Learn to Play Veena Online - Fundamentals

The basic lessons are designed to provide a systematic and immersive learning experience for both beginners and advanced students of Carnatic classical music. This course will focus on building a strong foundation by introducing students to the Veena, essential Carnatic music techniques, and fundamental Ragas. Each session will be structured to ensure progressive learning, allowing students to develop technical precision, melodic understanding, and rhythmic accuracy.

In addition to hands-on training, students will receive detailed written notes to aid their practice at home. These notes will serve as a valuable reference, reinforcing key concepts and helping students master the lessons effectively. The following topics will be covered -

• Introduction to Veena – Understanding the structure, parts, and significance of the instrument in Carnatic music. Proper posture, fingering techniques, and tuning methods will also be covered.
• Sarali Varisai – The fundamental exercises that introduce students to Swara patterns, rhythm, and tonal clarity.
• Jantai Varisai – Strengthening finger movements and coordination through double-note patterns, essential for enhancing speed and fluency.
• Upper Octave (Mel Sthaayi) & Lower Octave (Mandhra Sthaayi) – Expanding the vocal range and mastering the transition between different octaves on the Veena.
• Dhatu Varisai – Developing agility in playing discontinuous note sequences, which are crucial for improving swara control and improvisation.
• Alankaras – Learning rhythmic exercises in different Talas (rhythmic cycles), enabling students to grasp the fundamental structure of Carnatic music compositions.
• Geetam & Jathiswaram – Introduction to simple compositions that integrate Swaras and lyrics (Geetam), along with Jathiswaram, which emphasizes swara-based melodic patterns and rhythmic intricacies.

By the end of this course, students will have a solid grasp of the fundamentals of Veena playing, including swara patterns, octave transitions, rhythmic exercises, and introductory compositions, paving the way for more advanced learning in Carnatic music.

About the Teacher

Subhashini Neelamegam is a distinguished Carnatic Veena artist, educator, and researcher with over 15 years of experience in performance and teaching. She holds an M.Phil. and M.Music in Veena from Annamalai University, where she successfully presented a thesis on the legendary Veena Vidwan Pitchumani Iyer and his contributions to the art form.

She has trained under some of the most renowned Vainikas and senior Gurus, including Dr. Suma Sudhindra, Vidhushi Pushpa Kashinath, and Vidhwan V.G. Subramanian. Additionally, she received Carnatic vocal training from esteemed disciples of Alathoor Srinivasa Iyer and Vidhushi Neela Ramgopal. Her passion for the arts also led her to pursue Bharatanatyam training.

Subhashini has showcased her artistry at some of the most prestigious venues in India, including:

• Sree Ramaseva Mandali (as part of the 75 Veena Ensemble led by her Guru Dr. Suma Sudhindra)
• Chowdaiah Memorial Hall (25 Veena Ensemble with Dr. Suma Sudhindra)
• Bangalore Gayana Samaj (both as a soloist and ensemble artist)
• Bangalore Palace (performance with Vidhushi Pushpa Kashinath)
• Raja Annamalai Puram Ayyappa Temple, Chennai (solo concert)

Her active participation in both individual and group concerts has enriched her musical journey, allowing her to mentor students and lead ensembles.

Subhashini is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians. She offers online Carnatic Veena and Vocal lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced-level students. Her teaching approach blends traditional methodology with structured learning, ensuring that students develop technical proficiency, theoretical understanding, and expressive artistry.