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A carnatic music experience

Introducing a 1 year carnatic music appreciation course under the auspices of Manavata (please see www.manavata.org or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manavata).

In addition to being a fund raising initiative, the aim of this course is to introduce carnatic music and help

people reach better appreciation and understanding of this South Indian classical music form. At the end of

the course, it is aimed to enable participants to sing individually or as part of a group.

All proceeds of this course will go towards the Manavata Ashram (orphanage for underprivileged children)

and other activities related to the Ashram.

This course is mainly designed for adults who are interested in music or have inclination towards music

but have not had an opportunity to learn or are shy to sing/learn at this age. As the classes are conducted

as a group, this will allow individuals to comfortably overcome their inhibitions.

Objectives

* To enable people to appreciate and actively listen to Carnatic Music.

* To enable people to sing simple compositions either in a group or individually, identify composers, rAgAs,

tALAs etc

* Introduce basics of music theory in simple, non-technical terms

* Introduce the concert format

* Share useful information about carnatic compositions, composers, artists and other resources

* Each class will feature a short theory part, a learning part (where new compositions are taught) and then

a group singing part of previously learnt compositions

* Compositions of various composers - tyAgarAja, rAmadAsu, annamAcharya, dIkshitar, syAma

sastry, nArAyaNa tIrtha, purandaradAsa, sadAsiva brahmEndra, jayadEva etc

* To teach around 30-60 compositions (krithis) of various composers

* Teach various “stOtrAs” (kriSHNASTakam, various bhujanga prayAta stotrAs etc) tuned for easy learning

* Organise an annual event where all participants can sing in groups along with accompaniments

* Every effort will be made to make this a totally enjoyable experience (with some surprise elements)

* Conduct classes every Sunday or an alternate day based on the availability of venue

We are currently in the process of finalising a suitable venue in Reading, Berkshire with maximum

availability and minimal disruptions through the year. We intend to conduct these classes on Sunday

evenings giving an opportunity to complete the weekend with a refreshing singing session and start the

week on a good note!!

Donations and guidelines

* Monthly suggested donation of £10 per head (willing individuals can contribute more towards the

worthy cause)  towards Manavata (UK registered charity). Individuals may need to fill in Gift Aid forms, if

applicable, in order to make the most of the donation.

* In the interest of continuity, seriousness and discipline, there will be a £2 fine (towards Manavata) per

class for absence.

The course will start in February, 2010 (date to be confirmed) and will continue for the rest of the year. The

course content, dates etc are under final scrutiny and will be shared with interested individuals who

register for the course. We are looking at a minimum attendance of 20 in order to start the classes.

The classes will be conducted by Sriram Mahabhashyam.