MRIDANGAM COURSE
Embark on a rhythmic journey into the captivating world of Mridangam, the soul of Carnatic music. Our expertly crafted courses, designed for all skill levels, will guide you through the rich history, intricate techniques, and captivating rhythms of this ancient Indian percussion instrument.
Whether you’re a complete beginner curious to explore the Mridangam or a seasoned player wishing to hone your skills, we offer a comprehensive curriculum to meet your musical aspirations.
Basic Course
|
Module Name |
Lecture |
Lessons |
Practicals |
What the student should be able to do |
|
Introduction to Mridangam |
History and Significance |
Overview of Mridangam's origin and evolution; Role of Mridangam in Carnatic music and Indian culture |
Listening session of iconic Mridangam performances; Discussion on the evolution of playing styles over time |
Understand the history and cultural significance of Mridangam |
|
Introduction to Mridangam |
Structure and Components |
Detailed study of the Mridangam's parts (shell, heads, lacing, etc.); Understanding materials used in construction; Different types of Mridangams and their unique features |
Demonstration of tuning the Mridangam; Hands-on practice in assembling and tuning the instrument; Maintenance tips for preserving the Mridangam |
Identify different parts of Mridangam and perform basic tuning |
|
Basic Techniques |
Hand Positioning and Basic Strokes |
Correct hand positioning for optimal sound production |
Demonstrations and guided practice for each stroke; Individual feedback on technique; Homework: Daily practice routine focusing on basic strokes |
Execute basic strokes with correct hand positioning |
|
Basic Techniques |
Pala Varasalu (basic strokes) |
Introduction to basic strokes (Tha, Dhi, Thom, Nam) |
Practice exercises incorporating basic strokes; Homework: Record and review practice sessions |
Practice and master basic strokes |
|
Developing Techniques |
Paikaalam Varisai |
Introduction to Paikaalam Varisai (basic exercises for strengthening fingers) |
Demonstrations and guided practice for Paikaalam Varisai; Focus on accuracy and speed; Homework: Practice Paikaalam Varisai daily |
Strengthen fingers and improve accuracy with Paikaalam Varisai exercises |
|
Rhythmic Patterns and Improvisation |
Basic Rhythmic Patterns |
Introduction to simple rhythmic patterns (Adhi Tala, Rupaka Tala) |
Practice exercises for basic patterns; Group practice sessions; Homework: Create and practice your own basic rhythmic pattern |
Create and practice basic rhythmic patterns |
|
Rhythmic Patterns and Improvisation |
Introduction to Improvisation |
Basics of improvisation in Mridangam |
Guided improvisation exercises; Practice sessions with different rhythmic contexts; Homework: Record and analyze an improvisation session |
Perform basic improvisation in different rhythmic contexts |
|
Accompaniment Skills |
Accompanying Simple Songs |
Techniques for accompanying simple Carnatic songs |
Practice sessions with recorded tracks; Role-playing exercises to simulate live performances; Homework: Develop a set of accompaniment patterns |
Develop and perform accompaniment for simple songs |
|
Accompaniment Skills |
Basic Accompaniment Techniques |
Introduction to basic accompaniment techniques |
Practice sessions with vocal and instrumental tracks; Feedback and improvement on accompaniment skills; Homework: Prepare for a mock performance |
Prepare and perform basic accompaniment pieces |
|
Performance Preparation |
Preparing for Performances |
Stage presence and etiquette; Planning and structuring a performance |
Mock performances with peer feedback; Individual coaching on performance aspects; Homework: Finalize and rehearse the performance piece |
Plan and structure a performance piece |
|
Performance Preparation |
Final Performance and Evaluation |
None |
Students perform prepared pieces; Individual feedback and assessment; Course review and Q&A session; Certificates of completion and celebration |
Perform a piece and receive feedback |
Intermediate Course
|
Module Name |
Lecture |
Lessons |
Practicals |
What the student should be able to do |
|
Advanced Techniques and Exercises |
Advanced Hand Techniques |
Overview of advanced hand techniques and their importance |
Practice of advanced strokes and combinations; Individual feedback and corrections; Homework: Daily practice routine focusing on advanced strokes |
Execute advanced strokes with precision |
|
Advanced Techniques and Exercises |
Paikaalam Varisai and Pala Varisai, Adhi Tala and Rupaka Tala Revisited |
Review and extension of Paikaalam Varisai and Pala Varisai, Adhi Tala and Rupaka Tala |
Guided practice with increased complexity; Homework: Incorporate these exercises into daily practice |
Perform extended Paikaalam and Pala Varisai exercises |
|
Complex Rhythmic Patterns (Chapu Talas) |
Misrachapu Tala and Khanda Chapu Tala |
Detailed analysis of MisraChapu Tala and Khanda Chapu Tala; Structural differences and applications |
Practice exercises for these talas; Homework: Create patterns using these talas |
Play and create patterns using Misrachapu Tala and Khanda Chapu Tala |
|
Composition and Improvisation |
Composing Rhythmic Patterns |
Techniques for composing complex rhythmic sequences; Creating variations and thematic development |
Composition exercises; Peer review and feedback; Homework: Compose a rhythmic piece and present it |
Compose and present complex rhythmic pieces |
|
Composition and Improvisation |
Advanced Improvisation Techniques |
Advanced concepts in improvisation; Developing spontaneity and creativity |
Guided improvisation sessions; Practice with different rhythmic contexts; Homework: Record and analyze improvisation sessions |
Perform advanced improvisation in different rhythmic contexts |
|
Advanced Accompaniment Skills |
Accompanying Carnatic Vocalists |
Techniques for accompanying vocalists; Understanding the nuances of vocal music |
Practice sessions with recorded vocal tracks; Role-playing exercises; Homework: Develop accompaniment patterns |
Develop advanced accompaniment for vocal music |
|
Advanced Accompaniment Skills |
Accompanying Instrumental Music |
Techniques for accompanying various instruments; Adapting to different musical contexts |
Practice sessions with instrumental tracks; Feedback and improvement; Homework: Prepare accompaniment pieces |
Prepare advanced accompaniment for instrumental music |
|
Tani Avartanam |
Introduction to Tani Avartanam |
Structure and significance of Tani Avartanam in concerts; Key elements and phases |
Practice basic Tani Avartanam patterns; Homework: Develop a basic Tani Avartanam piece |
Develop a basic Tani Avartanam piece |
|
Tani Avartanam |
Developing Tani Avartanam Skills |
Advanced techniques and variations in Tani Avartanam |
Guided practice and development of personal style; Homework: Record and refine Tani Avartanam performance |
Record and refine Tani Avartanam performance |
|
Performance Preparation |
Planning and Structuring Performances |
Stage presence and etiquette; Planning and structuring a performance |
Mock performances with feedback; Individual coaching; Homework: Finalize and rehearse performance pieces |
Plan and structure a performance piece |
|
Performance Preparation |
Final Performance and Evaluation |
None |
Students perform prepared pieces; Individual feedback and assessment; Course review and Q&A session; Certificates of completion and celebration |
Perform a professional-level piece and receive feedback |
Advanced Course
|
Module Name |
Lecture |
Lessons |
Practicals |
What the student should be able to do |
|
Mastery of Advanced Techniques |
Mastering Advanced Strokes |
Detailed study of advanced strokes and their applications; Techniques for enhancing speed and precision |
Intensive practice of advanced strokes; Individual feedback and corrections; Homework: Daily practice focusing on advanced strokes |
Execute advanced strokes with mastery |
|
Mastery of Advanced Techniques |
Nadai |
Introduction to Nadai |
Guided practice with increased complexity; Homework: Incorporate these exercises into daily practice |
Understand and practice Nadai exercises |
|
Different Nadais |
Khanda Nadai |
Introduction to Khanda Nadai |
Practice exercises for Khanda Nadai; Homework: Create patterns using Khanda Nadai |
Create and practice patterns using Khanda Nadai |
|
Different Nadais |
Trishra Nadai |
Introduction to Trishra Nadai; Techniques for creating and executing them |
Practice exercises for Trishra Nadai; Homework: Create patterns using Trishra Nadai |
Create and practice patterns using Trishra Nadai |
|
Different Nadais |
Mishra Nadai |
Introduction to Mishra Nadai; Techniques for creating and executing them |
Practice exercises for Mishra Nadai; Homework: Create patterns using Mishra Nadai |
Create and practice patterns using Mishra Nadai |
|
Professional Accompaniment Skills |
Accompanying Professional Vocalists |
Techniques for accompanying professional vocalists; Understanding the nuances of complex vocal music |
Practice sessions with recorded professional vocal tracks; Role-playing exercises; Homework: Develop advanced accompaniment patterns |
Develop advanced accompaniment for professional vocal music |
|
Professional Accompaniment Skills |
Accompanying Instrumental Music |
Techniques for accompanying various instruments at a professional level; Adapting to different musical contexts |
Practice sessions with instrumental tracks; Feedback and improvement; Homework: Prepare advanced accompaniment pieces |
Prepare advanced accompaniment for professional instrumental music |
|
Advanced Tani Avartanam |
Developing Complex Tani Avartanam |
Structure and significance of Tani Avartanam in professional concerts; Key elements and phases |
Practice complex Tani Avartanam patterns; Homework: Develop a complex Tani Avartanam piece |
Develop a complex Tani Avartanam piece |
|
Advanced Tani Avartanam |
Mastering Tani Avartanam Performance |
Advanced techniques and variations in Tani Avartanam |
Guided practice and development of personal style; Homework: Record and refine Tani Avartanam performance |
Record and refine Tani Avartanam performance |
|
Performance Preparation and Execution |
Preparing for Professional Performances |
Stage presence and professional etiquette; Planning and structuring a professional performance |
Mock performances with peer feedback; Individual coaching on performance aspects; Homework: Finalize and rehearse performance pieces |
Plan and structure a professional performance piece |
|
Performance Preparation and Execution |
Final Performance and Evaluation |
None |
Students perform prepared pieces in a professional setting; Individual feedback and assessment; Course review and Q&A session; Certificates of completion and celebration |
Perform a professional-level piece and receive feedback |
Unleash the Rhythm Within: Explore the Soul of Carnatic Music
Embark on a captivating journey into the world of Mridangam, the ancient percussion instrument that lies at the heart of Carnatic music. At Sunadavinodini, we believe in fostering a love for music as a foundation of Indian culture and a pathway to spiritual connection. Our comprehensive curriculum, designed for all skill levels, will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create your own rhythmic magic.