Online Ghatam lessons

Ghatam is a percussion instrument mostly used in folk music. It is mostly made of clay with minimal inclusion of brass, copper, and iron. Though it looked like an ordinary earthen pot, much care is taken to render musical elements to it.

The time duration for every ghatam course has been mentioned on our category page. The duration is proportionate to the curriculum and also the level at which you're learning the ghatam in our course.

The term ‘ghatam’ is used by Carnatic music practitioners. It has got several other names that are used in different parts of the country. They include - bada, ghara, matka and noor.

It will take at least a year of rigorous training and practice to become capable of playing ghatam.

A ghatam might look very humble. However, it is not easy to get the perfect tonal quality. It requires a good understanding of the instrument and rigorous practice to be able to play a ghatam proficiently.

Ghatam is a pot drum - part ideophone and part percussion aerophone.

Ghatam is an integral part of Carnatic music. This course is relevant for anybody who aspires to master percussion instruments for Carnatic music. Vocalists, as well as other instrumentalists in the Carnatic music domain, can also learn to play Ghatam.

You can source it from musical instrument stores. Stores that stock instruments for Carnatic music are most likely to keep Ghatam. The best is to ask your teacher. They will have all the information about where to source the Ghatam from.

Maintaining and taking care of a ghatam involves regular cleaning and careful handling. Clean the ghatam with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and avoid using water or chemicals that can damage the clay. Store the ghatam in a cool, dry place to prevent it from absorbing moisture, which can weaken the structure. Handle the instrument gently, as it is fragile and can easily crack or break if dropped. When not in use, keep it in a padded bag or case to protect it from accidental knocks and environmental changes. Periodically inspect the ghatam for any signs of wear or damage, and address any issues promptly to ensure its longevity and optimal sound quality.

Completing online courses in playing the ghatam can open up various professional opportunities. As a performing artist, you can participate in concerts both as a solo performer and as part of ensembles in classical music festivals and events. There are opportunities in fusion music, where you can collaborate with artists across genres to blend the ghatam’s unique sound with other musical styles. As a recording artist, you can work as a session musician, contributing ghatam tracks to recordings for film scores, albums, and commercials, or produce and release your own albums featuring ghatam performances. In the educational field, you can teach ghatam to students worldwide through online platforms, offering individual lessons, group classes, and workshops, or join music schools or cultural institutions as a faculty member. As a cultural ambassador, you can participate in cultural exchange programs, representing Indian music traditions at international festivals.

The ghatam is unique due to its construction, sound, and playing technique. Made from a special clay mixture often combined with metal filings, the ghatam produces a distinctive, resonant tone that is both deep and melodious. Its pot-like shape allows for a wide range of sounds, which are achieved by striking different parts of the surface with the hands, fingers, and sometimes even the knuckles or rings. Unlike many percussion instruments, the ghatam can be played with varying pressures and finger positions to create subtle variations in pitch and timbre. This versatility makes it a vital and expressive instrument in South Indian classical music (Carnatic music), known for its ability to complement other instruments while adding rhythmic complexity and richness.

A reliable internet connection, a computer, smartphone, or tablet with a camera and microphone, and upgraded video conferencing platform like Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, Botim, Google Duo, Google Meet or ipassio video.

A quiet, distraction-free, well-lit room with enough space to comfortably play the Ghatam, with the camera positioned to clearly show your hands and the instrument.

Most online Ghatam classes on ipassio.com typically last between 45 to 60 minutes. Beginner courses are usually scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes due to several reasons. Firstly, at the beginner level, students focus on learning the fundamental concepts. Short and focused sessions make it easier for them to understand each concept deeply, one at a time. Additionally, this duration considers the temperament of children, who often make up the majority of beginners. Since children tend to have shorter attention spans, 30-45 minute sessions help them learn effectively without becoming resistant or bored. As students progress to intermediate and professional levels, the class duration increases to 60 minutes or more, allowing for more advanced instruction and practice.

Teachers usually offer flexible scheduling to accommodate different time zones and personal schedules.

Every student learns at their own pace. During the free introductory meeting and the first few sessions, the teacher will assess your current skill level. Based on this, they will create a lesson plan just for you. The 'About the Course' section gives an outline of what you will learn, but the detailed plan will be adjusted to fit your personal goals and abilities. If you learn quickly, you can move to the next level faster. If you need more time, you can take it without feeling rushed. In these one-on-one Ghatam classes, you won't have to keep up with or wait for classmates. You can ask as many questions as you need to fully understand the concept that is taught in the class.

Yes, one-to-one online classes to learn Kanjira allow for customization based on your interests and goals.