Learn Geetams - One of the Foundational Blocks in Carnatic Vocals

This course is designed to help you build a strong musical foundation and gradually take your skills to the next level, making your learning experience unique and rewarding. The highlights of the course include -

• 9 Geetams and 1 Varnam.
• These songs will be a mix of common and less common Geetams.
• Each student's learning experience will be unique, adapting to their level of expertise.

What Are Geetams - Geetams are one of the first types of songs you learn in Carnatic music. They introduce you to singing with lyrics and some simple musical ornamentations called gamakas. Learning Geetams helps you understand Raga (melodic scale),Tala (rhythm), and forms the foundation of your musical knowledge.

Why Geetams Matter - Geetams are essential for building your music skills. They lay the groundwork for your understanding of the basics of Carnatic music. With Geetams, you develop the ability to sing with expression and musical ornamentation.

As you advance through the course, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Raga, Tala, and other fundamental musical elements. The course concludes with the introduction of a Varnam, a more complex musical form. The Varnam is a stepping stone to the next level of your musical journey.

About the Teacher

Dr. Brindha Manickavasakan is a Carnatic vocalist and research scholar from Chennai, India. She holds a Master’s and PhD in Music from the University of Madras, where she completed research on Tañjāvūr K. Poṉṉayyā Pilḷai. She is a senior disciple of Vidushi Suguna Varadachari and follows the Musiri Bani tradition.

She has been performing for over 25 years and is an ‘A’ grade artist of All India Radio, Chennai. She regularly performs at all major sabhas in Chennai, as well as in other parts of India and abroad. Along with vocal music, she has also trained in Veena and Thirumurai Isai, and has worked on projects with artists from different fields, including Villupaatu and French harp music.

Dr. Brindha has received several awards, such as Vani Kala Nipuna from Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha, Isai Arasi from Trinity Arts Festival, Professor Mahalingam Padmanabhan Endowment Award and Papanasam Sivan Award from Narada Gana Sabha, V Subrahmaniam Young Talent Award, Ilam Rasika Kala Bharathi from Rasika Fine Arts, Best Vocalist award (Rising Stars Series), and the M S Subbulakshmi Fellowship from Sri Shanmukhananda Sabha, Mumbai.

In 2023, she toured Europe with Carnatic music concerts and workshops. In 2022, as part of the Bonjour India tour, she performed with French harpist Lina Bellard in a Carnatic–Brittany music collaboration. She has also released albums including Tyagaraja Vandanam.