Carnatic Veena
Instructor: Samita Mohanasundaram
The Veena is 4.5 foot long Indian classical string instrument originating from south India.
Samita Mohanasundaram is a freshman in Massachusetts Hall. She has been learning both Carnatic and Western music since she was six years old. Samita has been trained in Veena for the last 9 years, Carnatic Vocal for 6 years, Western piano for 13 years, and flute for 8 years. Samita is also a Bharathanatyam dancer who loves to perform and choreograph. For the last 7 years, she has been teaching dance and piano to individuals in the New England area. Samita has been part of music camps and lectures run by Lalgudi G.J.R Krishnan and the New England School of Carnatic Music.
Classes are typically an hour in duration.
Time and location is determined on a case by case basis
Beginner Veena
The beginner class assumes no knowledge of Carnatic music and/or no prior experience at all playing the Veena.
Goals:
- To develop an understanding of the basic aspects of Carnatic music – practice and theory.
- To learn how to read the Carnatic notation.
- To learn how to hold and play the Veena.
- To understand the theory of the Veena – it's history, it's physical appearance, etc.
Material Covered:
- Basics of playing and holding the Veena
- Proper picking, pulling, and sliding techniques
- Beginner exercises: Sarali Varisai, Janta Varisai, Dhatu Varisai, Melsthayi Varisai, Alankarams
- Become comfortable with several Ragams including Mayamalava Gowla Ragam
- Learn at least 3 different speeds for each of the basic exercises
- Guided listening to Carnatic music songs and pieces by professional Veena artists
Intermediate Veena
This class assumes students have mastered a proper picking technique, can read Carnatic music, are versed in the main Thalams (Adi, Rupaka, etc,.), can play the scales of Mayamalava Gowla Ragam, know basic picking and sliding techniques, and can play up to Alankarams. Students are recommended to take this class after the Beginner Veena class.
Goals:
- To learn how to play songs with Sahityam (lyrics)
- To improve upon picking, sliding, and pulling technique
- To focus on developing clarity of sound
- To learn to play lyrical songs in various speeds.
- Expose students to a variety of Ragams (melodies) and Thalams (beats)
Material Covered:
- Improving picking, sliding, pulling, and gamaka technique
- Exercises to improve clarity and speed
- Learn how to express Sahityam (lyrics)
- Intermediate exercises: Geethams, Swarajathis
- Learn at least 3 different speeds for all the Intermediate exercises
- Learn the meaning of each song & exercise and why we play them
- Guided listening to Carnatic music songs and pieces by professional Veena artists.
Advanced Veena
This class assumes students can play up to Swarajathis, have proper picking/pulling/sliding technique, are familiar with several Ragams and Thalams, and understand how Carnatic music is structured. Students are recommended to take this class after the Intermediate Veena class.
Goals:
- To improve continue mastering playing technique
- Focus on clarity and speed, learn songs by various composers
- Be comfortable with many types of ragams and thalams
- Learn Varnams and Krithis, and learn composition (Alapana, etc,.)
Material Covered:
- Fine-tuning picking, sliding, pulling, and gamaka techniques
- Improve clarity and speed
- Learn: Varnams & Krithis - in various ragams and thalams, composed by a variety of composers
- Start composing Alapana, Swarakalpana, Nerval
- Be able to play comfortably with other musicians (Mridangamists, Violinists, Flutists, etc,.)
- Learn the meaning of each song & exercise and why we play them
- Guided listening to Carnatic music songs and pieces by professional Veena artists.
