Carnatic Vocals 5-Days Workshop

Introduction to Carnatic Music and Basic Exercises

Objective:

• Understand the basics of Carnatic music and learn foundational vocal exercises.

Activities:

• Introduction (Live Session): Overview of Carnatic music, its history, and significance.

• Basic Concepts: Introduction to Swaras (Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da, Ni) and Saptaswara.

• Warm-Up Exercises: Basic vocal warm-up exercises (Sarali Varisai).

• Breathing Techniques: Importance of breath control and basic breathing exercises.

• Practice Session: Practice Sarali Varisai with emphasis on swara accuracy.

• Homework: Practice Sarali Varisai and breathing exercises.

Materials Needed:

• Tanpura drone app for accurate pitch practice

• Handouts on swaras and Sarali Varisai

Expanding Vocal Range and Introducing Janta Varisai

Objective:

• Expand vocal range and introduce Janta Varisai (double notes).

Activities:

• Review (Live Session): Quick review of Sarali Varisai and breathing exercises.

• Warm-Up: Vocal warm-up exercises.

• Janta Varisai: Introduction to Janta Varisai exercises to improve vocal strength and control.

 

• Practice Session: Practice Janta Varisai with emphasis on clarity and precision.

• Voice Modulation: Basic exercises for voice modulation and control.

• Homework: Practice Janta Varisai and voice modulation exercises.

Materials Needed:

• Tanpura drone app

• Handouts on Janta Varisai exercises

Introduction to Alankaras and Tala System

Objective:

• Learn Alankaras (patterns) and understand the basic tala (rhythm) system.

Activities:

• Review (Live Session): Review Janta Varisai and voice modulation exercises.

• Warm-Up: Vocal warm-up exercises.

• Alankaras: Introduction to Alankaras in different talas (Adi, Rupaka).

• Tala System: Basic understanding of the tala system and its importance in Carnatic music.

• Practice Session: Practice Alankaras in Adi Tala.

• Homework: Practice Alankaras and keep time with Adi Tala using a metronome app.

Materials Needed:

• Tanpura drone app

• Metronome app for keeping tala

• Handouts on Alankaras and tala system

Learning a Simple Geetham and Emphasis on Bhava (Emotion)

Objective:

• Learn a simple Geetham and understand the importance of bhava (emotion) in singing.

 

Activities:

• Review (Live Session): Review Alankaras and tala exercises.

• Warm-Up: Vocal warm-up exercises.

• Geetham: Introduction to a simple Geetham and its lyrical and melodic aspects.

• Bhava: Discuss the importance of bhava in Carnatic music and techniques to express emotions.

• Practice Session: Practice the Geetham with emphasis on correct pronunciation and emotional expression.

• Homework: Practice the Geetham and focus on expressing bhava.

Materials Needed:

• Tanpura drone app

• Handouts and audio recordings of the Geetham

Final Practice and Presentation

Objective:

• Final practice of the learned Geetham and present it with confidence.

Activities:

• Warm-Up (Live Session): Vocal warm-up exercises.

• Final Practice: Run-through of the Geetham with final adjustments.

• Performance: Participants perform the Geetham in front of the group via video call.

• Feedback Session: Constructive feedback from the instructor and peers.

• Discussion: Importance of continued practice and exploring more advanced lessons.

• Certificates: Presentation of digital certificates of completion.

Materials Needed:

• Tanpura drone app

• Performance space prepared for final presentation

• Digital certificates