Know ways to learn Carnatic Music online without getting overwhelmed: From Shruti to Kriti

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Carnatic Music

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02 Jan 2026

Discipline, consistency and clarity are three important things to learn Carnatic music. All of these things are made easier by online learning.

Carnatic music is one of the oldest and most organised Indian classical forms of music. Even though this depth and discipline make Carnatic music so unique and special, they can be quite intimidating for new learners. At the core of Carnatic music is Shruti, which is the basic note, also known as the musical "mother", that is the basis of every musical performance. This keynote, or Andhara Shadjam, is the tonic to which all other keys are carefully tuned. Now International students can learn about contemporary Carnatic music through online courses. Both traditional and modern methods of learning are taught in Carnatic music online classes. With a qualified Carnatic music teacher, students can now learn from the basics of shruti to more advanced forms such as Kritis.

Reason Carnatic Music online is better than in person

You can learn Carnatic music online and experience its realness. People who can't go to the teachers in their area can learn online easily.

Benefits of taking Carnatic Music online classes

From this, you can get Carnatic music teachers from all over the world.
Timetables that work for students, people who work, and parents who stay at home
Individual attention that is hard to get in a classroom
Learning at a steady pace, based on how fast each person learns
Sessions that were recorded for practice and review

Discipline, consistency and clarity are three important things to learn Carnatic music. All of these things are made easier by online learning.

Understanding Shruti in Carnatic Music

Shruti is the tonic or Adhara Shadjam, which is the note that tells you what to do.

This is the note that all the other notes are based on.
Shruti is the smallest pitch gap that can be heard.
Shruti is the lowest sound that a person can hear.
It is the most basic part of music.

Important traits of Shruti

The Sanskrit word "Shru," which means "that which is heard," is where this word comes from.
The performer picks the root pitch for this song.
According to classical music, there are 22 Shrutis in an octave.
Students in an online Carnatic music class learn about Cutti, Arvaan, and Uva before they learn to recognize Swaras.

Swara: notes that create musical beauty

A Swara is a sound that makes the listener happy. The word comes from Sanskrit and means "that was made by something outside of itself."

Differences between the meanings of Shruti and Swara

Shruti is a very small pitch reference.
The musical note Swara comes from Shruti.
People use Swaras to make melodies and Ragas.

The seven basic notes: Sapta Swaras

The seven main swaras in Carnatic music are known as Sapt Swaras.

Sa (Shadjam)
Ri (Rishabham)
Ga (Gandharam)
Ma (Madhyamam)
Pa (Panchamam)
Dha (Dhaivatam)
Ni (Nishadam)

By changing the pitch of seven Swara names, you can get twelve different swarasthanas. This makes your mood complex and melodious in Carnatic music.

Group of Indian folk musicians performing on stage with traditional instruments like tabla and string instruments, dressed in colorful ethnic attire.

Raga(s) function in melody formation

Raga is known for being the most important part of Carnatic music. Raga is used in music to give each piece its emotional shape and form. There are two types of ragas: Janaka Ragas and Janya Ragas.

Krama: Notes must go in a straight line
Homogeneous: To go up and down, you have to use the same Swarasthanas.

There are 72 Melakarta Ragas in the Carnatic raga system, and are the most important parts.

Ragas by Janya

You can change the way janaka ragas are put together to make janya ragas.
You can skip some notes.
The order of the notes might be different.
You can add notes from other places.
Varja ragas are Janya ragas that are missing one or more notes.
Mohanam is a pentatonic raga and has only five notes.

Composition of Carnatic Music: from rehearsal to performance

Abhyasa Ganam and Sabha Ganam are the two main types of kritis. Kritis are the most common kinds of Carnatic music.

Abhyasa ganam: the basis of practice

Abhyasa Gana has exercises that help you learn how to keep time and melody better.

The first lessons

Sarali Varisas: Basic patterns of swara
Janda Varisas—Exercises with two notes
Alankaras are swara patterns that are put to sapta talas.

Lessons for the middle

Geethams are songs with words that are easy to remember.
Jathiswaram: Patterns of melody that don't have words but are all about rhythm
Varnams are complex pieces of music that capture the spirit of a raga.
A varnam is known for a lively piece of music that covers a lot of ground, so that it can be played at the start of a concert.

Young Indian woman in traditional attire sitting on stage and playing a veena instrument with focus and concentration.

Sabha ganam: concert songs

Sabha Gana has songs that are played at formal events like concerts and recitals.

Different types of Sabha Ganam music

Kriti is the main song for the concert. It has Pallavi, Anupallavi, and Charanam in it.
Keerthanam: Easy, religious songs
Padam is a type of music that is slow and all about showing feelings.
Javali—faster songs about love
Thillana: Ending pieces with a lot of rhythm
There is no set Tala for devotional songs like Slokam and Viruttham.

Ways in which online Carnatic Music classes can help you learn

The lessons are well thought out so that you don't get bored or confused while learning Carnatic music online.

It's easy to get from Shruti to more advanced pieces.
Regular feedback from trained teachers of Carnatic music
Plans for lessons that are just for you
Give theory and practice the same amount of weight.
Promotes learning that is both fun and strict

This structured method makes sure that the student grows steadily without getting too much.

Let's start your Carnatic Music journey with us

Carnatic music online classes is the finest way to learn this classical art, whether you just start it or to improve your music skills. Learning Carnatic music online can be both inspiring and enriching, from Shruti to Kriti, if you put efforts on learning from our experts online.