Introduction to Carnatic Vocals

As mentioned in the  Course Summary, this course emphasizes getting the grammar right for Carnatic vocals. Keeping this objective at the core of the lesson plan, the course will include the following topics - 

1. All the different Varisais and Alankaras - 

• Sarali varisais are simple patterns that go up and down the scale. 
• Janta varisais have notes sung in pairs to strengthen the voice. 
• Dhattu varisais involves singing notes in jumping patterns to improve agility. 
• Melsthayi varisais focuses on high notes, while Mandrasthayi varisais focuses on low notes.

2. Alankaras include different patterns of notes in varied rhythms. It helps to get the intonation right and also understand different rhythms. Practicing these exercises helps students improve pitch, rhythm, and overall singing technique.

3. Geethams - Compositions based on different Ragas

4. Varnams - Raga based compositions that includes lyrical portions as well as musical patterns. It forms the foundational piece of a recital. 

5. Krithi - Compositions that help you to demonstrate your voca prowess and musical acumen. These are marked with spontaneous repertoire.

6. Keerthana - The word means praises. These are compositions that are created to sing praises of God.

7. Javalis - These are semi classical compositions that mostly centers around the theme of love and romance. They help to demonstrate the expressive and lyrical capabilities of the artist while maintaining the classical framework of Carnatic music.

8. Devaranama - Deeply devotional songs with lyrics imbued with intense emotion and spiritual fervor. 

9. Devotional songs - Devotional songs such as ‘Jagadodharana’, ‘Krishna Nee Begane Baro’, and ‘Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam’, among others are a significant part of Carnatic music, encompassing compositions that praise deities, express devotion, and convey spiritual messages. 

10. Nottuswaram - These songs offer a fusion between Western musical notation with traditional Carnatic music elements. The simple melodic structure of these songs makes it a favoritel among Beginners. Some popular Nottuswarams composed by Muthuswami Dikshitar include "Santatam Pahimam," "Shakti Sahita Ganapatim," and "Varashiva Balam."

About the Teacher

Rama Murali began her initial music lessons at the age of six with Mrs. Raghumani Vijayraghavan, an A-grade artist from Chennai. It was Mrs. Vijayraghavan who sowed the seeds of her musical journey. She progressed to learning Varnam and Kritis but had to take a break due to academic commitments. Later, she resumed her lessons with Mrs. Vijayraghavan.

She participated in various music competitions during her school and college years, winning numerous prizes. Academically, she excelled as a gold medalist in both her graduation and post-graduation from Madras University and also completed her B.Ed from Annamalai University. Due to family circumstances, she could work only for two years before taking a break to care for her children, pausing her teaching career. Eventually, she returned to music.

Rama qualified in junior vocal music and senior Carnatic vocal music under the tutelage of Mrs. Sitalakshmi Subramanium of Palakkad, who had earned her Ganabhushana from Palakkad Music College. During her training, both she and Mrs. Subramanium were based in Bangalore. Mrs. Subramanium motivated her to take exams and build a career in classical music. The foundation laid by her teacher has grown over the past 20 years into a flourishing career.

Currently, she teaches students from India, Brisbane (Australia), Qatar, the US, and Canada, adding to her accomplishments. With 28 years of teaching experience, she trains students aged 6 to 60. She prepares them for various exams conducted by the government and private academies like Bridge Academy in Chennai. She emphasizes the importance of revising completed lessons, as strong basics and foundations are crucial regardless of how advanced one becomes. Her students have participated in many competitions and have won numerous prizes.

She has also participated in the Tyagaraja Aradhana conducted on the banks of the river Cauvery at Tiruvaiyaru, as well as in temples and sabhas. Her musical journey continues to flourish, and she looks forward to training many more students. She particularly emphasizes revisions and a-kara practice to fine-tune her students' vocal cords.