Learn Carnatic Music on Keyboard and Voice
Online | One - to - One Sessions | Worldwide ||
Learn Carnatic Music on Keyboard and Voice through personalised online classes designed to develop both musical understanding and practical performance skills.
Under the guidance of Sri. Sathyanarayanan and Dr. Aarti Ananth Krishnan, students can explore Carnatic music through keyboard and voice, with emphasis on melody, gamakas, musical expression, repertoire and the understanding of Carnatic music beyond simply learning songs.
About the initiative
Since 2010, Sri. Sathyanarayanan and Dr. Aarti Ananth Krishnan have been mentoring students in Carnatic music on keyboard and voice, sharing their musical knowledge, experience and teaching methodologies.
The programme is conducted entirely online, enabling students from around the world to learn and develop their musical skills. The curriculum is rooted in the traditional Carnatic music syllabus, while being thoughtfully adapted to suit the unique requirements of both keyboard and vocal training.
Students learn through our team of trained teachers and mentors, who are guided and mentored by our gurus. This ensures that the teaching approach, curriculum and musical values developed through the programme are consistently followed across our classes.
Students begin with the fundamentals and progress systematically through the syllabus, developing their technique, musical understanding and repertoire at each stage. Students who demonstrate the required proficiency may progress to advanced training and, where appropriate, receive guidance towards mentoring 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
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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.
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The learning process is not driven by the goal of solely performance or display.
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Musical learning is a lifelong endeavour and every step in this process is progress towards understanding one’s self and the art form.
Frequently asked questions
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Do you take classes?
A. Yes. We, along with our trainers, mentor students from around the world. Students' learning and progress are monitored by us through forms updated by the trainers after every session. We offer classes exclusively in Carnatic Music on Keyboard and Vocal.
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Where are the classes conducted?
A. We are based in Chennai, India. We have adapted the training to a fully online format for all students, including those residing in Chennai. The sessions are conducted through Google Meet.
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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 to suit the requirements of keyboard and vocal music. As a student progresses through the learning process, they develop their repertoire and gain an understanding of the finer nuances of the art form.
Students are initiated into the syllabus from the basics, even if they have prior experience in keyboard or Carnatic vocal music. This is to maintain a standardised technique and to help students understand the style, technique and musical approach required for handling the instrument and the music.
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What keyboard should I buy to start my learning?
A. Any model with a pitch bender is a good instrument to start with. It facilitates an understanding of fingering techniques and the basic concepts of Gamaka-s using the pitch bender. As you progress, a professional keyboard may be required to handle more nuances of the art. If a student already owns a keyboard with a pitch bender, they can begin their basic lessons using that instrument.
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What is the class duration and is it solo or group class?
A. Our classes are 25 to 30 minutes in duration and are conducted one-to-one. We recommend taking two sessions a week, with at least a two-day gap between sessions to allow sufficient time for practice.
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Is it a course oriented method and is there a provision for the student to directly take higher levels of syllabus?
A. Any art form is a universe by itself, and each person has the opportunity to explore it at their own pace. The syllabus of Carnatic music on keyboard and voice has been specially curated, keeping in mind the unique facets of Carnatic music and its application on these instruments.
We advise students to follow a methodical learning process and do not skip portions of the syllabus, as each step is important for developing the required understanding and forms the basis for the next stage. A student proceeds to the next stage only after demonstrating complete understanding and achieving the required proficiency.
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Do you provide performance, competition or other opportunities for students?
A. We believe that the learning process should not be driven solely by the goal of performance or display. Performance and competition opportunities are not guaranteed or arranged as part of the programme.
After reaching the required level of proficiency, students may be identified and encouraged to participate in select competitions or performances, where appropriate. Students are required to seek permission and guidance from the institution before appearing for any competition, event or performance featuring Carnatic Music on Keyboard.
Until the required proficiency is attained, students are encouraged to focus primarily on the learning process.
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I am interested in joining. What is the next step?
A. We request you to send us an email expressing your interest in learning. You will be required to provide some basic details and submit a video of yourself singing or playing, which will help us understand your current level of musical experience. Following a personal interaction with us, we can take things forward.
Email - keyboardsathya@gmail.com
