Diploma in Carnatic Music
Step into a place where music is not just taught — it’s lived.
Course Objective
The Diploma program seeks to help students to learn both theory and its application to understand the evolution of Carnatic music. This course enables students to understand classical music in all its essence.
This diploma program is designed to provide a strong foundation in the art and science of Carnatic music. It combines practical vocal training with theoretical understanding, enabling students to appreciate and perform classical compositions with confidence. Ideal for beginners and intermediate learners, the course nurtures musicality, discipline, and cultural depth under the guidance of experienced faculty.
- A raga is a specific combination of musical notes that creates a unique melodic structure, defining the mood and emotion of a composition.
- Tala refers to the rhythmic cycle in Carnatic music, providing structure to a composition. Mastering tala is crucial as it ensures a steady rhythm and enhances a performance.
- Carnatic music utilizes a 7-note system known as swaras
Requirements
Duration: 2 semesters
Required courses: Total of 5 courses
Required Units: 15 credit units
This program does not require an internship or externship.
General Admission Requirements
- A high school or GED is required
- Practical music training of at least 4 years
- Ability to sing: Four Ādi tᾱḷa varῃᾱs and two Āta tᾱḷa varῃᾱs in two degrees of speed
- Five kirtanas of Tyagaraja, Dikshitar and Syama Sastri in the rᾱga todi, bhairavi, kambhoji, sankarabharanam and kalyani
- Rᾱga and svara for the major rᾱgas todi, bhairavi, kambhoji sankarabharanam and Kalyani
Program Overview
For completion of the program students need to take all 5 courses.
- DCM 301: Advanced theory – 1 (Unit value – 3 credits)
- DCM 302: Advanced theory – 2 (Unit value – 3 credits)
- DCM 303: Manodharma sangitam (Creative ability) (Unit value – 3 credits)
- DCM 304: Musical compositions (Unit value – 3 credits)
- DCM 305: Ghana raga Pancharatnas (Unit value – 3 credits)
Tab Content
- DCM 301: Advanced theory – 1 (Unit value – 3 credits)
- DCM 302: Advanced theory – 2 (Unit value – 3 credits)
- DCM 303: Manodharma sangitam (Creative ability) (Unit value – 3 credits)
- DCM 305: Ghana raga Pancharatnas (Unit value – 3 credits)
- DCM 304: Musical compositions (Unit value – 3 credits)
A Student enrolled in this Program could be evaluated using the following methods/metrics (Assessment could be a combination of a written and/or a practical performance demonstration) depending on the Course :
- Quiz : Two submissions during the Semester.
- Assignment : Two submissions during the Semester.
- Midterm Exam : During the mid-Semester Week.
- Final Exam : End of the Semester.
Students will be awarded a Diploma in Carnatic Music, on their successful completion of all the required Courses, with an overall combined GPA of 2.0 or higher, based on the evaluation weightage across the various methods/metrics.
Tuition Fees
Estimated Program Costs: $6,000.00 including Tuition ($5,400.00), Application Fee, Books, Registration Fees, etc.
Additional Programs Offered
Faculty of Excellence
R.S. Jayalakshmi, PhD
Chair, Department of Carnatic Music
Seshulatha Kosuru, PhD
Professor, Department of Carnatic Music
Padma Sugavanam, PhD
Professor, Department of Carnatic Music
Shyamala Vinod, PhD
Professor, Department of Carnatic Music
Mala Swamy, PhD
Professor, Department of Carnatic Music
Sriram Parasuram, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Carnatic Music
T.K. Saroja, PhD
Professor, Department of Carnatic Music
Dr. Shobana Swaminathan, Ph.D
Asst. Professor, Dept. of Carnatic Music
Neeta Chandrasekhar, Ph.D
Professor, Dept. of Carnatic Music
Contact Info
Contact us to know about Our Present and Upcoming Programs in Aria.
- Phone : +1 (844) 872 8680
- Email: admissions@aria.edu