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RAABA INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL ACADEMY
Affiliated - American Institute of Culture and Management , USA and International Peace and people welfare trust, India
AfterSchool Program
“Enrichment beyond the classroom”
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Incorporated in Government of India - CIN - U80903TN2022PTC157848 - Raaba Media
Inrodution
Raaba International Cultural Academy is a proud and prestigious institution dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the traditional art form of Carnatic Vocal Music. The academy has been continuously working to support Carnatic music students, teachers, vocal artists, music institutions, and individual learners by providing meaningful opportunities to learn, perform, and showcase their musical talent to the world.
With a strong commitment to cultural and musical excellence, Raaba International Cultural Academy has organized more than 500+ events, creating global platforms for artists and learners to perform, express, and receive recognition. Through these initiatives, the academy has proudly provided opportunities to more than 5,00,000 artists, students, and performers, helping them gain exposure, confidence, appreciation, and recognition on prestigious stages.
The Carnatic Vocal Grade Exam by Raaba International Cultural Academy is designed to provide structured learning, professional evaluation, and recognized certification for students learning Carnatic Vocal Music. This grade exam helps learners develop voice culture, swara knowledge, shruthi alignment, thala understanding, ragam awareness, clarity in pronunciation, devotional expression, musical discipline, and performance confidence.
Raaba International Cultural Academy offers a wide range of educational, cultural, artistic, and skill-based learning programs for school students, college students, teachers, institutions, academies, and individual learners. With experienced educators, professional trainers, and well-structured assessment methods, we aim to create meaningful learning experiences that go beyond regular classroom education.
We strongly believe that every child has unique talent and creative potential. Through our carefully designed grade exams, certification programs, training opportunities, and performance platforms, we help learners enhance their musical skills, express their abilities, and receive global recognition at various levels.
The Carnatic Vocal Grade Exam is suitable for music students, schools, cultural academies, music institutions, private music tutors, teachers, and individual learners who wish to improve their vocal skills and receive certified recognition for their progress.
Our mission is to nurture talent, preserve Indian classical music, empower teachers, encourage students, and create valuable opportunities for every learner to grow with confidence, discipline, creativity, devotion, and excellence.
Raaba International Cultural Academy (RIC Academy) is registered and incorporated under the Government of India. It is affiliated with the American Institute of Culture and Management, Connecticut, United States of America, and is a subsidiary of Raaba Media. The academy is also affiliated with the International Peace and People Welfare Trust, India.
Raaba International Cultural Academy (RIC Academy) is Registered Incorporated under the Government of India, Affiliated with the American Institute of Culture and Management, Connecticut, United states of America, A Subsidiary of Raaba Media, Affiliated with the International Peace and People Welfare Trust, India.
About Our Grade Exam
Carnatic Vocal Music is one of India’s most respected and divine classical music traditions, known for its melody, devotion, discipline, rhythm, ragam, thalam, expression, and spiritual depth. At Raaba International Cultural Academy (RIC Academy), our Carnatic Vocal Grade Exam is designed to encourage students to learn this beautiful classical music form in a structured, professional, and meaningful way.
Our grade examination system helps students develop a strong foundation in Carnatic Vocal Music, improve their voice culture, understand swaras, ragas, thalams, shruthi, pronunciation, and musical expression, and gain confidence through recognized assessment and certification. Each grade is carefully planned to support step-by-step learning, from basic vocal exercises and simple songs to advanced compositions, theory, rhythm, ragam knowledge, and stage presentation.
The Carnatic Vocal Grade Exam provides young singers and music learners with an excellent opportunity to showcase their talent, measure their progress, and receive valuable recognition for their dedication, practice, and hard work. It is suitable for music students, schools, music academies, cultural institutions, private music tutors, teachers, and individual learners who wish to grow in the field of Carnatic Vocal Music with proper guidance and evaluation.
Through this program, Raaba International Cultural Academy (RIC Academy) aims to preserve Indian classical music, promote traditional arts, encourage musical excellence, and inspire the next generation of singers to learn Carnatic Vocal Music with devotion, discipline, confidence, and passion.
Who Can Apply?
The Carnatic Vocal Grade Exam is open to students learning Carnatic Vocal Music through music schools, cultural academies, private music tutors, schools, colleges, institutions, and individual training. Students can appear for the exam according to their learning level, vocal training experience, and teacher’s guidance.
This exam is suitable for beginners, intermediate learners, advanced students, music academy students, school and college music learners, private music students, and individual singers who wish to improve their vocal skills and receive recognized certification for their progress and performance in Carnatic Vocal Music.
Why Choose Our Carnatic Vocal Grade Exam?
Our examination system is created to support both practical singing performance and theoretical musical knowledge. Students are guided to understand not only vocal presentation, but also swaras, ragas, thalams, shruthi, voice culture, pronunciation, devotional expression, rhythm, and the traditional value of Carnatic music.
The Carnatic Vocal Grade Exam helps students to:
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Build a strong foundation in Carnatic Vocal Music
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Improve voice clarity, shruthi alignment, rhythm, pronunciation, and expression
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Learn music theory along with practical vocal performance
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Develop knowledge of swaras, ragas, thalams, and basic compositions
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Gain confidence through structured performance-based evaluation
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Receive International Value Certification for each level of achievement
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Develop discipline, concentration, listening skills, devotion, and musical awareness
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Prepare for higher-level music training, stage performances, competitions, and professional opportunities
Through this grade exam, students can measure their progress, improve their vocal skills, and receive valuable recognition for their dedication, practice, and talent in Carnatic Vocal Music.
Our Commitment
At Raaba International Cultural Academy, we believe that Carnatic Vocal Music is not just a musical art form; it is a divine journey of melody, devotion, rhythm, expression, discipline, and cultural heritage. It helps students develop voice clarity, musical knowledge, concentration, confidence, and a deep appreciation for Indian classical music.
Our goal is to provide every learner with a trusted and professional platform to learn, practice, perform, and shine with confidence. Through our structured grade exam system, we encourage students to strengthen their vocal skills, understand the beauty of Carnatic music, recognize their progress, and achieve certification for their dedication and talent.
Join the Raaba International Cultural Academy Carnatic Vocal Grade Exam and take a proud step forward in your classical music journey with devotion, discipline, confidence, and excellence.
Carnatic Vocal Grade Exam Syllabus Details
Grade 1 – Practical
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Sarali Varisai
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Practice and presentation in three speeds
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Janta Varisai
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Practice and presentation in three speeds
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Mel Sthayi Varisai
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Practice and presentation in three speeds
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Sanchari Geetham
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Two compositions
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Thevaram
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One composition
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Tamil Prayer Song
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One composition
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Slokas – Three
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Guru Brahma
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Mooshika Vahana
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Saraswathi Sloka
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Tala Demonstration
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Adi Talam
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Rupaka Talam
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Grade 1 – Theory
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Introduction to Carnatic music
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Meaning of Shruti, Swara, Raga, and Tala
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Names of the seven basic swaras
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Arohana and Avarohana
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Introduction to Sthayi:
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Mandra Sthayi
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Madhya Sthayi
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Tara Sthayi
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Basic understanding of Adi and Rupaka Talas
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Meaning of Sarali Varisai, Janta Varisai, and Geetham
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Basic sitting posture, breathing, and vocal practice
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Identification of swaras in simple exercises
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Names of the compositions presented for the examination
Grade 2 – Practical
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Dattu Varisai
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Practice in three speeds
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Alankarams
Practice in the following talas:
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Chatusra Jati Eka Talam
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Tisra Jati Triputa Talam
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Chatusra Jati Rupaka Talam
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Sanchari Geetham
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Two compositions
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Swarajati
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One composition
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Thevaram
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One composition
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Tiruppugazh
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One composition
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Nalayira Divya Prabandham
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One composition
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Tala Demonstration
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Eka Talam
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Rupaka Talam
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Triputa Talam
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Grade 2 – Theory
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Revision of Grade I concepts
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Sapta Swaras and their names
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Introduction to Swarasthanas
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Definition of Raga and Tala
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Meaning of Arohana and Avarohana
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Introduction to Tala Angas:
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Laghu
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Dhrutam
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Anudhrutam
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Introduction to Jatis:
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Tisra
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Chatusra
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Khanda
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Misra
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Sankeerna
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Difference between Sarali, Janta, Dattu, and Mel Sthayi Varisai
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Meaning and structure of Geetham and Swarajati
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Basic musical notation
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Identification and demonstration of prescribed talas
Grade 3 – Practical
1. Alankarams in Three Speeds
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Chatusra Jati Dhruva Talam
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Chatusra Jati Matya Talam
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Misra Jati Jhampa Talam
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Khanda Jati Ata Talam
2. Lakshana Geetham
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One composition
3. Jatiswaram
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Raga: Chakravakam
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Tala: Rupakam
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Composer: Thanjavur Quartet
4. Tana Varnam
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Ninnukori
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Raga: Mohanam
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Tala: Adi
5. Kritis – Three
One composition in each of the following ragas:
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Mayamalavagowla
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Mohanam
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Hamsadhwani
6. Thiruvarutpa
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One composition
7. National Integration Song
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One composition
8. Raga Identification
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Mayamalavagowla
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Mohanam
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Hamsadhwani
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Chakravakam
Grade 3 – Theory
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Revision of previous grades
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Seven Suladi Sapta Talas:
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Dhruva
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Matya
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Rupaka
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Jhampa
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Triputa
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Ata
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Eka
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Five Jatis and their Akshara values
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Definition of Melakarta and Janya Raga
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Introduction to Upanga and Bhashanga Ragas
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Raga Lakshana of:
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Mayamalavagowla
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Mohanam
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Hamsadhwani
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Chakravakam
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Structure of Lakshana Geetham
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Structure of Jatiswaram
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Structure of Tana Varnam
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Introduction to composer Sri Tyagaraja
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Introduction to the Thanjavur Quartet
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Basic notation writing for simple exercises
Grade 4 – Practical
1. Tana Varnams – Two
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Sami Ninne
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Raga: Shankarabharanam
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Tala: Adi
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Anname
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Raga: Arabhi
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Tala: Adi
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2. Alankara Practice in Different Ragas
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Shankarabharanam
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Harikambhoji
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Kalyani
3. Jatiswaram
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One prescribed composition
4. Tamil Kritis
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Four compositions
5. Sri Tyagaraja Kritis
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Two compositions
6. Kavadi Chindu
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One composition
7. Thevaram
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One composition
8. Tiruppugazh
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One composition
9. Raga Identification
Students must identify the prescribed ragas from short melodic phrases.
Grade 4 – Theory
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Detailed study of Tala Angas
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Swarasthanas and their varieties
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Introduction to the 12 Swarasthanas
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Introduction to the 72 Melakarta system
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Katapayadi Sankhya – basic concept
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Raga Lakshana of:
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Shankarabharanam
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Harikambhoji
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Kalyani
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Arabhi
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Difference between Melakarta and Janya Raga
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Structure and parts of a Varnam:
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Pallavi
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Anupallavi
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Muktayi Swaram
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Charanam
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Chitta Swaras
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Introduction to Kriti structure
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Life and contribution of Sri Tyagaraja
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Introduction to Tamil devotional musical traditions
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Basic knowledge of Kavadi Chindu, Thevaram, and Tiruppugazh
Grade 5 – Practical
1. Alankara Practice in Different Ragas
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Todi
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Mohanam
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Hamsadhwani
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Pantuvarali
2. Jatiswaram
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Raga: Vasantha
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Tala: Rupakam
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Composer: Thanjavur Quartet
3. Tana Varnams – Two
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Sarasuda
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Raga: Saveri
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Tala: Adi
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Evvari
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Raga: Abhogi
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Tala: Adi
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4. Ata Tala Varnam
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Nera Nammi
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Raga: Kanada
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Tala: Ata Talam
5. Kritis in the Following Ragas
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Kanada
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Vasantha
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Khamas
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Abhogi
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Hamsadhwani
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Kalyani
6. Alwar Pasuram
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One composition
7. Andal Tiruppavai
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One composition
8. Thevaram
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One composition
9. Tiruppugazh
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One composition
10. Basic Raga Alapana
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One prescribed raga
Grade 5 – Theory
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Revision of the 72 Melakarta system
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Identification of Melakarta and Janya Ragas
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Raga Lakshana of:
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Todi
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Vasantha
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Kanada
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Khamas
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Abhogi
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Hamsadhwani
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Definition and importance of Gamaka
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Common Gamakas used in Carnatic music
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Difference between Tana Varnam and Ata Tala Varnam
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Structure of a Kriti:
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Pallavi
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Anupallavi
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Charanam
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Chitta Swaram
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Madhyama Kala Sahityam
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Introduction to Manodharma Sangeetham
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Basic principles of Raga Alapana
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Introduction to Kalpana Swaras
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Devotional forms:
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Alwar Pasuram
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Tiruppavai
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Thevaram
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Tiruppugazh
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Brief biography of Andal and the Alwars
Grade 6 – Practical
1. Ragamalika Jatiswaram
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Tala: Misra Chapu
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Composer: Thanjavur Quartet
2. Tana Varnams – Two
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Valachi
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Raga: Ragamalika
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Tala: Adi
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Karunimpa
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Raga: Sahana
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Tala: Adi
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3. Ata Tala Varnam
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Chalamela
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Raga: Shankarabharanam
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Tala: Ata Talam
4. Purandara Dasa Keerthana
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One composition
5. Kritis with Raga Alapana and Kalpana Swaras
One composition in each of the following ragas:
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Amritavarshini
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Keeravani
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Kharaharapriya
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Pantuvarali
Students must present:
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Short Raga Alapana
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Kriti
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Simple Kalpana Swaras
6. Javali
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One composition
7. Tillana
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One composition
8. Kavadi Chindu
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One composition
Grade 6 – Theory
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Detailed understanding of Melakarta and Janya classification
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Vakra, Varja, Upanga, and Bhashanga Ragas
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Raga Lakshana of:
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Amritavarshini
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Keeravani
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Kharaharapriya
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Pantuvarali
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Sahana
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Introduction to Ragamalika
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Principles of Raga Alapana
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Principles of Kalpana Swara singing
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Meaning of:
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Graha Swara
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Nyasa Swara
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Jiva Swara
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Amsa Swara
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Introduction to Eduppu
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Sama and Anagata Eduppu
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Structure of Javali and Tillana
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Life and contribution of Purandara Dasa
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Contribution of the Thanjavur Quartet
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Basic concert presentation and stage etiquette
Grade 7 – Practical
1. Jatiswaram
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Raga: Saveri
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Tala: Rupakam
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Composer: Thanjavur Quartet
2. Ghana Raga Pancharatna Kriti
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Jagadanandakaraka
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Raga: Nattai
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Tala: Adi
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Composer: Sri Tyagaraja
3. Ragamalika
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Arabhi Manam
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Tala: Adi
4. Tana Varnams
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Two prescribed compositions
5. Ata Tala Varnam
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Viriboni
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Raga: Bhairavi
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Tala: Khanda Jati Ata Talam
6. Kritis with Raga Alapana and Kalpana Swaras
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Kambhoji
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Nattai
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Saveri
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Anandabhairavi
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Bhairavi
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Hemavati
Students must present:
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Detailed Raga Alapana in one raga
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Short Raga Alapana in another raga
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Kriti presentation
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Kalpana Swaras in one or two speeds
7. Dasa Padam
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One composition
8. Ashtapadi
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One composition
9. Thevaram
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Two compositions
10. Tiruppugazh
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Two compositions
Grade 7 – Theory
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Detailed Raga Lakshana of prescribed ragas
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Ghana Ragas and their special features
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Ghana Raga Pancharatna Kritis
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Life and contribution of Sri Tyagaraja
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Pancharatna Kriti structure and significance
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Advanced principles of Raga Alapana
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Kalpana Swara arrangement and Korvai formation
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Introduction to Trikalam
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Tala calculations and Akshara distribution
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Meaning and structure of:
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Dasa Padam
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Ashtapadi
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Ragamalika
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Pancharatna Kriti
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Life and contribution of Jayadeva
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Concert order and performance planning
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Voice care and performance discipline
Grade 8 – Practical
1. Tana Varnams – Two
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Vanajakshi
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Raga: Kalyani
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Tala: Adi
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Sariyo Nee
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Raga: Begada
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Tala: Adi
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2. Ata Tala Varnam
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Vanajakshi
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Raga: Ritigowla
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Tala: Khanda Jati Ata Talam
3. Pada Varnam
One prescribed composition by:
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Thanjavur Quartet, or
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Dhandayuthapani Pillai
4. Ghana Raga Pancharatna Kriti
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Sadhinchane
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Raga: Arabhi
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Tala: Adi
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Composer: Sri Tyagaraja
5. Kritis with Raga Alapana and Kalpana Swaras
Students must prepare compositions in:
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Kalyani
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Todi
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Dharmavati
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Shankarabharanam
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Ritigowla
The examination presentation must include:
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Detailed Raga Alapana
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Kriti
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Niraval at a suitable line
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Kalpana Swaras in one or two speeds
6. Vilamba Kala Kriti
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One slow-tempo Kriti in a prescribed major raga
7. Additional Musical Forms
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Tillana – One
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Kilikkanni – One
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Thiruvarutpa – One
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Meera Bhajan – One
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Tarangam – One
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Thevaram – One
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Nattupura Paadal – One
8. Senior Performance Presentation
Students must present a short concert programme selected from the prescribed syllabus.
Grade 8 – Theory
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Detailed study of the 72 Melakarta system
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Melakarta identification using Katapayadi Sankhya
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Detailed Raga Lakshana of all prescribed ragas
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Advanced Gamakas and their application
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Principles of:
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Raga Alapana
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Niraval
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Kalpana Swaras
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Tanam
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Pallavi
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Introduction to Ragam–Tanam–Pallavi
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Trikalam and Nadai variations
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Korvai and Mora – basic structure
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Vilamba Kala, Madhyama Kala, and Durita Kala
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Musical forms:
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Pada Varnam
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Ata Tala Varnam
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Pancharatna Kriti
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Tillana
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Tarangam
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Bhajan
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Nattupura Paadal
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Contribution of major Carnatic composers:
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Sri Tyagaraja
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Muthuswami Dikshitar
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Syama Sastri
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Purandara Dasa
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Papanasam Sivan
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Thanjavur Quartet
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Concert planning and stage presentation
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Microphone discipline and audience etiquette
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Voice maintenance and professional practice
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Role of accompanying instruments in a Carnatic concert

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