Skip to main content

Carnatic vs. Hindustani Music: Deciding the Best Style for Your Child

Carnatic vs. Hindustani Music


 In India, two classical music traditions stand out - Hindustani Classical Music from the North, and Carnatic Classical Music from the South. Choosing the right musical style from these for your child can shape their musical growth. Both these styles offer unique experiences and understanding them can help you make an informed decision. 

Carnatic Classical Music: Structured and Rhythmic

Carnatic music originated in South India and is known for its structured compositions and rhythmic precision. ‘Kriti’- a composition in Carnatic music, is central to this type of music and is often dedicated to Hindu deities. Usually, a Carnatic performance starts with a varnam, a warm-up piece, followed by kritis by legends like Tyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikhitar. 


Instruments like violin, veena and mridangam play a major role in Carnatic music. Learning Carnatic music can be intellectually stimulating and creatively fulfilling for your child as it offers structured learning and mathematical patterns to tease their interests. With the growing popularity of online learning, it's easy to learn Carnatic music online, making this art form accessible to anyone, anywhere. 

Hindustani Classical Music: Expressive and improvisational

Hindustani music is famous in North India and was inspired by Persian and Mughal cultures.  Hindustani music focuses more on improvisation within the framework of ragas-melodic patterns to create specific emotions. In this music,  the performance begins with an alaap. 


Instruments like sitar, tabla, and sarod are native to Hindustani music, offering a rich sound that complements its expressive nature. This music is perfect for children who enjoy creativity and spontaneous expressions. With the growth in online learning, you can enroll your child to learn Hindustani music from the comfort of your home. 

Key Differences between Carnatic and Hindustani Music


  • Carnatic music is structured; Hindustani music allows children to improvise.

  • Carnatic music features violin and mridangam; Hindustani music features sitar and tabla. 

  • Carnatic music has fixed sequences; Hindustani music performances evolve spontaneously. 



While both these classical art forms share foundational elements like ragas and talas, their execution and emotional impacts differ significantly. Before beginning the musical journey, it is important to understand these nuances to align with your child’s interests and personality. 

Conclusion

No matter which music form you choose, the right guidance matters a lot.  Online music learning platforms like Artium Academy offer Indian classical music courses, designed and certified by legendary musicians like Aruna Sairam and Shubha Mudgal. With their team of expert instructors and personalised learning programs, your child can learn classical music from the comfort of your home. 


So, nurture their passion for Indian classical music, and start their music journey. Book a FREE trial class with Artium today.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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 t...

Mastering Guitar Tunings: How to Pick the Right One for You

  Ever sat with a guitar wondering which is the right tuning that will unlock the perfect sound that you desire? Don’t worry, guitarists around the world have been there. Finding the right tuning is like finding an opening to your musical creativity, it makes a huge difference in your music.  Why Guitar Tunings Matter The tuning of your strings can make or break your music. It determines the overall sound, feel and style of your music. The right tuning can help you match the mood of the song, the singer’s vocal range and explore multiple genres with ease. With the rising popularity of online guitar courses , tuning the guitar correctly has been made easy and accessible.  Now let's understand the three main types of tunings, i.e. standard, drop and alternate.  Standard Tuning (E A D G B E)  This is where beginners start. It is popular among beginners as it allows them to play chords, scales and songs with ease. This tuning is right for rock, pop, blues and jazz g...

Top Techniques to Excel in Online Carnatic Music Classes

  Introduction Carnatic classical music is a rich and intricate art form that requires dedication, patience, and structured learning. With online classes making it easier than ever to learn this beautiful classical artform, students now have access to expert guidance from the comfort of their homes. However, excelling in online Carnatic music classes requires more than just attending sessions. Here are some top techniques to help you make the most of your learning experience.  Excel in Carnatic Classical Music Create a Dedicated Learning Space  A quiet, distraction-free environment is crucial for effective learning. Set up a dedicated space where you can focus solely on your music practice. Ensure good internet connection, have your tanpura app or shruti box ready, and keep your learning materials within reach.  Maintain a Consistent Practice Schedule Regular practice is key to mastering any form of music, and Carnatic music is no exception. Set aside a fixed time ev...