A brief introduction to Carnatic music

Whatever one’s personal background and aspirations may be, Carnatic music bamains a quest for undiluted aesthetic experience (rasa).1 Three basic concepts are essential for daily practice as well as proper appreciation: rāga (tuneful rendition with minute intervals and rich in embellishments), tāla (rhythmic order marked by mathematical precision), and bhāva (expression of thoughts and emotions). To … Read more

Flow | Participating for the joy of it

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

Kalaimamani Sri TR Sundaresan

Kalaimamani TR Sundaresan (Chennai) is a versatile percussionist with “A-grade” ranking at the national Indian broadcasting service (All India Radio). He is known for his mastery of several South Indian percussion instruments in addition to the Mridangam (double-sided drum), Ghatam (claypot), Kanjira (small tambourine), Morsing (Jew’s harp) and Konnakkol (rhythmic solmisation). The Kalaimamani title is the … Read more

Adapting Indian Universals in Music Education

We design activities that enrich the lives of children, young people and adults: Melodious music and captivating rhythms in which to immerse ourselves joyfully and spontaneously; with self-confidence yet always together. Indian music fosters intercultural collaboration. Each facet lends itself to being adapted so as to reach out even to those for whom making music had so far seemed a distant dream. We … Read more

Vidya Shankar – “If you have doubts, ask Vidya!”

Vainika, vocalist, musicologist annd teacher Vidya Shankar (1919-2010) was taught by Sabhesa Iyer, Sabhapathi Iyer, Syama Sastry (descendant of the composer), and T.L. Venkatarama Iyer. Vidya Shankar founded Parampara (Association for the Preservation of Classical Carnatic Music) and authored many articles and several books: She presented numerous lecture-demonstrations in India (e.g. The Music Academy Madras) and … Read more