Eligiblity
Minimum 8 Years old
Course Duration
1 Year/Grade
Certification
The Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University
Mode
Offline/Online
Kalalaya Foundation is renowned for its dedication to preserving and promoting Indian arts, including Carnatic music. Their grade exams serve as a structured platform to assess and certify students' proficiency in this rich musical tradition. The programme follows a well-defined curriculum that covers a wide range of Carnatic music concepts, including:
Basic Notation: Learning to read and write Carnatic music notation.
Ragas: Understanding the melodic structures and characteristics of various ragas.
Thalas: Mastering different rhythmic cycles and their applications.
Alapana: Developing the ability to improvise melodic lines within a raga.
Kriti: Learning to sing and understand complex compositions.
The exam is conducted in multiple rounds, including a written test, a practical performance, and an interview. Students who successfully pass the exam will receive a certificate of achievement from The Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University.
The Carnatic Music Grade Exam is a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their skills and receive feedback on their progress. It is also a stepping stone for students who aspire to pursue a career in Carnatic Music or continue their Music education at a higher level.
| UNIT 1 | Abhyasam | Adi Tala Basic Lessons |
| UNIT 2 | Abhyasam | Introduction of 5 jati-s and basic lessons |
| UNIT 3 | Abhyasam |
Sapta Tala-s Thathakaram and Basic Exercises |
| UNIT 4 | Abhyasam |
Rupaka Tala Basic Exercises |
| UNIT 5 | Application |
Ability to express notations of the lessons learnt so far in writing and orally |
| UNIT-6 | Theory | Basic Technical Terms and its Explanations -Talam, Avartanam, Aksharam -Mridangam, Its Origin and History- Saptha Tala-s, Jati-s, Tala Anga-s & its Symbols |
| UNIT 1 | Abhyasam | Adi Tala Tisra Nadai Exercises |
| UNIT 2 | Abhyasam | Rupaka Tala Tisra Nadai Exercises |
| UNIT 3 | Abhyasam |
Adi Tala and Rupaka Talam Sarva Laghu Varieties |
| UNIT 4 | Abhyasam |
Theermanam-s for Adi and Rupaka Talam |
| UNIT 5 | Abhyasam |
Tani avartanam- Adi and Rupaka Talam |
| UNIT-6 | Theory | Nadai-s -Nadam- Kalam-Korvai-Theermanam-Mohra-Life History of Mridanga Vidwans |
| UNIT 1 | Abhyasam | Misra Chapu and Kanda Chapu Basic Exercises |
| UNIT 2 | Abhyasam | Misra Chapu and Kanda Chapu Tisra Nadai and Exercises |
| UNIT 3 | Abhyasam |
Misra Chapu and Kanda Chapu SarvaLAghu Varieties |
| UNIT 4 | Abhyasam |
Misra Chapu And Kanda Chapu Theermanams |
| UNIT 5 | Abhyasam |
Tani avartanam- Misra Chapu and Kanda Chapu |
| UNIT-6 | Theory | 35 Tala-s -Concept of Gathi-s and 175 Tala-s -Five Dasa Pranas of Mridangam-Mridangam - Detailed Study about its Structure, Construction, Making and Maintenance |
| UNIT 1 | Advanced Technique | Advanced Exercises in Adi and Rupaka- Anulomam and Pratilomam |
| UNIT 2 | Advanced Technique | Advanced Exercises in Kanda chapu and Misra Chapu Tala- Anulomam and Pratilomam |
| UNIT 3 | Advanced Technique |
Advanced Sarva laghu patterns for Adi and Rupakam |
| UNIT 4 | Advanced Technique |
Advanced Sarva laghu patterns for Kanda Chapu and Misra Chapu |
| UNIT 5 | Abhyasam |
Ability to create and apply Theermanams for Adi, Rupakam, Kanda Chapu and Misra Chapu tala-s |
| UNIT-6 | Theory | Differences between Mathalam, Thavil, Mridangam-Classification of Instruents-String Instuments, Wind Instruments, Other Percussion Instruments |
| UNIT 1 | Advanced Technique | Ability to create korvai-s for adi, rupakam, kanda chapu and misra chapu (samam to samam) |
| UNIT 2 | Advanced Technique | Creating Mohra-s for all the 35 tala-s |
| UNIT 3 | Advanced Technique |
Misra kuraippu for Adi Talam and Kanda Kuraippu for Rupaka Talam |
| UNIT 4 | Advanced Technique |
Tisra Kuraippu for Misra Chapu Talam and Sankirna kuraippu for Kanda Chapu |
| UNIT 5 | Advanced Techniques |
Chatusra kuraippu for Khanda Jathi Triputa tala and Ability to write notations for the lessons learnt. |
| UNIT-6 | Theory | Yathi types-Tala Dasa Prana-s-Evolution of the system of Notations in Carnatic Music-References of Percussion Musical Instruments in Tamil Musical Treatises such as Silapathikaram, Panchamarabu and Tala Samuthiram |
| UNIT 1 | Varnam | Adi Tala Varnams - 2 |
| UNIT 2 | Application | Accompanying Kriti-s in Adi tala and Rupaka Talam |
| UNIT 3 | Kritis |
Accompanying Kriti-s in Misra chapu and Kanda Chapu |
| UNIT 4 | Tamil Compositions |
Accompanying for Tevaram and Thiruppugazh(Chanda talam) |
| UNIT 5 | Thillana |
Accompanying for a Thillana |
| UNIT-6 | Theory | 108 Tala-s- Chandams of Thiruppugazh- A study of the Upa pakkavadhya-s |
| UNIT 1 | Varnam | Ability to play an Ata Tala Varnam |
| UNIT 2 | Advanced Techniques | Ability to create Abhiprayam and Korvai-s from Samam to Edam |
| UNIT 3 | Theermanam |
Ability to create Theermanams for Kriti-s having different eduppu |
| UNIT 4 | Advanced Techniques |
Ability to render a Tani avartanam for talas- Adi, Rupakam, Kanda Chapu, Misra Chapu with different eduppu |
| UNIT 5 | Pancharatanam |
Ability to play a Pancharatna Kriti of Tyagaraja |
| UNIT-6 | Theory | Theory Varieties of percussion instruments of South India-Hindustani percussion instruments |
| UNIT 1 | Manodharmam | Handling of Neraval and Kalpana Swaram |
| UNIT 2 | Manodharmam | Pallavi In Adi Talam |
| UNIT 3 | Manodharmam |
Pallavi in Kanda jathi Triputa Tala followed by Tani Avartanam |
| UNIT 4 | Manodharmam |
Pallavi in any nadai with different eduppu followed by a Tani Avaratanam |
| UNIT 5 | Project |
To accompany for a Kucheri (1 hour) |
| UNIT-6 | Theory | Seats of Music in South India-Technology and it's advancement in the field of Carnatic Music |
The exam typically consists of three main components:
Written Examination:
Theoretical Knowledge: Students will be evaluated on their understanding of Music's history, theory, and notation. This includes knowledge of various Sruti, Swara patterns, rhythmic patterns (talas).
Cultural Context:Written exams may be conducted to test students' knowledge of Carnatic music theory, notation, and terminology.
Practical Performance:
Music Technique: S Students may be required to perform a set of pieces or compositions to demonstrate their singing skills and understanding of ragas and talas.
Expression: The performance will also be evaluated based on the student's ability to convey emotions and tell stories through their Music.
Dance Accompaniment: Students must perform to live or recorded Carnatic music, demonstrating their ability to synchronize their movements with the rhythm and melody.
Interview:
Understanding of Music: The interview may cover topics such as the student's understanding of Music's philosophy, its role in Indian culture, and their personal journey as a Singer.
Future Goals: The interviewer may also inquire about the student's aspirations and plans for further Music education or a career in Carnatic Music
Recognition of Achievement: Successful completion of the exam provides students with a formal recognition cerfication of their skills and accomplishments from The TamilNadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University.
Career Advancement: The exam can be beneficial for students who aspire to pursue a career in Music, as it demonstrates their proficiency and dedication to the art form.
Educational Progression: Passing the exam may be a prerequisite for admission to advanced Music programs or institutions.
Personal Growth: The exam can be a valuable experience for students to assess their progress, identify areas for improvement, and set new goals.
In conclusion, the Carnatic Music Grade Exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates a student's overall proficiency in the art form. It is a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their skills, receive feedback, and set the foundation for their future endeavors in Music.
Grade Programme Branches
Bharathanatyam
Carnatic Vocal
Violin
Veena
