Manana, मनन, Reflection
Read, listen and keep learning.
Manana is reflection: returning to what you have learned and finding more in it. Start with practical guides to choosing lessons and practising between classes, then explore the subjects behind the music.
Practical reading
Questions before and between lessons.
How to choose singing classes in Hyderabad
Compare music classes by what is taught, teacher feedback, travel and practice expectations. A practical checklist for Hyderabad adults and parents.
Read the guideOnline or in-person Carnatic classes: which suits you?
Compare live online and in-person Carnatic lessons by travel, sound, teacher feedback and home setup before choosing a class format.
Read the guideHow to practise Carnatic music between lessons
Plan Carnatic practice around your teacher's exercises, pitch and feedback. A simple home-practice checklist for beginners, adults and parents.
Read the guideCarnatic music for beginners: where to start
What a beginner learns first in Carnatic music, in order: the seven swaras, shruti, tala, Sarali Swaras, alankaras and the first songs.
Read the guideCarnatic and Hindustani music: the differences
How Carnatic and Hindustani classical music differ in history, compositions, ragas, rhythm and instruments, and how to choose which one to learn.
Read the guideWhat is a raga? A plain guide to Carnatic ragas
What a raga is in Carnatic music: arohanam and avarohanam, the 72 melakartas, janya ragas, and why beginners learn in Mayamalavagowla.
Read the guide
Subjects
- Ragas
- The scales, phrases and moods that give each raga its identity.
- Great Composers
- Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Syama Sastri and the vaggeyakaras whose work forms the repertoire.
- Kritis Explained
- Individual compositions read closely: the text, the raga, and what the sangatis do.
- Shruti & Laya
- Pitch and rhythm: the two disciplines every other skill rests on.
- Voice Culture
- Caring for the voice, building range and stamina, and singing without strain.
- Practice Tips
- How to make daily sādhana productive, for beginners and for advanced students alike.
- Guru Parampara
- The lineages of Carnatic music, and what is carried forward through them.
These are subjects for future essays and demonstrations. They are separate from the practical guides above; new contributions will appear here when they are ready.
Prārambham · Begin
Come for a trial class.
Begin with a complete trial class at Jubilee Hills, Hitech City, or online. For children and adults, with no previous training needed.