for students and lovers of Carnatic music
Martin Spaink (1961-2020) earned a name for himself as a leading tanpura expert. Read more on the finer points of tanpura playing, stringing, tuning, maintenance, restoration and playing techniques. | Read his article on fine-tuning of a tanpura | Backup PDF (100 KB) >>
Off the beaten track yet more than a detour, and fun: with your own voice (even if quietly or just imagined) and hands. In short, this set of exercises provides a bridge for anyone keen on combining both, traditional and unconventional learning opportunities; even if for no more than getting immersed or enjoying a break … Read more
A challenge to enjoy on a daily basis (30 min.): Select a popular melakarta raga to get into the “flow” >>(e.g. the 65th Mecakalyani) before exploring others (01 to 72) in 36 daily sessions, over and over again – Happy Flowing! Over a longer period, start each practice session with a mela having Prati Ma for … Read more
12 positions are available in the South Indian 72 mela system. To learn more, read the following explanations. Source © Ludwig Pesch | Creative Commons License >> A scale – mēla in Carnatic or thāt in Hindustani music – isn’t a raga yet: it is no more than an imaginary arrangement of notes for the … Read more
The four strings of the tambura that provide sruthi or the basic swara (pitch) for musicians are considered the life force for any melodic exercise. Fixed in jack wood to enhance the naada, yesteryear musicians were stuck to this pitch provider because there were no alternatives. […] While many are comfortable with the electronic gadget … Read more