14 Online Carnatic Music Classes to Become a Classical Music Maestro

14 Online Carnatic Music Classes to Become a Classical Music Maestro

Edited By Nikhil Verma | Updated on Oct 13, 2023 09:18 AM IST | #Music

Popularly also famous as karṇāṭaka sangītam, Carnatic music is based on historical developments that date back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Carnatic Music, which originated in South India, was consequently influenced by the pan-Indian bhakti movement which generously inspired the usage of religious and cultural themes. While the art form has always garnered a fair amount of appreciation, in this digital age of online courses and certifications the art form has taken a new step. There are a plethora of online music courses which you can study from the comfort of your home.

14 Online Carnatic Music Classes to Become a Classical Music Maestro
14 Online Carnatic Music Classes to Become a Classical Music Maestro

Carnatic music was originally practiced in the gurukula system, where the shishyas (students) stayed with and gained a deeper knowledge of the art from their gurus (the masters). Being one of the oldest and first music art forms discovered in our country, Carnatic music maintains its legacy and stands relevant to date. To continue this tradition now students can even learn at their homes with Carnatic music online courses.

While there are myriad online diploma courses to master the art, you might be someone who has time restraints. In that case, the ideal option is to opt for shorter Carnatic music courses. To help you discover yourself in this art form, we have compiled a list of some of the best courses available. To explore further do not forget to check out our list of online courses and certifications from Top Providers which opens up a world to numerous courses on not only Carnatic music but also other forms of music.

14 Carnatic Music Courses

Here is a list of 14 Carnatic music courses that will assist you in becoming a professional musician and kickstart your music career:

Course
Offered by
Duration
Master Class by Music Maestros
Carnaticlessons.com
Self-paced
Carnatic Vocal Classes by Shankar Mahadev
shankarmahadevanacademy.com
Self-paced
Carnatic Classical Lessons by Ramya Chethan
superprof.co.in

Self-paced
Basic Carnatic Music Tutorial- Level 1
43 minutes
Carnatic Music for Beginners
Udemy
2.5 Hours
Carnatic Music, South Indian Classical Music Theory
Udemy

1.5 Hours
Carnatic Music for Beginners - Fundamental Singing Course
Udemy

1.5 hours

Anybody can sing - A Voice cultural session
Udemy

32 minutes
Basic Carnatic Music - Level 2

Udemy

1 hour
Carnatic Music Lessons

Carnaticmusicforall.com
Self-paced
Beginner Carnatic Mandolin Course Online

Carnaticmusicforall.com

39 hours
Learn Carnatic Music: Intermediate Level
Udemy
1 hour
Carnatic Vocal: Introduction to Carnatic Music
Udemy
1.5 Hours
8 weeks

Note: The above data is collected and gathered by the Careers360 team.

1. Master Class by Music Maestros

Studying authentic Carnatic music from talented and renowned gurus and performers can be exceedingly hard and inexpensive. Hence the popularity of Carnatic music courses. The idea is to impart an exclusive and high standard education of this South Indian classical music. This is one of the best classical music courses offered by carnaticlessons.com. This is one of the top Carnatic classes online and relies on a philosophy of excellence, determination, and service to the foundation of Indian Classical Music. On this website, Indian music will be taught to those who have the desire, capability, and dedication to pursue this art, with the intention of reaching the highest levels of competency.

Available on: Carnaticlessons.com

Duration: Self-paced

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2. Carnatic Vocal Classes by Shankar Mahadev

This is one of the best Carnatic music online courses offered by Shankar Mahadevan Academy. They offer a matchless opportunity for students from anywhere to learn Carnatic music from the comfort of their own homes with an exceptionally constructed curriculum and an uninterrupted scope for progression followed by completion certifications.

Level Certificates are provided at every level out of the list of seven: Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni. Each level needs the student to finish the lessons enlisted to clear the level exam. Students usually begin with beginner carnatic music courses at every level, based on their prior experience and education. To enter into any level the new student will have to take and pass the test of the previous level.

Available on: shankarmahadevanacademy.com

Duration: Self-paced

3. Carnatic Classical Lessons by Ramya Chethan

Ms. Ramya Chethan teaches Carnatic classical Indian music in Violin, vocal, and keyboard to all age groups beginning from age 5. One-on-one online Carnatic classes are conducted every 1 - 2 days a week depending on the students’ availability and requirements. Lessons are started with fundamentals until the students reach the expert level. In this one of the best online Carnatic music classes students also have the option to pick a junior, senior, or vidwath examination conducted by Karnataka University to obtain a Carnatic music degree.

Available on: superprof.co.in

Duration: Self-paced

4. Basic Carnatic Music Tutorial- Level 1

This is one of the best Carnatic Music courses best suited for beginners, kids, and all those willing to start with basics as a fresher. You will learn a great deal about the practical aspects included in Carnatic music. Videos on how to commence the practice sessions, the technical language used in Carnatic music, and the use of correct tone and scale are inculcated in the resource material.

Written Notes for each of the lectures are attached under each section. The course covers every aspect from octave and beats to rhythm. You will be familiarised with Carnatic music, the posture of sitting, and the use of your hand while rehearsing various Carnatic music lessons. Confidence to sing on stage is an essential need of the hour. This is one of the top online Carnatic music classes and stresses building confidence in students to sing in front of an audience irrespective of their voice quality or talent.

Available on: Udemy

Duration: 43 minutes

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5. Carnatic Music for Beginners

This is one of the best carnatic music online courses offered on the Udemy platform, where you learn the fundamentals of the art. Even if the student is already learning and is here to strengthen their basics, they can opt for it. While you take this course you will go through Vocal Warm-up exercises, exercises to improve upon voice range and rhythm Carnatic music, and 3 Geethams, which are among the 1st and original types of compositions and set your base to step up to more complex compositions. The theory sessions of one of the top music classes online Carnatic will back your learning by providing long-term knowledge and fundamentals.

Available on: Udemy

Duration: 2.5 Hours

6. Carnatic Music, South Indian Classical Music Theory

This Carnatic Music course is all about the foundational musical theory of South Indian Carnatic classical music. In the duration of these Carnatic vocal music classes online you will learn the melodic and rhythmic characteristics of the South Indian classical music culture, as well as the principle compositional and improvisational forms, and the construct of a typical Carnatic concert.

Available on: Udemy

Duration: 1.5 Hours

7. Carnatic Music for Beginners - Fundamental Singing Course

This course enables you to comprehend the importance of Carnatic music lessons, fundamentals, and foundational aspects of Carnatic music while making your voice fluent and flexible over singing with easy and simple tactics that you can adapt with the lectures. The key terms and major information about Carnatic music are practically broken down in a detailed way as well as visually documented in these Carnatic vocal classes. This is one of the shortest yet most succinct carnatic music certification courses course elaborates in detail and also at a slow pace so that the understudy can comfortably get along with the lecturer and what it is all about.

Available on: Udemy

Duration: 1.5 hour

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8. Anybody can sing - A Voice cultural session

Voice culture course assists students in bringing about stability in their voice. It helps in bringing transfusions, shakes/grace, and fluency in your voice. This is one of the shortest carnatic music online courses offered on the Udemy platform, where you can learn Carnatic music online, this course is curated in Indian classical design but can be rehearsed by music lovers in any genre they like.

Available on: Udemy

Duration: 32 minutes

9. Basic Carnatic Music - Level 2

This is one of the shortest carnatic music certification courses offered on the Udemy platform, where you learn the concepts related to the positioning of swaras in Carnatic music and to sing on a low and high pitch with comfort. Those interested in fine-tuning their singing skills can take up these Carnatic vocal music classes online. Introduction and deep-rooted rehearsals of 7 Thalas in Carnatic Music are inculcated in this course. Videos will be available that describe how to sing on a slightly higher and lower note and the types of Beats/Taala are also inculcated in detail in the Carnatic Music course. Written notes for every lecture are attached under each section.

Available on: Udemy

Duration: 1 hour

10. Carnatic Music Lessons

This online Carnatic vocal musical training takes place via Skype and Google Hangouts at your convenience anywhere you like in the world. It is an individual interactive live music class. The aim is to make Carnatic music classes available to people who have an interest in learning, despite their musical background. There is no such thing as age or gender restrictions. They have students from all over the globe including from India, the U.S.A, U.K, the U.A.E, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia to name just a few. Isai Kalaimani Mrs. K. Vasanthi has been organizing online Carnatic music classes for the past 10 years from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and India.

Available on: Carnaticmusicforall.com

Duration: Self-paced

11. Beginner Carnatic Mandolin Course Online

The art of learning Carnatic music online by playing the classic Indian Carnatic music on the Mandolin was expertise and popularised by the Legendary Late Mandolin U Shrinivas. This is one of the best carnatic music certification courses which is taught by top Carnatic Mandolin artists. Students will be taught how to play the basics of Carnatic music like Varisaigal, Alankarams, Geethams, and Swarajathis on the instrument. This is one of the best carnatic music online classes that will train students in the ways to produce the Gamakas on the Mandolin and some unique Mandolin fingering techniques. Towards the end of this course, students will be ready and prepared to play simple Carnatic songs on the Mandolin.

Available on: Carnaticmusicforall.com

Duration: 39 hours

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12. Learn Carnatic Music: Intermediate Level

This is one of the best intermediate classical music courses offered in the Udemy platform. This course is designed specially to enhance your knowledge of Carnatic music further after basic Carnatic music lessons. This is a medium-level course and it is suggested that students must have completed the first level in Carnatic music before they enter this course. Jargon and technical concepts used in this course will require familiarity with the subject from before. This is one of the top carnatic music online classes and is apt for any age group because the complexity of Carnatic music is explained in the simplest format. Both theoretical and practical learning are inculcated in the lectures

Available on: Udemy

Duration: 1 hour

13. Carnatic Vocal: Introduction to Carnatic Music

This is one of the best Introductory Carnatic music courses offered in the Udemy platform. You will learn the foundational basics of Carnatic music like its origin, essence and what are Shruti, Raaga, and Thaala and how are these involved in practicing this form of art as a student as well as a professional. One important point to keep in mind is that whether you wish to be a stage performer or a knowledgeable and enthusiastic listener, the beginning is almost the same. This is one of the most liked Carnatic music classes online and offers that essential head start in an interesting manner. All those who want to learn Carnatic and the basics of South Indian Classical Music and then further their road to explore the astonishing world of Swaras and Thaalas on their own, with a sound comprehension of its fundamentals and all-embracing nature.

Available on: Udemy

Duration: 1.5 Hours

14. Appreciating Carnatic Music by IIT Madras and NPTEL

What makes this music so unique and rich traditionally? What happens in a typical Carnatic concert? What do we look for in it? Who were the greatest musicians and composers of all time who have transformed the music into what it is today? These are a few of the many questions this course will try to answer.

To begin to learn Carnatic music appreciation, all you need is an interest in music, a willingness towards music, and how it is technically and aesthetically very different from popular music available nowadays and other forms like Western Classical music. It would be a plus if you have heard Carnatic music before, but that is not a prerequisite. You will hear plenty during this Carnatic music tutorial

Available on: ClassCentral.com

Duration: 8 weeks

Popular Music Courses and Certifications by Top Providers

Conclusion

Classical music courses are so easily available that you can learn them from the masters from the comfort of your home. While nothing beats the experience of learning it within the proximity of your teacher, you do not always have that luxury. It could be the pandemic, it could be inflexible hours due to other engagements. While there are online degree courses specialising in music, these would take years to complete. So it is always better to take shorter specialisations or beginner courses than progress forward.

With all the technology around, these shorter carnatic music courses can deliver clear communication from experts around the world. Thus classical music courses have become a possibility for everyone. The above-mentioned courses can get you started. You can also make an online course comparison to choose the course that best suits you.

So the point is, If there is a singer in you, then let him or her out. Do not wait any longer. Follow your passion and what it will yield, you will not regret it. Take some of the best carnatic music courses in the world to enjoy your hobby more, quench your thirst, and also to kickstart your career as a singer/composer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many years does it take to learn Carnatic music?

Beginner level Carnatic music might take nearly a year to complete approximately if learned with in depth knowledge.

2. Can adults also take carnatic music courses?

Anyone and everyone with an interest and dedication can very well learn and cherish these carnatic music courses.

3. Is it possible to take carnatic music courses online?

Shankar Mahadevan Academy offers a diverse list of carnatic music courses for students everywhere to learn Carnatic Vocal music, learn Carnatic flute online from the convenience of their homes with a highly constructed curriculum, a direct path for progression, followed by certifications for completion.

4. How can I learn Carnatic music?

Comprehending the fundamentals of Carnatic music helps in performing them better. Ask yourself what songs you wish to learn and collect some good tape and encourage/discourage yourself from listening to other performers regularly to learn the specific song you picked.

5. How many ragas are required to learn Carnatic music?

The 72 melakarta ragas are assembled in a cycle known as katapayadi sutra which is called so because by the contents of the raga we can gather the name of the raga and the exact swara combination.

6. What are Carnatic vocals?

The main highlight in Carnatic music is vocal music, the majority of compositions are written to be sung, and on the off chance of it being played on instruments, they are meant to be performed with singing on stage. Today, Carnatic music is represented by musicians and artists in concerts or recordings, both vocally and instrumentally. 

7. What exactly is a Carnatic violin?

simplistic four-stringed instrument played with the help of a bow, its vibrant, dynamic tone and the endless variety of possibilities on its fretless fingerboard make it an apt choice for almost any kind of music which is why it is always a great idea to learn Carnatic violin online

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Questions related to Music

Have a question related to Music ?

Hello Shital,

Admission timelines for a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Music vary depending on the institution. Typically, admissions for PGD programs in music open around June to August for the new academic year, with some colleges or universities offering admissions in the January intake as well.

To find out the exact dates:

  1. Check individual college websites or their admissions notifications.

  2. Look out for universities like Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya , IGNOU , and other music institutes that offer PGD in music.

  3. Entrance exams or interviews might be required, so keep an eye on important deadlines.

Start preparing and applying early to secure a spot in your desired institution.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant,

To apply for a Masters of Arts in Music, one must have a B.A. with honors in music or music as one of their subjects. Reputable universities have established a minimum qualifying standard of 50% in the B.A. Before admitting someone to pursue an M.A. in music, some universities additionally administer screening exams.

So if you fulfill the eligibility criteria, you can do MA in Music from university.

Thank you

Yes, you can do an MA in Music even if you have a background in Mathematics and Science. Here’s a simple way to go about it:

Steps to Do MA in Music

  1. Check Requirements :

    • Eligibility : Look at the universities offering MA in Music to see if they accept students from different backgrounds. Some might need you to have a basic knowledge of music.
  2. Find a University :

    • Search : Look for colleges or universities that offer an MA in Music. You can find this information on their websites.
  3. Contact the University :

    • Ask : Call or email the university to confirm if you can apply with your current background and if there are any extra steps you need to take.
  4. Prepare :

    • Entrance Test/Audition : Some universities might ask you to take a test or audition to show your interest and skills in music.
    • Learn Basics : If you don’t have much music experience, it might help to learn some basics or take a short course in music.
  5. Apply :

    • Fill Forms : Complete the application forms for the MA in Music.
    • Submit Documents : Provide your undergraduate degree, marksheets, and any other required documents.

Summary

  • Eligibility: Check if the university accepts students from different fields.
  • Preparation: Be ready for any entrance tests or auditions.
  • Application: Apply to the university and submit the required documents.

Hey there! Thanks for reaching out to us at Careers360. I'd be happy to help you explore your options for becoming a music producer and vocalist after 12th. That sounds like an exciting career path!

So, to pursue a career in music production and vocals, there are a few routes you could consider:

1. Formal education: You could look into music production or sound engineering courses at colleges or specialized music institutes. These programs can give you a solid foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of music production.

2. Vocational training: There are also shorter diploma or certificate courses focused specifically on music production or vocal training.

3. Self-study and practice: Many successful producers and vocalists are self-taught. You could start by learning music theory, practicing your vocal skills, and experimenting with music production software.

As for qualifications, while there's no strict requirement, having a background in music (like playing an instrument) can be helpful. Most importantly, you'll need a good ear for music, creativity, and technical skills with music production software.

Financially, it can vary quite a bit. If you go the formal education route, you'll need to consider tuition fees. For self-study, you'll need to invest in some basic equipment like a computer, music production software, and possibly a home studio setup.

Keep in mind that building a career in music can take time and persistence. Networking, creating a strong portfolio, and continuously improving your skills are key.

Would you like me to dig deeper into any specific area? Maybe we could look at some music production courses or discuss ways to start building your skills right now? If yes, check this out.

Hi there,

Hope you are doing fine.

As a PhD student in Vocal Music from the Banasthali University you may be looking for some opportunities to find the vacancies in the field of music. For someone with the academic background there are several avenues to explore.

You can check with the local and the national music institutions, universities and colleges that might be looking for the guest lecturers or part time faculty in vocal music. Additionally you can also explore the opportunities at the cultural organizations, music schools and performing arts centers which often seek experts for workshops, masterclasses and performances. You can also check the online platforms and academic job boards that might also list some openings for research positions or adjunct faculty roles in music.

You can network with the professionals in the field and attending relevant music conferences can also uncover potential vacancies. Hope this resolves your query.

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