The major objective of Grade exams is to provide a flexible, structured approach to acquire knowledge & skills of carnatic vocals. We believe that these qualifications motivate and encourage candidates of all ages and levels to learn carnatic music a structured framework and progress systematically. It lays foundation & takes a well rounded approach to improve the skills.
The exams are open to all with no age restrictions or any qualifications. There is no requirement to have passed lower grades to appear for higher grades, however the grades show systematic progress and builds confidence in terms of mastery of the craft.
There are two parts in learning
Given below is the recommended time commitment needed across each grade, however this should be used more as a guidance.
| Grade | Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | Independent Learning Hours (ILH) | Total Qualification Hours (GLH + ILH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial / Beginner | 16 | 48 | 48 |
| Grade 1 | 16 | 64 | 78 |
| Grade 2 | 24 | 96 | 120 |
| Grade 3 | 24 | 96 | 120 |
| Grade 4 | 24 | 96 | 120 |
We are a global and 100% online music education platform. We run all our regular classes online. It is our intention that distance should no longer be a barrier for learning music. This also means you can learn at your own pace and there is no travel in the entire process.
You have to record and submit videos for all the Grade Exams. Video exams give you the advantage of taking the exam from your home or a convenient place of your choice.
All assessments are carried out by neutral examiners except Beginner Grade. Beginner Grade will be assessed and marked by the candidate's own tutor. There are five levels of achievement as given below:
| Mark | Attainment Level |
|---|---|
| 80-100 | Distinction |
| 70-79 | Merit |
| 60-69 | First Class |
| 45-59 | Pass |
| 0-44 | Below Pass |
The parameters for all the four levels remain same, however the weightage differs at each Grade. Please refer to the respective Grade Exams for more details of weightage on the parameters that will be assessed.
| S.No | Song |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bhagyada lakshmi paramma |
| 2 | Mahishasura mardini |
| 3 | Shakti sahita ganpathim |
| 4 | Gayiye Ganapathi Jaga Vandhana |
| 5 | Jai Jai Sai |
| 6 | Maadu Meikum kanne |
| 7 | Shyamale meenakshi |
| 8 | Azhagu deivamaga vanthu |
| 9 | Paathi mathi nathi pothum |
| 10 | Vande Meenakshi |
| 11 | Om ennum pranava roopa nayaka |
| S.No | Song |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mahaganapthim |
| 2 | Kaliyuga Varadhan |
| 3 | Yaare Rangan |
| 4 | Raarevenu - Swarajathi |
| 5 | Shambasiva - Swarajathi |
| 6 | Raguvamsa sudha |
| 7 | Chinnachiru kiliye |
| 8 | Enna thavam |
| 9 | Panduriti kolu |
| 10 | Samaja varahamana |
| 11 | Kurai ondrum illai |
| 12 | Naanoru vilayaatu bommaya |
| 13 | Sri saraswati namo |
| 14 | Asainthaadum mayilondru |
| 15 | Gajavathana karuna |
| 16 | Sri Rama padama |
| 17 | Aadi kondar |
| 18 | Unnai nambinen aiya |
| 19 | Shanthi milava vendum |
| 20 | Enna kavi paadinalum |
| Self Study | With Tutor | Syllabus | Exam | Duration (Minutes) | Examiner | Max Marks | Shruthi/ pitch | Thala/ Rythm | Pronounciation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEGINNER GRADE | ||||||||||
| 48 hours | 16 hours | Sarali varisai - 14 (3 Speeds) | Technical Exercise | 15 | Tutor | 25 | 10 | 8 | 7 | |
| Song - Beginner Set List 1 | Song 1 | 1 | 25 | 10 | 8 | 7 | ||||
| Song - Beginner Set List 1 | Song 2 | 1 | 25 | 10 | 8 | 7 | ||||
| Any other song (tutor/ student choice) | Song 3 | 1 | 25 | 10 | 8 | 7 | ||||
| GRADE 1 | ||||||||||
| 64 hours | 16 hours | Sarali varisai - 1-14Ex (3 Speeds) | Technical Exercise 1 | 10 | External Tutor | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | |
| Janta Varisai (3 Speeds) | Technical Exercise 2 | 30 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| Song - Beginner Set List 1 | Song 1 | 1.5 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| Song - Beginner Set List 1 | Song 2 | 1.5 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| Any other song (tutor/ student choice) | Song 3 | 1.5 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| GRADE 2 | ||||||||||
| 96 hours | 24 hours | Dattu Varisai : Mayamalavagowla (3 speeds) | Technical Exercise 1 | 15 | External Tutor | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | |
| Melasthayi Varisai : Mayamalavagowla (3 speeds) | Technical Exercise 2 | 12 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| Song - Beginner Set List 1 | Song 1 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| Song - Beginner Set List 1 | Song 2 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| Any other song (tutor/ student choice) | Song 3 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| GRADE 3 | ||||||||||
| 96 hours | 24 hours | Sapta Thala Alankaras | Technical Exercise 1 | 25 | External Tutor | 40 | 16 | 16 | 8 | |
| Song - Beginner Set List 2 | Song 1 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| Song - Beginner Set List 2 | Song 2 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| Any other song (tutor/ student choice) | Song 3 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| GRADE 4 | ||||||||||
| 96 hours | 24 hours | Geetham | Technical Exercise 1 | External Tutor | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||
| Mayamalavagowla (sree gananatha or kereya neeranu) | ||||||||||
| Suddha Saveri (Analekaraunni) | ||||||||||
| Mohanam (Varaveena) | ||||||||||
| Saveri (Janakasutha) | ||||||||||
| Notuswaram (Sankarabaranam) | Technical Exercise 2 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | |||||
| Song - Beginner Set List 2 | Song 1 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| Song - Beginner Set List 2 | Song 2 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
| Any other song (tutor/ student choice) | Song 3 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||
The course has been designed by Ms Sharumathi C with inputs from other tutors. She has been teaching Carnatic music for 8 years and has been learning for more than 14 years and still continues to learn.
She is a Gold Medallist & University Topper in BA (Music) & Gold Medallist in MA (Music) & currently pursuing Doctorate in Music.
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