The Art of Learning Carnatic Music: A Beginner’s Guide!

The Trinity of Carnatic music is the name given to the 18th-century composers Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri. They are also known as the Three Jewels of Carnatic Music.

Hello there!  I’ve been fascinated by music, singing, and yoga since I was a kid, and Carnatic music has always had a special place in my heart. My love for learning and teaching led me to a career in education and career counselling, where I helped students with their academic and professional journeys. But my love for music never faded.

Now, as I transition into the exciting world of social media strategy, I’ve found a new passion: blogging. I started writing blogs as part of my coursework, but after my first two posts, I realized how much I enjoyed it. Blogging has allowed me to share my knowledge and connect with people who have similar interests. Today, I’m excited to share a beginner’s lesson in Carnatic music with you.

Whether you’re interested in learning about the history of Indian Carnatic music, exploring how music can help you stay calm and love yourself, or even how music can contribute to a happier and more peaceful life, you’re in the right place. Even if you’re not a singer, you can still enjoy my blogs and learn about living a fulfilling life through the beauty of Indian Carnatic music. So, come on in, let’s explore this wonderful world together!

Step 1: Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into singing, it’s important to understand the basic building blocks of Carnatic music. These include the raga (melody), tala (rhythm), and swara (notes). Let’s take a closer look at each of these elements and explore how they contribute to the rich and complex world of Carnatic music.

1. Sruthi (Pitch): The heart of any musical note. Finding the right sruthi for your voice is crucial for comfortable singing.

2. Swara (Notes): Carnatic music uses a seven-note scale: Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni.

3. Raga (Melodic Framework): Each raga is a unique combination of notes that trigger specific emotions.

4. Tala (Rhythm): Tala refers to the rhythmic patterns that structure the music, like Adi Tala and Rupaka Tala.

Devi Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and the arts.

Step 2: Mastering the Saptaswaras

Saptaswaras, or the seven basic notes, are the building blocks of every Carnatic singer’s training. Beginners start with simple exercises like Sarali Varisai to get familiar with these notes and build vocal stability.

Tip: Try practicing these swaras at different speeds (first, second, third, and fourth) to gain better control over your voice!

YouTube tutorial on How to sing Saptaswaras at different speeds: https://youtu.be/dY0vDiLweN8?si=nQPS-kjGJQVJVrk5

Step 3: Learning from a Guru

Carnatic music is traditionally taught in a Gurukula system, where a student learns directly from a teacher. A guru helps refine your singing techniques, correct mistakes, and guide you through various compositions.

If you can’t find a guru nearby, online classes are a great alternative! Many reputable platforms are offering virtual Carnatic music lessons.

Step 4: Practicing Consistently

Like any other skill, consistent practice is key to mastering Carnatic music. Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to vocal exercises, raga practice, and tala clapping exercises.

Quick Exercise: Try singing Sa-Pa-Sa every morning to warm up your vocal cords!

Step 5: Dive into Compositions and Improvisation

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, start exploring simple compositions like Geethams and Varnams. As you get better, you’ll move on to more complex ones like Keerthanams and Kriti.

Fun Fact: Did you know that improvisation (Manodharma) is a big part of Carnatic music? Once you are confident, you can experiment with Kalpana Swaras and Alapanas!

Step 6: Use Social Media to Boost Your Learning

In today’s digital age, social media is a great way to connect with other musicians and show off your skills. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn let you share your progress, talk to experts, and even work with other musicians.

Here is another link to the YouTube video on the power of learning Carnatic music - https://youtu.be/1ntW1_gGv5k?si=SytWYj03C5ZHF0PY

Want more tips and tutorials on Carnatic music? Follow me on LinkedIn and my blog for regular updates!

Starting your journey in Carnatic music is a great way to learn something new. By following these steps, understanding the basics, practicing regularly, and using social media, you can improve your skills and enjoy the beauty of this ancient art form.

Have you started learning Carnatic music? Share your experience in the comments below or tag me in your practice videos!

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