Carnatic Violin Lessons
The violin may have been introduced to India in and around 1790. Baluswami Dikshitar, brother of renowned Carnatic Composer Muthuswami Dikshitar, learned and adapted the instrument to suit Carnatic Music. Over the course of time, the violin has become an integral part in any classical kutcheri (Carnatic classical concert). The very reason for choosing violin as the “pakka vādya” (accompanying instrument) is for its tonal characteristics which closely mimics a human voice.
A violinist should develop “listening” and “being accurate” skills. These are by far the two most important qualities very much needed for being a good violinist ”. The reason is very simple since the music is performed without any written sheet music/notation or any rehearsals prior to a performance. So understanding and identifying what the vocalist is singing requires a great deal of sharp listening skills and agility to reproduce the same in a very short period of time.
A solo violinist will require a great deal of both rhythmic (usually mrudangam lessons) and musical knowledge since we need to understand how a “Mukthāya”, “Swaraprasthāra” , “Neraval” and “Tani Āvarthanam” works since they are purely based on “Mahodharma” (improvisation) of the artist. A solo violinist can be thought of as a vocalist but without the “Sāhitya” or the lyrics. The main intention would be on depicting or playing the lyrics through the instrument without harming the melody with which it was composed. This is achieved by controlling the bowing. This requires complete mastery over the instrument, bowing and the lyrics itself. The best example for this quality would be none other than the stalwarts, Lalgudi G Jayaram and MS Gopalakrishnan, two of the greatest violinists who are known for their melodic intricacies and rhythmic bowing techniques respectively.
To achieve mastery of Violin whether playing as an accompanying artist or a solo violin performer, a combination of high quality technique and consistent practice over several years is required
The Carnatic violin is a stunningly beautiful instrument that has captivated audiences around the world with its sweet, soulful sound.
The Carnatic Violin demands both technical mastery and emotional depth from its players, requiring a deep understanding of the complex melodic and rhythmic structures of Carnatic music.
A parent's perspective
- Cultural exposure: First and foremost, parents want to expose children born and brought up here in the US to get exposure to a rich cultural tradition with a deep history and heritage. By exposing toddlers to this type of music, we are helping to instill a love and appreciation for culture in them at a very early age.
- Enhanced speech: Most children that grow up in western societies are not able to pronounce quite a few of our syllables – especially rolling the ‘r’s, etc. Learning Carnatic and Hindustani music requires children at an early age to practice these producing these sounds that are unique to our Indian languages.
- Improved cognitive development: Studies have shown that early exposure to music can help improve a child’s cognitive development. This includes areas such as memory, language, and spatial reasoning — irrespective of the type of music — Western, Chinese or Classical Indian music.
- Increased creativity: Both Carnatic and Hindustani music are art forms that encourage creativity and self-expression. By exposing toddlers to this type of music, we are helping to develop their creative minds and encouraging them to think outside the box.
- Improved focus and concentration: Most importantly, learning Carnatic and Hindustani music requires focus and concentration. As toddlers practice and perform, they will develop the ability to focus and concentrate, which are helpful in all areas of their lives.
Why Learn at Raaga School
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Carnatic Vocal Student Concerts
We are very proud of all our Students Tots that prepared and performed at our Annual Student Concerts and our workshops
Our Team
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Most of our students that attend a trial class are inspired to learn Classical Indian Music.