandajathi Ata Thalam (3 speed)
Gitam – 7 (In Raga = Malahari, Mohana, Kalyani, Kambhodi)
Nottusvara Sahityas – 2
Tevaram – 1 / Slogam with Shruthi and Thalam
Tiruppugazh / Devaranama

Highlights: Theory

Music Forms: Alankaram, Gitam
Sapta talas, 5 Jatis, 3 main Angas of Sapta Taläa and their symbols
The Nomenclature of 16 svaras

Reference Books :

The Ragas of Carnatic music, Ganamrutha bodhini

Syllabus for Carnatic Music: Level 3

Students will learn vocal music Swaras (tunes, pitch), and Talas (music rhythms) for better music understanding which would help students to execute vocal music well. Every class begins and ends with tuning the student's voice with Shruthi (Pitch). Theory classes will be conducted along with classical music, whenever it is necessary to have the proper knowledge of the music.
Students are expected to finish this level according to their own pace, learning ability, class attendance, and with regular practice.
Students can submit a list of songs they would like to perform during the practical examination.

Highlights: Practical

***Compositions to be chosen in these ragas:

Lakshana Geetham – 2 (Hamsadhwani, Kalyani, Bilahari)
Jatiswaram – 2 (Todi, Kalyani, Hamsadhwani)
Swarajathi – 2 (Sambasivayanave – Kamas – Adhi Raravenu – Bilahari)
Aadi Tala Varnam – 4 (Mohana, Shree, Abhogi, Vasantha, Hamsadhwani, Kalyani)
Divyanama kirtanam – 2

Highlights: Theory

Musical Forms: 72 melakarta raga system
Knowledge of the following ragas: Hamsadhwani, Kalyani, Mohana, Vasantha, Shree, Abhogi.
Life history of Shamashatri and Mutthuswami Deekshitar

Reference Books :

The Ragas of Carnatic music, Ganamrutha bodhini