Attain Proficiency in Playing Saraswati Veena

This course will help the students to understand the structure of Varnams and Krithis in a better manner. You will learn to play more complex compositions. At this stage, you can share your wishlist with the teacher. The teacher may approve it depending on your level of proficiency. 

The basic structure of the lesson plan is shared here - 

1. Adi tala is the primary rhythmic structure of 8 beats or matras. It is simple yet versatile structure make it universally applicable to basic to complex and highly intricate compositions. This makes it a favorite among beginners as well as advanced-level practitioners.

In this course, you will learn 2 complex Adi Tala Varnams and 3 complex Krithis.

2. Ata tala has a more complex rhythmic pattern as compared to Adi Tala. Typically, after the students attain proficiency in Adi Tala, Ata Tala is introduced. Ata Tala has a 14 beats structure. And typically, the most intricate compositions of Varnams and Krithis are based on Ata Tala. Ata Tala helps to showcase a musician's rhythmic proficiency and creativity. Ata Tala, with its unique pattern, adds variety and depth to the rhythmic repertoire of Carnatic music.

Manodharma refers to improvisations beyond the basic structure of the raga. This requires having a very sound grip on the fundamentals and pushing your creative limits till the time Manodharmas start coming out spontaneously. 

This course includes 1 Ata tala Varnam, 2 complex Krithis and relevant Manodharma will be taught.

About the Teacher

Vidyanandi Gopal Iyer started learning Veena at the tender age of 7 from her paternal grandfather Veena Vidwan Shri Mahadevan Iyer. Later, she also learned from Veena Vidushi Smt. Mangalam Muthuswamy and Vidwan Sri V. Vamanam. She is currently training under Veena Vidushi Smt. Padmavathy Anathagopalan. 

Her first performance was at the age of 12 at Indian Music Circle, Mumbai. Later she performed at several esteemed stages such as the Music Academy and Narada Gana Sabhain Chennai, Rajalakshmi Fine Arts in Coimbatore, and many such cultural events across the country.

Her qualifications on the musical front include an ‘A’ Grade from All India Radio, a Diploma in Carnatic Music from the University of Mumbai, and the title ‘Shanmukha Sangeet Mani’ from Shanmukhananda Sangeet Vidyalaya. While being professionally engaged as an English  Teacher at KJ Somaiya Junior College of Science and Commerce, she teaches Veena to students through online and offline classes.