These notes are for those who have started learning and are at the basic level. By that, I mean those who are learning Varisaes, Alankarams, Geethams and Nottu Swarams. From Varnams onwards, I would call it an ‘intermediate level’. These categorisations are purely based on my own teaching method, and has no other connotations (such as exams for basic/advanced level etc).

First step is to learn to sing the varisaes at the first speed, at a slow tempo, with all swara-staanas (note positions) correct. You don’t need to worry too much about explicitly bringing out gamams of the raga – Mayamalavagaula. Some elements of gamakams will be present as you sing at a comfortable pace, and that should be fine.

Then go on to try the higher speeds in a systematic manner. For Sarala & Dhattu Varisae, you will try four speeds in total (ie., 1, 2, 4 and 8 notes per beat); for Janta Varisae, you will try three speeds (2, 4 and 8 notes per beat). The focus should be the following:

• Talam speed should remain constant, only your recitation speed changes for next higher speed.
• If notes are not clearly coming out, you are singing too fast, just slow down and try the previous speed a number of times before jumping to the next speed.
• In order to sing all speeds comfortably, you should benchmark your 4th speed at a good pace and work backwards to find your first speed; ie., use the same talam speed that enables you to sing your 4th speed comfortably.

For Janta Varisae, you must pay attention to giving the correct oscillation (gamakam) between the double notes. This is done by singing the first note mostly plain, and giving a ‘downward twist’ to the second note. Essentially, what you will be singing for the stanza “ss rr gg mm…” is implicitly s(n)s, r(s)r, g(r)g, m(g)m…etc. Between each note, the lower note is fleetingly touched.

It is very important to be able to comfortably sing Alankarams in all four speeds. Special focus must be paid to Roopakam, Triputa, Jhampa, Ata and Eka talams. It is very common to make mistakes in the placement of beats in a talam like Tisra Jati Triputa (3+2+2). Always remember that for the four speeds, the notes per beat follows the same formula as Varisaes.

To get the beat positions right, it is useful to mark the location of the beats for each speed using a pencil in your notes.

And, remember – slow singing is the key to getting the clarity of the notes. Slow singing is more difficult; and once you master this, faster singing with correct swara staanams will be much easier.

– Venkat