Carnatic Beginner Level 1 - G#

This course starts from fixing the pitch of a student and makes the student to understand the swarasthaanaas of the raga Maayaamaalavagowlai. Apart from this, short songs of devotional and patriotic nature are taught to the students. Learning experience: No prior knowledge of Carnatic music is required. Swaraa exercises are:

• Sarali varisais: Simple patterns that start with the seven swaraas arranged in ascending and descending orders.
• Jantai varisais: Patterns where the swaraas are pronounced or sung twice each with the stress/gamaka in the second swaraa.

Students must sing the exercises at three different speeds and achieve a minimum of 80% on two quizzes to progress to Level 2. We are delighted that you have decided to join us. Please check Syllabus and Fee structure of the course. On behalf of myself and all of the team, we would like to extend our warmest welcome. Please adhere to the following instructions. Shruthi

• Sruthi Box Suggestions: Radel brand: Digital tanpura – Micro V6 / Raagini plus 5 / Saarang Miraj plus / Maestro DX.

• Its Mandatory to play Sruthi tone throughout the class. Please make sure shruthi to be played in another device kept apart from the one attending.
• Android users: Download ‘isruthi’ app to play shruthi during all the classes. IOS users: Download ‘NaadSadhana’ app to play shruthi during all the classes. Pitch would be ‘G’, ‘G#’ or others. Please check with the Tutor.
• Please download the required app for your trial session.

Syllabus & Song Notations

• Abroad Students:

  • Syllabus and song notations are available in PDF format for a fee of ₹800.
  • You can access the PDF and arrange for courier delivery to your Indian postal address upon paying the remaining balance while in India.
  • Important: Books are not shipped abroad. You must purchase the required book independently (Ganamrutha Bodhini Sangeetha Bala Padam for Beginner course and Ganamrutha Bodhini Varna Malika for Intermediate course) from Amazon or any South Indian local store.

• Indian Students:

  • Beginner Course:
    • A package containing the Beginner course songs book (hardbound) and Swaram book (Sangeetha Bala Padam) will be couriered to your Indian postal address for ₹1600 after payment.
  • Intermediate Course:
    • A package containing the Intermediate course songs book (bound) and Swaram book (Ganamrutha Varna Malika) will be couriered to your Indian postal address for ₹2200 after payment.

Practice & Class Guidelines

• Practice:

  • Dedicate at least 40 minutes daily to practice with shruthi (electronic tuning device).
  • Utilize our website courses for guidance.
  • Practice repeatedly on areas where you encounter difficulties.
  • Note: Audio/syllabus will not be shared via Google Drive. Access practice materials through our website or YouTube channel.

• Class Participation:

  • Discipline & Punctuality: Essential for learning. Be prepared and punctual for each class.
  • Attendance:
    • Only absences informed at least 2 hours prior will be compensated.
    • Uninformed delays (up to 10 minutes), emergency leaves, network issues, late notices, and late payments will result in session cancellation without compensation.
  • Class Schedule:
    • Teacher availability may vary due to personal commitments.
    • No interruptions during class hours.
    • Ensure you have shruthi and notes readily available before each session.

• Class Environment:

  • Privacy: Attend classes from a quiet, distraction-free environment.
    • Parental supervision is generally discouraged unless specifically requested.
    • Keep your video on throughout the session.

• Class Management:

  • Attendance:
    • A minimum fee may be required to hold your slot if you miss classes for a month.
    • Regularly check the attendance sheet/Google Calendar for class schedules and update student attendance.
  • Registration:
    • Registration is confirmed upon fee payment.
    • Check Google Calendar monthly for schedule updates. Login with your registered email. Event links may not always be emailed.
  • Compensation Classes:
    • Timings for compensation classes will be announced via WhatsApp.

• Feedback:

  • Parents may provide feedback once a month through a phone call or by filling out a feedback form ‘Feedback form’.

Apps – Help to practice

• While practising difficult swarams, always use Tuner-pitched/ Naadsadhana app to understand what pitch/note you are singing. IOS: Naadsadhana app (Please check if the app has been updated) Open the App -> 26 Instruments -> Carnatic Music -> Pancham Tanpura -> G# (Whichever is your Shruthi) -> Play Sing each Swaram longer and see the following note appears with green circle in “Guidance”

Sa – Sa Ri1 – Shuddha ri Ga3 – Antara ga Ma1 – Shuddha ma Pa – Pa Dha1 – Shuddha dha Ni3 – Kakali Ni SA – Sa

Android: Tuner pitched app (Please check if the app has been updated) Sing each Swaram longer and see if notes are correct and ♭ and ♯ are seen in green box in both the upper corners

• If your shruthi is G#, Sa – G#3 Ri – A4 Ga – C4 Ma – C#4 Pa – D#4 Dha – E4 Ni – G4 Sa – G#4

• If your shruthi is G, Sa – G3 Ri – G#4 Ga – B4 Ma – C4 Pa – D4 Dha – D#4 Ni – F#4 Sa – G4

• If your shruthi is F#, Sa – F#3 Ri – G3 Ga – A#3 Ma – B4 Pa – C#4 Dha – D4 Ni – F4 Sa – F#4

• If a student is consistently struggling with Shruthi or language comprehension and is unable to progress to the next level, the teacher may consider providing additional support or reassessing the student’s readiness.

• If a student is not interested to attend the classes. Kindly do not force them. It doesn’t help the learner or tutor.