Certificate Programs for Carnatic and Hindustani Music
Sampada Exam and Certification
SAMPADA is a structured certificate program for students learning Indian Music and Dance in the US and Canada.
The Silicon Andhra University conducts the SAMAPADA certification exam in affiliation with Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University (PSTU), a NAAC accredited institution.
The Raaga School is affiliated to SAMPADA program. Many of our students pursue Junior/Senior Certificate Programs in Carnatic Music (Vocal, Veena, Violin, Flute & Mridangam), Hindustani Music (Vocal, Sitar, Violin, Tabla), Bharata Natyam and Kuchipudi. Students receive 16 University Credits for each of the two levels.
Passing these exams requires dedication and practice on the part of the students. It also requires constant encouragement and support from the parents and, most importantly, guidance from our gurus.
Quite a few of our students take the exam and a vast majority pass with Distinction. This is because most of our teachers teach much more than required for the Examination during a student’s regular coursework.
Transferring Sampada Certificate Credits towards University Program

Congratulations to Chi. Shruti Vadapalli, a student of Smt. NCS Ravali ji, for passing the Sampada exam with DISTINCTION.
Passing this exam is a testament to your talent and knowledge and reflects your discipline and strong work ethic.
Remember to take a moment to celebrate this milestone and be proud of your accomplishments. You have earned it! As you embark on the next chapter of your journey, I wish you continued success and fulfillment in all your endeavors.
Congratulations to the parents as well for their continued support and encouragement.Chitra Kodali, President Tweet

Guru Ravali ji prepared Arjun for the SAMPADA exam and He passed with Distinction. Thank you so much to Ravali ji and the Raaga School of preparing my son to take and pass the exam with flying colors
~ Mythri Shivanand, Proud Parent
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.