Carnatic Vocal

Course Contents

Beginner Level consists of eight units. This is where the student’s foundation is cemented. Disciplined practice of Varishas is essential for the progress of the student. Even when one reaches an advanced level, daily practice of Varisha is still recommended. Students will be evaluated after every unit. Following are the lessons we cover in this level

Unit 1

  • Sarali Varisha (Swaram in three speeds, “A”-kaaram and “Ma”-kaaram in two speeds)
  • Madhyasthayi Varisha (Swaram in Three speeds, “A”-kaaram and “Ma”-kaaram in two speeds)
  • 1 Nottuswaram
  • Assignment (Topic will be depended on the age)

Unit duration: 4 months approx. with one session per week
Session Duration: 45 minutes
Fees: Please contact us for fee details
Prerequisites: Anyone above 6 can apply

Unit 2

  • Janta Varisha (Swaram in three speeds, “A”-kaaram and “Ma”-kaaram in two speeds)
  • 1 Nottuswaram
  • Unit 1 revision
  • Assignment (Topic will be depended on the age)

Unit duration: 3 months approx. with one session per week
Session Duration: 45 minutes
Fees: Please contact us for fee details
Prerequisites: Those who have completed Unit 1 topics from SVSM or from some other school/teachers, can join for Unit 2

Unit 3

  • Tharasthayi Varisha/Melsthayi Varisha (Swaram in three speeds, “A”-kaaram and “Ma”-kaaram in two speeds)
  • Mandrasthayi Varisha/Keezhsthayi Varisha (Swaram in three speeds, “A”-kaaram and “Ma”-kaaram in two speeds)
  • Bhajan 1
  • Unit 1&2 revision
  • Assignment (Topic will be depended on the age)

Unit duration: 2 months approx. with one session per week
Session Duration: 45 minutes
Fees: Please contact us for fee details
Prerequisites: Those who have completed Unit 1,2 topics from SVSM or from some other school/teachers, can join for Unit 3

Unit 4

  • Dhattu Varisha ( Swaram, “A”-kaaram and “Ma”-kaaram in three speeds)
  • Bhajan 1
  • Divya Nama Keerthanam 1
  • Revision Unit 1,2,3
  • Assignment (Topic will be depended on the age)

Unit duration: 2 months approx. with one session per week
Session Duration: 45 minutes
Fees: Please contact us for fee details
Prerequisites: Those who have completed Unit 1,2,3 lessons from SVSM or from some other school/teachers, can join for Unit 4

Unit 5

  • Basic Theory on the topic “Thalam”
  • Saptha Thala Alankaram
  • Geethams in Malahari
  • Revision Unit 1,2,3,4
  • Assignment (Topic will be depended on the age)

Unit duration: 4 months approx. with one session per week
Session Duration: 60 minutes
Fees: Please contact us for fee details
Prerequisites: Those who have completed Unit 1,2,3,4 lessons from SVSM or from some other school/teachers, can join for Unit 5

Unit 6

  • 3 Geethams (Mohanam, Shuddha Saveri, Kalyani)
  • 1 Swarajathi (Bilahari)
  • 1 Jathiswarams (Sankarabharanam)
  • Basic theory on the topic Ragam and 12 swaras
  • Revision Unit 1 to 5
  • Assignment (Topic will be depended on the age)

Unit duration: 3 months approx. with one session per week
Session Duration: 60 minutes
Fees: Please contact us for fee details
Prerequisites: Those who have completed Unit 1 to 5 lessons from SVSM or from some other school/teachers, can join for Unit 6

Unit 7

  • 3 Geethams (Malayamarutham, Saveri, Kamboji)
  • 1 Swarajathi (Kamas)
  • 1 Jathiswaram (Hamsadhwani)
  • Vocal Exercises on raga Mohanam, Shuddha Saveri, Kalyani
  • Revision Unit 1 to 6
  • Assignment (Topic will be depended on the age)

Unit duration: 3 months approx. with one session per week
Session Duration: 60 minutes
Fees: Please contact us for fee details
Prerequisites: Those who have completed Unit 1 to 6 lessons from SVSM or from some other school/teachers, can join for Unit 7

Unit 8

  • 2 Swarajathis (Mohanam, Ananda Bhairavi)
  • 2 Jathiswaram (Kannada, Kadana Kuthoohalam)
  • 2 Divya Nama Keerthanam
  • Varisha exercises in different ragas
  • Assignment (Topic will be depended on the age)

Unit duration: 2 months approx. with one session per week
Session Duration: 60 minutes
Fees: Please contact us for fee details
Prerequisites: Those who have completed Unit 1 to 6 lessons from SVSM or from some other school/teachers, can join for Unit 7

Intermediate Level consists of eight units. This is where students get introduced to Varnam. Disciplined practice of Varnam improves the control over the voice and rhythm.

  • Swarajathis composed by Shyamasasthri and Swathi Thirunal
  • Tana Varnams – 10 (In various speeds including  Thishra Gathi and “A”-kaaram)
  • Divya Nama Keerthanam – 2
  • Devarnama – 2
  • Annamacharya – 2
  • Tamizh Krithis – 2
  • Padam/Javali by Swathi Thirunal – 2
  • Krithis by the Trinity – 10
  • Thillanas – 1
  • Introduction to Manodharmam
  • Theory
  • Assignment

In Advanced level, apart from learning more Varnams and more complex Krithis, students will focus equally on Manodharma Sangeetham. The course plan is decided according to the student’s skill level.

  • Tana Varnams – 5
  • Pada Varnams – 3
  • Krithis by the Trinity 
  • Chowka Kala Krithis
  • Group Krithis – (Pancharatnam, Navaavaranam, Navarathri Krithis etc)
  • Thillanas – 1
  • Padam/Jaavali – 2
  • Theory
  • Additional focus on Manodharmam

Please note, the above lesson plan is a general guideline. Depending on each student, the course plan will be adjusted to suit with their skill level.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2