About the initiative
Welcome to the journey of learning South Indian Classical Music, guided by the expertise of Sri. Sathyanarayanan and Dr. Aarti Ananth Krishnan. Since 2010, they have dedicated themselves to mentoring keyboard and vocal music students by sharing their rich musical experiences and techniques.
Our fully online sessions, provide an opportunity for students across the globe to learn and enhance their musical knowledge. The curriculum begins with foundational concepts of music and the instrument and is thoughtfully adapted from traditional syllabi to suit both keyboard and vocal training, enabling students to progressively refine their skills and expand their repertoire. Students who have been a part of the initiative have also been identified and given advance skill training to guide musically younger learners.
About the Guru-s
Our Guru 'Kalaimamani' Sri. Sathyanarayanan, popularly known as Keyboard Sathya is a prolific artiste, composer and music producer. He has established the keyboard as a lead melodic instrument for Indian Classical Music. His successful journey of over 25 years has inspired students of music around the world to learn Indian Classical music on keyboard. He is an 'A Grade' Artiste of All India Radio as is a one of the youngest recipient of the 'Kalaimamani' Award at his age of 23.
Our Guru Dr. Aarti Ananth Krishnan, is a vocalist trained in Carnatic classical music rigorously for more than 25 years. She completed her UG, PG and Ph. D in Carnatic Music and has been awarded with national scholarships and fellowships such as the Junior and Senior research fellowships from the Government of India for her exemplary research. She is a B-High graded artiste of the All India Radio and has performed several concerts at prestigious organisations in India.
From the Guru-s
-
Our philosophy is to delve deep into the intricacies of South Indian Classical Carnatic music and enable the student to learn the art for art's sake.
-
The learning process is not driven by the goal of solely performance or display.
-
Musical learning is a lifelong endeavour and every step in this process is progress towards understanding one’s self and the art form.
Performances of Students of KBS Inculcation | Mentored by Keyboard Sathya
Frequently asked questions
-
Do you take classes?
A. Yes, we along with our trainers mentor students all around the world. The student's learning and progress are monitored by us through forms updated by the trainers after every session. We offer classes for only Carnatic Music on Keyboard and Vocal.
-
Where are the classes conducted?
A. We are based in Chennai, India. We have adapted the training to a fully online mode for all students, even those residing in Chennai. The sessions are conducted through Google Meet.
-
What is the curriculum?
A. The learning begins with the traditional syllabus of Sarali Varisai-s, Janta Varisai-s and so on. However, the content has been adapted and to suit the handling for keyboard and vocal music. As a student progresses in the learning process, she/he increases their repertoire and finer nuances of the artform. Students are initiated only from the basics even if the student has past experience on keyboard/vocal in Carnatic Music.
This is to maintain a standardised technique and understand the style (technique and musical understanding) of handling the instrument and music.
-
What keyboard should I buy to start my learning?
A. Any model having a pitch bender is a good equipment to start. It facilitates to understand the concepts of fingering techniques and Gamaka-s using the pitch bender at a beginner level. As you progress, a professional keyboard will be required to hand more nuances of the art. If a student already owns a keyboard with the pitch bender, they can learn basic lessons using this instrument.
-
What is the class duration and is it solo or group class?
A. Duration of our classes is 25 to 30 minutes. Sessions are conducted one on one. We suggest taking 2 sessions a week with at least a two-day gap for practicing.
-
Is it a course oriented method and is there a provision for the student to directly take higher levels of syllabus?
A. Any artform is a universe by itself. Each one has the possibility to explore it at their own pace. The syllabus of Carnatic music on keyboard has been specially curated keeping in mind the unique facets of Carnatic music and its application on keyboard and voice. We advise the student to go through a methodical learning process and we do not skip any portion of the syllabus as each step of the process is required to get the understanding and becomes the basis for the next step. Only after complete understanding and ability to achieve the required proficiency, the student proceeds to the next step.
-
Performances, competitions and other opportunities for the student.. ?
A. We believe that the learning process should not be driven by the goal of solely performance or display. However, after reaching a level of proficiency, students are identified and encouraged to appear for select competitions and performances. It is mandatory for the student to take permission and guidance from the institution before appearing for any competition/ event/ performance featuring Carnatic Music on Keyboard. Until required proficiency is attained, students are suggested to focus on the learning process only.
-
I am interested in joining. What is the next step?
A. We request you to send us an email expressing your willingness to learn. You will be required to give some basic details and make a video of yourself singing/ playing for us to know your musical status. After a personal interaction with us, we can take things forward.
Email - keyboardsathya@gmail.com