Carnatic Music – Skills & Techniques

Carnatic Music - Skills & Techniques

Hone your mastery of ragas, talas, and improvisation with precision and expression.

Course Aim

To impart a deep understanding of Carnatic classical music through an immersive blend of theory, vocal practice, history, and spiritual essence—instilling confidence and precision in learners from all backgrounds and solid base of techniques, concepts and skills that the student can build on over a lifetime.

Duration: 60 mins per week

Course Objectives

To provide foundational training in Carnatic music, including raga and tala systems.
To explore the historical and spiritual roots of Carnatic music.
To enhance vocal techniques and stage confidence through guided practice.
To foster musical creativity and devotional expression through compositions and improvisations.

Learning Outcomes

By the End of This Course, You Will…

Understand the evolution of Carnatic music through various eras and composers.

Develop disciplined practice habits and refined vocal techniques.

Gain exposure to live performance etiquette and presentation skills.

Appreciate the role of music in good health and social healing.

Course Outline

Introduction to Carnatic Music – History, forms, and structure
Raga and Tala System – Identification, classification, and exercises
Voice Training – Techniques, breath control, gamakas
Compositions and Krithis – Rendering classical pieces
Live Performance Basics – Stage presence, audience engagement
Final Showcase Performance – Group/solo recital by students

Eligibility for Attendees

Open to all age groups and skill levels

Beginners with a passion for Indian classical music

Intermediate learners seeking structured guidance

Professionals wanting to reconnect with classical roots

About the Instructor: – Hyderabad N. Subbalakshmi

Course Outline

Week 1

 Introduction about bhakti & music evolution
 Importance of Śruti & Laya : Together, Śruti and Laya form the twin pillars of
Carnatic music
 Śruti (Pitch/Scale): The soul of music. Creating the foundation on which
ragas come alive.
 Laya (Rhythm/Tempo): explanation about structure, flow, and movement,
binding melody with time.

Week 2

 Introduction about Swaras
 Exercises related to Swaras
 Learning different types of Talas for voice modulation.

Week 3

 Practicing fast swara patterns to improve speed, clarity, and voice control in
carnatic classical music.
 Session on Voice control
 Briga practice – in Mayamalava gowla Raagam .

Week 4

 Session on Tala Gnanam :
 Developing a strong sense of Tāla – Complete Rhythmic awareness
 Session on Ghamaka Practice
 How to refine the Gamaka( ornamentation) through consistent
practice.

Week 5

Importance and Key role of language in Music.

Week 6

Explanation about Varnams

Week 7

Information about accompaniment instruments

Week 8

Knowledge on Sangati Progression

Week 9

Raga awareness

Week 10

Practice with notation

Week 11

 Notation Writing Skills
 lecture on how to sing for given notation
 Practice notation based songs

Week 12

Krithi learning bhava & meaning

Week 13

Improvisation techniques: Swaras, Neravalu

Week 14 & 15

Explanation about Thillana

Hyderabad N. Subbalakshmi is a highly respected Carnatic vocalist and mentor from Telangana, widely respected for her powerful voice and deep devotion to classical music. A child prodigy, she began identifying ragas at the age of four and gave her first concert at just six.

She received rigorous training under legendary gurus Sri D. Seshachary Garu (Hyderabad Brothers). A graded artist with All India Radio and Doordarshan.She is also a Master’s of Art (MA) gold medalist in Carnatic Music (Vocal) from Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University. Over the years,Subbalakshmi has performed extensively during the prestigious Chennai Music Season, along with acclaimed concerts across India and abroad—including the USA, Dubai, Australia, and more.

Some of Her awards and recognitions include:

Presidential Honour – bestowed by Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma
Young Talent Merit Scholarship – Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India
"Sangeetha Chudamani" – Melbourne
"Isai Peroli" – Australia
"Isai Gnanavani" – Muthu Thandavar Tamil Isai Mandram, Madurai
"Gana Ratna" – Hyderabad

Her classes reflect the richness of tradition, precision, and heartfelt expression that defines Carnatic music.
“Music is not just taught—it’s felt. In my class, you won’t just learn to sing—you’ll live through the music.” – Hyderabad Subbalakshmii