Beginner to Intermediate: The Journey of Learning Carnatic Music

 

Carnatic music, the rich tradition of classical music in South India, has been enjoyed by people for centuries. It is often characterised by its deep emotional music, complex rhythms and haunting melodies. We hope to help you with this journey and provide some useful tips on the best ways for learning Carnatic music.

The Difficulty in Learning Carnatic Music

Carnatic music is a complex but beautiful art form where music enthusiasts intending to learn this genre need dedication and thorough consistency. At the start of your journey, you may encounter the below: 

Basics of Carnatic Music: The building blocks of Swaras (notes): 7 basic Swaras Ragaas (melodies) Talams (rhythms), can sometimes be hard to understand initially.

Too many resources: With so much information out there, it can also be difficult at times to find quality material that is accessible for beginners.

Practice, practice and more practice: Carnatic music is not just a set of notes to learn. One must learn the nuances of each raga and tala, which needs continuous practice under the guidance of an elder teacher.

The Struggle to Progress

At times, even after putting in the effort, our journey can tire us out quickly without proper guidance and structure. Some common issues include:

Lack of Regular Feedback: Without consistent feedback, students may miss important details needed at the foundation of their learning journey.

Difficulty Staying Motivated: The journey of learning Carnatic music is long and demanding. Without a supportive environment, it’s easy to lose motivation.

Challenges in Finding the Right Teacher: A good teacher is crucial for progress, but finding one who matches your learning style and pace can be difficult, especially if you live far from urban areas. 

The Solution: Learn Carnatic Music Online

Despite these challenges, many students are turning to online platforms such as Artium Academy to learn Carnatic music. Learning online offers several advantages:

Structured Learning Path: You can find courses that guide you step-by-step, from beginner to intermediate levels, designed by experienced musicians who understand what beginners need.

Access to Expert Teachers: One of the most significant benefits of learning Carnatic music online is the ability to connect with expert teachers from around the world. Platforms like Artium Academy provide access to renowned Carnatic vocalists who can offer personalised guidance.

Flexibility and Convenience: Online learning allows you to schedule classes at your convenience, making it easier to maintain a regular practice routine, which is especially helpful for those with busy schedules.

Interactive Lessons: Despite being online, these classes are interactive, with real-time feedback from teachers, making the learning process engaging and effective.

The Journey from a Novice to an Intermediate

Let's break down the journey from a beginner to an intermediate while learning Carnatic music:

Stage 1: Understanding the Basics

Learning the Swaras: The first step is to become familiar with the seven basic Swaras – Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da, and Ni. Vocal exercises will help you understand the pitch and modulation of each note.

Introduction to Ragas: Beginners start with simple ragas such as Mayamalavagowla and Mohanam, which will help you understand the basic structure of ragas.

Understanding Talas: You'll learn basic talas such as Adi Tala and Rupaka Tala, which are essential for maintaining rhythm during performances.

Basic Compositions: You'll start with simple compositions, such as Geethams and Swarajatis, which serve as the building blocks for more complex pieces.

Stage 2: Building on the Foundation

Complex Ragas and Talas: In intermediate courses, you'll explore more advanced ragas and talas, understanding the nuances of ragas like Kalyani and Shankarabharanam, and mastering talas like Khanda Chapu and Misra Chapu.

Improvisation (Manodharma): Improvisation is a key part of Carnatic music. Intermediate students can start practising Alapana (raga improvisation), Neraval (improvisation of a line within a composition), and Kalpanaswaram (improvised swara patterns).

Varnams and Kritis: You'll learn Varnams, complex compositions that test your mastery of both rhythm and melody, and Kritis, central pieces in Carnatic concerts.

Voice Culture and Control: Developing a steady voice control is crucial. You'll work on exercises that improve breath control, vocal range, and clarity—helping you perform with confidence on stage or in front of an audience.

Stage 3: Preparing for Performance

Concert Practice: You’ll start practising with the aim of performing in concerts, learning the dynamics of live performances, including interacting with accompanying musicians.

Expression (Bhavam): Expressing emotions through music is key in Carnatic performances. At this stage, you'll work on conveying the emotions and meanings of the compositions you perform.

Regular Assessments: Your progress will be monitored through regular assessments, which help identify areas for improvement and fine-tune your skills.

Conclusion

Learning Carnatic music is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and the right guidance. By learning online with platforms like Artium Academy, you can overcome the challenges of traditional methods and make steady progress from beginner to intermediate levels. Whether you're passionate about Carnatic classical music or looking to enhance your singing skills, the journey is enriching and worthwhile. Stay committed, keep practising, and let the beauty of Carnatic music inspire you every step of the way.