What is Carnatic music?
Carnatic music, is the classical music tradition indigenous to South India. While it is performed in both vocal and an instrumental forms, vocal music is primary to this system. Western music is mostly harmony based and in contrast Indian classical music is a melody based system. All compositions are based on a Raga or melody with a set Rhythm cycle.Each Raga has a distinct musical image that is defined by the order and sequence in which the swaras or notes are placed and the embellishments applied to these swaras. While one has to subscribe to a basic set of rules, this art form also offers an immense scope for improvisation. This feature alone makes Indian classical music stand tall amidst the gamut of various traditions of world music. India being a land rich in oral literature and poetry, this heritage is reflected in the musical repertoire spanning a myriad languages. How is carnatic music taught? Carnatic music is taught orally. Music lessons are imparted with Tambura or the dron
