Varisai

Sarali Varisai This is the first lesson in Carnatic music and is practised in Mayamalavagowlai raga and Chatusra Jaathi Triputa Tala (Adi Tala). This exercise is practised to develop a good sense of sruti, layam and swaragnanam (knowledge of swara). Different combinations of the swaras are practised in a minimum of three different speeds, while keeping the speed of talam constant. In the first speed, one swara is sung for one beat (one unit of talam) eg. Sa ri ga ma l pa dha ni sa ll Sa ni da pa l ma ga ri sa ll

In the second speed, two swaras are sung for one unit of a talam. eg. Sari gama padha nisa l Sani dapa maga risall Sari gama padha nisa l Sani dapa maga risall

In the third speed four swaras are sung for one unit of a talam. eg. Sarigama padhanisa Sanidhapa magarisa l Sarigama padhanisa Sanidhapa magarisa ll Sarigama padhanisa Sanidhapa magarisa l Sarigama padhanisa Sanidhapa magarisa ll

Increase in speed means doubling the swaras from the previous speed. Likewise, various combinations are practised.

Jantai Varisai The next exercise consists of repeating the same swara twice with stress on the second swara. Here also, different combinations in three speeds are practised. eg. sasa riri gaga mama l papa dhadha nini sasa ll sasa nini dhadha papa l mama gaga riri sasa ll

Dhatu Varisai This next exercise has swaras which jump from one to another skipping the swaras in between. The swaras instead of coming in the usual order of Sa ri ga ma, are sung - sama gama. This helps one to have good control over swarasthanas. This exercise is also practised in three speeds.

Melsthyai Varisai The swara exercises are practised in the higher octave so as to enable one to sing in higher range.

Gitams and Swarajathis The next step introduces the students to small songs in different ragas and talas through Gitams and Swarajathis. These gitams are simple in tune and talam and the students have a feel of the concept of tune in Carnatic music.

Varnams The Varnams are the most important lessons in Carnatic music. The varnams are included in concerts also. An authentic and vast repertoire of varnam ensures sound grounding in Carnatic music. The varnams have wide variety of ragas and talas also. A minimum of 20 varnams need to be learnt. Ecah varnam in a particular raga helps the student to understand the scope and grammar of the raga and helps the students to gain good knowledge of ragam 7 laya. The varnams will have to be practised in atleast two speeds. It is traditional to begin a concert with a varnam