Teaching/Learning Karnataka Violin

To teach and learn Indian classical music
vasanthakokilam
Posts: 10956
Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 00:01

Post by vasanthakokilam »

Sam, what you write about right clicking and saving works for mp3 and .wav links but not for YouTube. You need other tools for that.

Sam Swaminathan
Posts: 846
Joined: 04 Feb 2010, 08:45

Post by Sam Swaminathan »

vk.....HELP !!!! PLEASE !!!!!!

Sam Swaminathan
Posts: 846
Joined: 04 Feb 2010, 08:45

Post by Sam Swaminathan »

Hi Ganesh

Hope you have not forgotten me.....!!!!!

thanks.....sam

vasanthakokilam
Posts: 10956
Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 00:01

Post by vasanthakokilam »

Sam, I sent you an email with a possibility. Did that work?

Also try this: http://www.xilisoft.com/download-youtube-video.html
It also comes with a .flv player.

miss_mercury
Posts: 4
Joined: 25 Sep 2006, 17:16

Post by miss_mercury »

Dear Sharmaji,

I am astounded by your enthusiasm and dedication to this field. I greatly appreciate the videos that you had posted, which is of immense help to me. I'm just a beginner in this field, i've just started to learn to play the violin, an year and a half back.
I'm learning to play varnas these days and find it really hard to play gamakas, it is then i found this great thread you had started.
Now I am learning to play gamakas watching the videos, and Varnas doesn't seem to be hard anymore, your videos have made me confident! I can't thank you enough, sir..

Seeking your blessings..

and, Thank you very much indeed Sir!

Rasi..

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear sister-member, miss_mercury, I felt extremely happy to know that my earnest service to the cause of music through these video clippings is really paying the required dividends by becoming truly helpful to the aspirants like you. Even though it takes some more time plans are afoot to play and provide nine more Varnas including Bhairavi-Ata-Varna along with Bhairavi-Svarajati. By all this if a Violin-aspirant meticulously follows them and practices them regularly he/she will definitely get a very good base to become a successful Violinist.
If the teacher, being truly efficient, sincere, affectionate and loyal, teaches, initiates and guides his/her students and the students also, in turn, put their efforts sincerely the things become very easier to the students. To the aspirant who has the required rhythmical instinct it is not at all difficult to get through if the true teacher guides him properly. Teaching or learning Varnas is highly crucial in music, which decides the future of the aspirant. If you have any doubts you can contact my ID ‘msakella2002’ either by Yahoo messenger or Skype and I am always ready to serve people like you. With best wishes, amsharma.

miss_mercury
Posts: 4
Joined: 25 Sep 2006, 17:16

Post by miss_mercury »

Dear Sharmaji,

Thank you very much, I shall certainly not hesitate to contact you when I come across any doubts. I'm looking forward for the nine Varnas to practice and once again thank you very much indeed for all the effort and dedication. I Wish i lived in India to learn from you in person.

Seeking your blessings...

Rasi..

bhsham
Posts: 2
Joined: 30 Jun 2007, 14:40

Post by bhsham »

I have been listening to Carnatic Music for few years now. It has however been only 6 months since I started attending violin classes. I am in the geethams stage now.

I am wondering if anybody could help me out with how should particular swaras be rendered in playing a raaga to bring out its true form? (viz., idea on which swaras needs to have the touch of adjacent swaras, which of them need to be prolonged etc.). Just so that I get the correct perspective at the initial stage itself.

The geethams that are a part of the material that has been provided to me by my teacher include -

Sri Gananatha/Kundagoura/Padumanabha - Malahari
Vara Veena - Mohanam
Kamalajaladala - Mechakalyani
Analekara - Suddha Saveri
Kamalasulochana - Ananda Bhairavi
Sri Lola Sritapaala - Malayamarutam
Mandaradhare - Kamboji
Jaya Jayaa - Begada
Sr Girijasuta - Aarabi
Meenakshi Jaya Kaamakshi - Sri
Vani Veena - Hindolam

Any advice would be of immense help.

Sharmaji -
I am being trained by Vidwan G.S Ananda's spouse. I was told that Ananda sir is your disciple.

~ Bharath
Last edited by bhsham on 06 Oct 2007, 16:41, edited 1 time in total.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear brother-member, bhasham, You are well aware that a long procees of hardwork is there to arrive at the level to construct a sentence in a language. In the same manner there is a long process to go through before finding the different facets of notes. It is not that easy to write here about it. However, it is easier to explain these details by talking on Yahoo Messenger or Skype (my ID is ‘msakella2002’ on both) if you already have the knowledge of the 12 notes of an octave irrespective of the number of Gitas you have already learnt. If you are interested you contact me like that.
Shri G.S.Ananda of Yelahanka, Bangalore, is a very good friend of mine but not disciple at all.
amsharma.

bhsham
Posts: 2
Joined: 30 Jun 2007, 14:40

Post by bhsham »

Dear Sharma Sir,

Thanks a lot for offering to help. I have added your ID in my Yahoo Messenger. When are you usually online? - Just so that I can seek your advice then.

Regards,
Bharath

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear brother-member, bhsham, Generally, if the power and my computer are ok and If I am in the station, I shall remain online around 7am and 8pm daily. If you want any particular time you can suggest in the instant message and I shall try to remain accordingly. amsharma.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear b/s-members, Today I am uploading the last two video-clippings in which Natakuranji-adi-varna is played in the 2nd of speed and 12 video-clippings of Kambhoji-adi-varna for the benefit of the aspirants along with the respective links as furnished below. For the benefit of the aspirants I have included the Violin-play of the 2nd degree of the respective Varna also.
While uploading them some video-clippings were not furnished with the embedded number but with URL only. I do not know what URL means. I know a very little of music and nothing else. However, I am furnishing all the details I got and the aspirants can try on their own visiting Youtube and searching for ‘karnataka-violin-lessons’ or ‘karnataka-violin-edxercises’ or ‘varnas-demos’.
In the details ‘AA’ indicates Arohana and Avarohana of the Raga, ‘P’ indicates Pallavi, ‘A’ Anupallavi, ‘M’ Muktayisvara, ‘C’ Charana, ‘C & E1’ Charana and Ettugada-svara-1, ‘E2’ Ettugada-svara-2 and so on, ‘Pur.’ Purvanga and ‘Utt.’ Uttaranga. amsharma.
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhNWlRZO8mk
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QWkhy8XuEs
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otoDI8rcMDk
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eawRtBqPihA
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwWt4AotBVA
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yizgf9gQoSk
7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U21-Mnaupag
8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTgYuK8cFtw
9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Go6rmNbH6wg
10. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjWUbSzKh00
11. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqiBbdLr61I
12. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGTWPAPitJM
13. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbt6UgfmsfA
14. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxdubeVSPxg
Last edited by msakella on 07 Oct 2007, 10:57, edited 1 time in total.

bahudari
Posts: 18
Joined: 29 Aug 2007, 14:36

Post by bahudari »

All videos uploaded by Sharma sir can be accessed at http://www.youtube.com/msakella . There are about 40 videos now.
Last edited by bahudari on 08 Oct 2007, 11:32, edited 1 time in total.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear b/s-members, Today, on the auspicious Vijayadashami day, wishing every success to all the aspirants, I have uploaded 11 video-clippings of Darbar-adi-varna for their benefit along with the respective links as furnished below. Among them.’3.04’ of the Muktayisvara created some trouble and to overcome that I had to upload it 3 or 4 times every time changing the title. However, being a non-technical man, I am furnishing the available link, which may give you the ‘Muktayisvara’. In the details ‘AA’ indicates Arohana and Avarohana of the Raga, ‘P’ indicates Pallavi, ‘A’ Anupallavi, ‘M’ Muktayisvara, ‘C’ Charana, ‘C & E1’ Charana and Ettugada-svara-1, ‘C & E2’ Charana and Ettugada-svara-2 and so on, ‘Pur.’ Purvanga and ‘Utt.’ Uttaranga. amsharma.
01. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCqqpC6qnQQ
02. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRfb9c5Ykw4
03. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvDliikxz10
04. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMjxwlJMdWw
05. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od4hy5HPFHw
06. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxqb4dAEj-A
07. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfaY1eXZA00
08. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44pmaZDH0D4
09. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laTraPyA92s
10. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3GxlQQm3jM
11. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPUhECZHsQI

Notes: The original link for item 04. http://www.youtube.com/v/9fc-fcqEPyE is inoperable.
Last edited by msakella on 22 Oct 2007, 14:35, edited 1 time in total.

Suji Ram
Posts: 1529
Joined: 09 Feb 2006, 00:04

Post by Suji Ram »

msakella ji,
Thank you so much for uploading darbAr varna. It is my favorite varna.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear sister-member, Suji Ram, Unfortunately I was unable to upload the Mukatayisvara of this Darbar-adi-varna. I am thinking of finding a way out for this. amsharma.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear b/s-members, The 4th item of the above video links pertaining to Darbar-Adi-Varna-Muktayisvara has become inoperative due to some unknown technical reasons. Today I have tried in some other different way to upload the same and, only God’s grace, I have succeeded and now I am furnishing it hereunder for the benefit of our aspirants. amsharma.
04. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMjxwlJMdWw

vasanthakokilam
Posts: 10956
Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 00:01

Post by vasanthakokilam »

msakellaji, thanks very much for all your efforts. I have updated your original post with the new link for item 4.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear brother-member, vasanthakokilam, Thanks a lot for helping me every time. amsharma.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear b/s-members, As many are aware, learning music is tougher than learning any other subject upon earth, as instinctive capabilities are also required in learning this art and, also along with heavy mental exertion, much strenuous and regular physical exertion is also a must in learning this invisible art of sound. For regular practice and also for learning the regular lessons the most precious time between 3 a.m. and 12 noon is highly preferable to attain high standards by giving the first preference to this art. More over, in addition to all the above, it is very important to note that, even before 15 years of age, three-fourths of the required practice of the art, at the least, must become over. In the process of day-by-day gradual increase of the age the possibilities to invest much of the mental and physical abilities gradually decrease discouraging the aged aspirants.

At this juncture, generally, the Violin teachers start Varnas in the Ragas Mohana, Hamsadhvani with plain notes and Shankarabharana with minimum Gamaka and many of the students learning Violin lag behind in the left-hand-finger-techniques by starting with these Varnas. By this mostly many of them drop in the middle and only a very few of them proceed further. In our Karnataka music we have three notes, Sadharana-gandhara, Shuddha-madhyama and Kaishiki-nishada, which have to be used mostly with Gamaka having higher range of Gamaka in the traditional treatment than any other note. Even among these three notes while the Shuddha-madhyama has to be played with the middle-finger alone the other remaining two notes, Sadharana-gandhara and Kaishiki-nishada have to be played with the group of three-fingers, pointing-finger, middle finger and ring-finger. If the students are trained in such a way that they get much acquaintance with this higher-range of traditional-gamakas which incorporate the group of these three fingers they will get confidence in playing these traditional-gamakas and become able to proceed further and further in Violin-play. Basing upon this logic and also to instill self-confidence in the Violin-students I have introduced bow-less practice of different exercises, which I have furnished in some of my video-clippings for the benefit of the aspirants. After finishing these exercises first without the bow and later with the bow I start the 3 Varnas in these ragas, Natakuranji, Kambhoji and Darbar, covering the above three critical notes and later teach the Varnas in Shankarabharana, Kalyani, Begada, Todi, Saveri, Bhairavi and lastly Svarajathi in Bhairavi, in the same seriatim by which much of the finger-techniques will be covered after which the student can learn Kritis on his own without much dependency upon the teacher.

At this juncture, it is also very important to note that any student, unless he becomes able to reproduce the 28th exercise of the mp3 CD properly and successfully, cannot go through these left-hand-finger exercises successfully due to lack of the required level of Laya. Even though many of the Violin-teachers will not agree with me in this respect I have found this truth by experimenting upon a number of Violin students. That is why I have demonstrated and furnished some of these Laya exercises for this purpose in my mp3 CD that is available from http://www.sangeethapriya.org/~chandra/. Even though this teaching of violin should only be made face to face with the student I am also trying to find the possibilities in teaching this through Yahoo Messenger or Skype, which helps learning Violin even by being far away from the teacher.

Keeping all the above in view, till now, I have uploaded 51 video clippings pertaining to Laya-exercises, Violin-lessons and Demonstrations of 3 Varnas in the Ragas Natakuranji, Kambhoji and Darbar through Youtube.com.

At this old age of 70 yrs., even though I have long ago given up either the Violin practice or even the profession of Violin but teach only 1 or 2 truly talented full-time students without charging even a single pie from them, I, being a non-technical man, have undertaken the strenuous job of recording all these video-clippings and uploading them for the benefit of our aspirants (Of course, on the other hand, I am also engaged in bringing out another modified version of the mp3 CD carrying many different exercises and Varnas along with the audio-tracks containing the details of all the Gamakas of Karnataka music). But, till now the response received from the aspirants towards either the ‘Talaprastara’ or the ‘Easy Muktayis - their utilization in Svarakalpana’ is not much encouraging and even the response towards this ‘Teaching/Learning Karnataka Violin’ is also very meagre. So, hereafter, taking also my physical and mental healths into consideration, I have decided to proceed further, only taking the future response and the improvement from the aspirants into consideration. amsharma.
Last edited by msakella on 24 Oct 2007, 06:33, edited 1 time in total.

dattag
Posts: 4
Joined: 30 Jul 2007, 13:32

Post by dattag »

Dear Sharma Garu, my pranams to you.

I got enormous amount of learning from your videos that you posted in you tube. I am practicing the Janti varasai and alankarams with Gamaks as you demonstrated. I am still in stage of learning Geethams and very much looking forward to make use of varnams videos when I come to that stage.

Thanks a lot... I am sure the effort you have put in might be siliently educating lot of aspirants like me.

Best Regards
Ganesh Datta

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear brother-member, dattag, Out of my teaching experience in Violin for 40 years I can tell that in Indian Music Violin teaching or learning is very highly complicated and at every millimeter there is every scope of getting one defect or other in the usage of fingers while playing it. At the first instance the teacher must be efficient in teaching and a professional artist, take the responsibility of the student and be always vigilant upon the student not to let him get acquaintance with any wrong fingering. For this, the student must practice in the presence of the teacher only at every stage. But, this is not possible with the students remaining at far-off places like you and thus they get into wrong fingerings which is very difficult to get out of them. A person may not have good habits, but, he should not have bad habits. This very well applies to Violin-play, in particular. People may think that I am always used to exaggerate things. But, as I have never been taught Violin properly by any teacher in my life and I had undergone so many hurdles in becoming a Top-rank Violinist.
I am very well aware that, unlike the bad things, good things start working very slowly and silently. I feel extremely happy to receive your response and, at the same time, to know that my efforts are becoming useful to our people, even on slow pace.
Last time you wrote in you post No.52 that you would meet me at Bangalore but you did’nt. Even in this month I was in Banglore for 3 days on the way to Chimoga for a Lecture-demonstration. Had you given me your phone number, at the least, I would have made a phone call. Even now let me know your postal address and phone numbers to enable me contact you if I go over to your place again. As the video pictures lag behind in Yahoo-messenger or Skype, you better try to send me some video clippings of your Violin-practice through e-mail, if possible, to enable me see them and properly guide you, if needed. With best wishes, amsharma.

dattag
Posts: 4
Joined: 30 Jul 2007, 13:32

Post by dattag »

Dear Sharma Garu,

I am extremely thankful for your kind guidence and offer for helping me & other aspirants . I will definetly make use of this.

I attended your lecture in Mallesshwaram, Bangalore. Frankly speaking I was not very confident to meet you. So I left the place after the Lecture. My sincere apologies. Hopefully I will not miss the opportunity next time.

My Residence Address:

Ganesh Datta
#1622, 6th Main, E Block , AECS Layout, Kundalahalli, Bangalore- 560037

(M) 9986017460
E Mail: ganesh.datta@sap.com

We will be delighted to have you at my residence. Please mail me your bangalore visit details to my Emai ID mentioned above.

Pranamams
Ganesh Datta
Last edited by dattag on 26 Oct 2007, 09:47, edited 1 time in total.

ganesh_mourthy
Posts: 1371
Joined: 02 Sep 2007, 23:08

Post by ganesh_mourthy »

Dear Sharmaji, namaskarams,

we had exchanged words before in this forum. I heartfully appreciate the service you do to the carnatic world. I learn music for few years now and of course I found your tips and clippings really beneficial . The single finger practice of kalyani practice is good . though i have practiced it i never tried beyond upper ga in the second string. I am practicing it in your way and it definitely disciplines my finger. I have been closely watching all the varnams . it really helps to in incorporating various styles of play. Please dont cme to the conclusion that no one benefits from your work. apparently your string is the most visited in this forum.I have in fact downloaded all the video clippings using a software and my friends learning violin regularly practice as per your instructions. I had even asked once if you could give more details of your style of brigha and gamaka playing. but i did not want to further pressurize you considering your age. Dear sharmaji, your hardwork and unselfishness will definitely have its fruits. i always look at your string when i open up if there is anything new/.i am typing this in spite of my busy schedule in my office. i ll come back to you later.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear brother-member, dattag, I shall definitely inform you about my next trip to Bangalore and make it a point to visit your residence. If possible try to send a video clipping of your practice session of all the exercises.With best wishes, amsharma.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear brother-member, ganesh mourthy, Glad to see your letter and to know that my services are helpful for our people. I shall definitely try to play all the remaining Varnas and Svarajathi one after the other, in instalments at the least, and upload them as usual. I have already told my disciple to play the exercises you have asked but, he, being very busy with his music concerts, is trying to find time to fulfill it. It may take some time and you have to bear with me.
The left-hand finger technique of the Violin must always be taught individually only but not collectively at all as the teaching differs from person to person. More over, in one way, the incapability of understanding and following of the student always makes the teacher always think some other way to make the student understand. In this process only I have invented a number of exercises and in this way many of my students have become my Gurus in making me invent novel methods in teaching. That is why I am always interested to observe in which way my students are doing things. If possible try to send a video clipping of your practice session of all the exercises. With best wishes, amsharma.

ganesh_mourthy
Posts: 1371
Joined: 02 Sep 2007, 23:08

Post by ganesh_mourthy »

Dear Sharmaji,

I am back home late in the evening and nice to see your reply. Thank you for the video clippings once again. I understand quite well the pains taken by you and your interests for the students. As i said earlier your efforts would definitely reach people in some way or other and woudl be a treasure to the posterity. In fact I showed the video clippings to my guru who is as old and as experienced as you and he was moved by your efforts really.

Thanks for considering my request for brigha and gmamka exercises. since they are the embellishment to the playing I am curious to know your style of playing them. this could be beneficial for playing varnams and kirthanams more beautifully. but no urgency , your students can take their own time for this .

I have one another suggestion i.e, it would be helpful if you mention the pitch in which you play the varnams like E or whatever... so that it could be easy for the students to practice along with your video clippings .

I shall send you the video clippings as soon as I coudl make it .

Regards,
Ganesh

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear brother-member, ganesh mourthy, I am happy to know that my efforts are approved even by the elderly and experienced people like your Guruji and becoming fruitful gradually. It is very difficult to recognize and accept our own defects and, generally, our Gurus only will be able to detect our defects and guide us properly. In the same manner, even for their own benefit at the least, the aspirants must send me their video clippings of their practice to have my timely guidance and proceed further and further successfully without wasting their precious time and energy. In regard to the pitch of my Violin it is either D # or E. With best wishes, amsharma

ganesh_mourthy
Posts: 1371
Joined: 02 Sep 2007, 23:08

Post by ganesh_mourthy »

Dear Sharmaji,

Yes my guruji was really moved by your efforts and he only repents he cannot do any such service for lack of english knowledge and computer knowledge. both are essential though.
I am really blessed to have a guruji who is as experienced as you in music and who had been also a top notch accompanist and accompanied artistes like semmangudi, MLV, Balamurali, flute mali and every other top artistes of yesteryear. He still continues to do concerts but slowed down because of his age. I am fortunate that he could guide me step by step vigilantly. Alas I am unfortunate many a times because of my paucity of time but I am working hard really in spite of my demanding job.

About the video you want from me I shall try to send you as soon as I can and you can review it and I respect you as much as I respect my guruji. But I have dvd camcorder which has to be converted to some other format for transfer over net. I shall work it out when I find time.

Regards,

Ganesh

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear brother-member, ganesh mourthy, Nowadays it is very difficult to find such a Guruji like yours who guides you step by step vigilantly. No doubt, you are really blessed for this. Try to send the video clipping at your leisure. With best wishes, amsharma.

ganesh_mourthy
Posts: 1371
Joined: 02 Sep 2007, 23:08

Post by ganesh_mourthy »

dear sharmaji , it is been a long time since you came to this site i guess . Hope you are in good health . expecting your updates .

sbala
Posts: 629
Joined: 30 Jul 2006, 08:56

Post by sbala »

Ganesh,
Sharmaji is on his way to his native place for personal work. Keep posting any questions you might have, he will definitely answer when he comes back.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear brother-member, ganesh-mourthy, As our brother-member, sbala, wrote tomorrow I am starting to my native place to see my ailing mother of 86 yrs. old. If you have any questionsplease post them and I shall anser them after I return. amsharma.

autoMount
Posts: 3
Joined: 25 Jan 2008, 02:11

Post by autoMount »

Dear sharmaji,

My namaskarams to you.

I'm a new member to this forum. I started following the messages in this post recently. I also looked at all your youtube videos and they are truly amazing. I especially appreciate all the laya exercises you have posted. They are of immense help to me and so will it be for many others.

I do have a carnatic violin background and I follow the Parur style. I'm here in the US and so your videos will be of great help. Please let me know when you return back and if you will be seeing the messages in this thread.

Thanks ....

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear brother-member, autoMount, I am extremely happy to see your post and know that my service to the cause of music is truly helping the aspirants learning music. According to my plan I want to upload videos playing 8 Varnas in Adi-tala, 1 Varna in Ata-tala and 1 Svarajati in Bhairavi-Chapu-tala by which much of the finger techniques of Karnataka-violin are covered. But, due to my old age and urgent engagements, I could play 3 Varnas in Adi-tala only and upload them. I shall try to fulfill my plan in near future for the benefit of our society.
Presently I am at my hometown, Hyderabad and you can contact me by e-mail, ‘msakella2002@yahoo.co.in’ or to my ID, ‘msakella2002’ either on Yahoo Messenger or Skype. With best wishes, amsharma.

autoMount
Posts: 3
Joined: 25 Jan 2008, 02:11

Post by autoMount »

Dear Sharama Sir,

Greatly appreciate all your work and your efforts to upload the varnam videos. We certainly look forward to all your video postings in the coming days.

I completely agree when you give so much emphasis to laya and its control - especially when learning an instrument (like violin). Looking at all your video postings on Tala/Laya, I felt those are the kind of exercises I would like to do as I'm quite keen to improve my rhythmic abilities.

I'm also very interested in learning and continuing my violin. Since I live in the US and as there aren't any carnatic violin teachers close to where I live, I felt learning violin through your videos might be the most feasible solution. So please do continue to post your lessons.

Also to give you a quick background, Ive learnt till kirthanams (around 18) and I can comfortably play about 12 varnams in two speeds.

I understand that you must be a very busy person. So please let me know if I can approach you for some help regarding laya practices and learning violin through your online postings .

I'm deeply moved by your dedication to the cause of spreading our system of music. I'm positive many of us, like me can certainly learn a lot from your experience and erudition in this subject.

Many Thanks Again....

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear brother-member, autoMount, Previously I have produced a mp3 CD containing 86 tracks filled with many rhythmical exercises and Varnas sung by me for the benefit of our aspirants. This was uploaded to the ‘sangeetapriya.com’ by our brother-member, vasanthakokilam. Its link is ‘http://www.sangeethapriya.org/~chandra/’. If you are interested you can download them and utilize. Recently I have still modified and developed this CD furnishing 481 tracks filled with the preliminary exercises, Laya-exercises, Varnas along with Gamaka-symbols, details of 60 Gamakas along with symbols and all the relevant pdf files and this is in the finishing level. I am going to arrange again to send this also to ‘vasanthakokilam’ to bring it within the reach of all our aspirants.
Of course, I am always busily engaged only in serving the cause of our music. I am always ready to help you in any manner and you are at the liberty to contact me at any time. But, as the instrumental teaching is a little bit difficult, you have to send me the video clippings of your violin-play, to enable me guide you properly. With best wishes, amsharma.

autoMount
Posts: 3
Joined: 25 Jan 2008, 02:11

Post by autoMount »

Dear Sharma sir,

That would be really helpful. I'll try to get some video recording to you soon. I'll play 2 varnams and 2 kirthanams and try to upload them to youtube.

Will stay in touch with you. Thanks in advance for your guidance and time.

Also can you let me know how I can order one of your books titled "Sangita Svararaga Sudha".

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear brothr-member, autoMount, OK. You can upload your Violin-play in that manner. You can contact the e-mail address ‘m.ramana@gmail.com’, residing in US itself and get the copy of my book, ‘Sangita Svararaga Sudha (English)’ along with an album of 4 mp3 CDs at the cost of 30/- US$ (excluding the freight charges). With best wishes, amsharma.

sampoorna
Posts: 49
Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 15:28

Post by sampoorna »

Namaskaram Sharma garu,

My daughter (7 years) has been learning western classical violin since she was 4. Her teacher is very particular about the correct bowing and fingering techniques and I found the similarity between what you demonstrated on the videos and what she teaches. My question is - will learning the in the western style be a disadvantage when it comes to learning carnatic music (if she chooses to do so at a later stage)? Currently, she also learns carnatic vocal from a disciple of Neyveli. I help her practice violin and vocal every alternate day for ~45 minutes.

Thankyou and Regards,

Sampoorna.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Dear sister-member, sampoorna, In my view learning any thing in a rational and disciplined way always helps the aspirant develop further and further without any hindrance. Everything has logic behind it and if we are inquisitive we can definitely get it and properly utilize it for further development. Thus, learning Violin in western style has its own advantages in handling the instrument and to later learn the techniques of Karnataka style. In the same way, no doubt, learning Karnataka Vocal also helps her a lot. But, while the Violin, in the western music, is mainly used as a Solo instrument, in our Karnataka music, it is mainly used for accompaniment, which makes all the difference in learning and adapting different techniques. So, if we keep all these details in view while devoting sufficient time for regular practice, 45 mts. of practice is not at all enough to make a mark in the field. In our Karnataka music, while the aspirant learning upto Gitas must devote minimum 2 hrs. for regular practice, the aspirant learning upto Varnas must devote minimum 4 hrs. and the aspirant learning Kritis and Manodharma Sangita must devote more than 5 or 6 hrs. to make a mark in the field. Music is like an elephant and unless it is sufficiently fed it will not survive at all. amsharma..

sampoorna
Posts: 49
Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 15:28

Post by sampoorna »

Namaskaram Sharma Garu,

Thankyou for your prompt and apt response. I will certainly keep all your advice in mind and encourage her to put in more sadhana.

Best Regards,

Sampoorna

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

As per a joke once a 90 years old father went out to select the would-be-daughter-in-law for his 8th son but successfully brought her in as his 4th wife. Elders, being ideal to others, should always encourage and accommodate the youth as much as possible. At my 46th year in 1984 when I was promoted as Principal, at the first instance, I have given up accompanying ladies. As I have to concentrate much upon my Institution and as mostly I was getting concerts of accompaniments to ladies I was able to make justice to my job by doing so. Later, after my retirement in 1996 in my 58th year I have stopped participating in public concerts and even given up participating in Radio and TV concerts after 3 years. Later I have taken the teaching as my mission. You may not believe me if I tell that I became aware in which way I have to teach the preliminary exercises like even Alankaras to the aspirants only after my retirement after deep introspection. The performer performs as per his knowledge and ability but the teacher should not teach what he knows but teach what the aspirant needs assessing the level of the aspirant. People may not appreciate if I tell this truth being bitter. amsharma.

prabharavi79
Posts: 7
Joined: 25 Nov 2008, 13:56

Post by prabharavi79 »

Dear members - Students of Violin, especially.

I started learning Violin under A M Sharmaji and would like to tell you all that he is a teacher above par with his peers. The techniques he has discovered makes one learn the most toughest ways of playing violin very easily. Even though I had been learning violin for a few years, I was looking forward to play it better and with more passion. I was really in search of someone who could guide me properly and by God's grace, Sharmaji came into picture. When I requested him to guide me, he was so very happy to do so. It has been close to two months now and I have been able to play to a certain extent some good gamaka exercises (ofcourse not to forget, with lots of pain in my hand!) which has been taught. Thanks to Sharmaji again. I will be posting my videos on youtube as well within a short period of time.
I request all those who are serious about the playing techniques of Violin to get in touch with Sharmaji and try to get as much guidance and support from him as possible. Thanks to A M S sir again.


-
Ravi.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Hi! all brother & sister-members,
In our Indian music Manodharma-music is the most important one which is the characteristic of our music and which is not available in any other system of music in the world. The music created by the mental capacity of the artist is called Manodharma-music and this is the criteria in teaching or learning music in our country. Any item of the syllabus in music or any plan of teaching or learning must inculcate the knowledge of Manodharma-music in the aspirants.

As all are aware. in this branch of music while there are five divisions, Ragalapana, Tanam, Pallavi, Niraval and Svarakalpana, among them, the first and the last one, Ragalapana and Svarakalpana are most important to be learnt basically by one and all. As per the traditional methods in teaching the aspirants are used to learn music and practice it for years to get this knowledge and, now, it is high time to find possible easy methods in teaching quickening the process of it not only to make it TIME BOUND but also RESULT-ORIENTED.

On these lines I have experimented upon a number of students not only upon the technicalities of music but also the finger-techniques of Violin and found out some successful easy methods in teaching them. Working hard even after my retirement in 1996 I have further developed these easy methods and, accordingly, after teaching only 6 Gitas even without Kampitas or Gamakas some very important finger-exercises like single-finger-exercises, two-finger-exercises, three-finger-exercises and four-finger-exercises, that too some of them even without using the bow and others along with the bow must be taught which enable the aspirant to deal with many kinds of Kampitas and Gamakas used in the Varnas.

Even while teaching the Varnas I follow a particular seriatim to gradually make the aspirant acquainted with many of these Kampitas and Gamakas. They are the Adi-tala-varnas in Natakuranji, Kambhoji, Darbar, Shankarabharana, Kalyani, Begada, Todi, Saveri, Ata-tala-varna in Bhairavi and Svarajati in Bhairavi. All the finger-techniques in playing the Gamakas of them should be taught very carefully, efficiently and vigilantly in such a way that the aspirant must become able to play most of the next Varna on his own. This is the specialty of this novel method of teaching.

Among the 12 notes the Sadharana-gandhara (G1), Shuddha-madhyama (M1) and Kashiki-nishada (N1) are the notes which cover maximum range of oscillative limits in our Karnataka music and even among them Sadharana-gandhara (G1) and Kaishiki-nishada (N1) have more varieties of Gamakas than even Shuddha-madhyama (M1). So, while teaching the Varnas, if the teacher plans to teach the aspirants in such a way that they get good acquaintance with the Kampitas and Gamakas of Sadharana-gandhara (G1) and Kashiki-nishada (N1) in particular along with other notes the aspirant will become able to deal with any intricate Gamakas in due course. Being unaware of this important point many of the teachers are used to start with the Varnas in Mohana, Hamsadhvani, Vasantha and Shankarabharana by which the aspirants’ pace will be slowed down reasonably.

In the process of bringing the various finger techniques within the reach of the aspirants, previously, along with some Laya-exercises and Violin-exercises, I have uploaded three Varnas, one Varna each in Natakuranji, Kambhoji and Darbar-ragas to be helpful for the Violin-aspirants to ‘youtube.com/msakella’. Today, I have started again uploading all the video-clippings of the remaining six Varnas and one Svarajati. I have furnished four-times-repeated video-clippings of all the divisions of all these compositions along with fully played video-clippings of entire composition in the end.

In the abbreviations used in the title ‘AA’ represents Arohana and Avarohana of the Raga, ‘P’ represents Pallavi, ‘A’ represents Anupallavi, ‘M’ represents Muktayisvara, ‘C’ represents Charana, ‘E1’ represents the 1st Ettugadasvara and ‘E2’ represents the 2nd Ettugadasvara, 'Pur.' represents Purvanga, 'Utt.' represents Uttaranga and so on. You can find them in ‘youtube.com/msakella’. But, as I have already given up my Violin-practice long ago in 1998, in my 60th year of age, and not even been touching my Violin except for teaching the different finger-techniques to my students I am not at all able to play well. Still, while playing them, I was compelled to repeat some of the Varnas 3 to 4 times as I am unable to play them properly and also forgetting things often. Though not fully perfect as they are reasonably bearable (to me, of course, as one can relish even his foul smell well) I have preferred to upload them as something is better than nothing.

In fact, while teaching these Varnas each and every one has to be revised 3 or 4 times to teach any additional finger-techniques also. But, as no such possibility is possible now the aspirants must satisfy with the available ones. Also as I am not at all acquainted with many of the technicalities of the computer some flaws must have crept either in my Violin-play or the video-recordings or splitting and adjoining the video-clippings etc., etc. But for my 3rd son, Chi. A.N.Swamy’s affectionate and sincere help in searching and finding suitable know-how of the relevant computer-applications I would not have become able to do this service to the cause of our music.

Recently, on 18th September, 2008, I have started teaching Violin to a blind student who had already learnt 4 or 5 Varnas and 10 or 15 Kritis in the Govt. Music College, Vizianagaram for 7 years but unable to play even a single Avarta of any Varna or Kriti with proper Gamakas. As there has never been any academic supervision in these colleges all the teachers, though many of them are Vidwans, teach as per their will and pleasure. Even though he was actually failed in the Diploma examination due to his incapacities he was made ‘passed’ next year with the kind help of the examiner to get rid of him from the college and hostel as well.

Being blind as there was no other way to survive his father brought him to me and requested to teach him. I found his Laya-instinct is reasonably well and started teaching him daily and he is practising daily for 6 hours minimum. Generally I never entertain anybody on regular basis unless he practises regularly for more than 6 hours. As he agreed to do so and I have started teaching him and taught him all the above finger-exercises without bow and with bow for 20 days and later only the Pallavi of Natakuranji-varna demonstrating and explaining the usage of the different finger-techniques (being blind he cannot see at all) of the Gamakas playing on my Violin. Now, people may not believe me at all if I tell that, later, he himself played not only the remaining Varna of Natakuranji but also all the remaining Varnas in Kambhoji, Darbar, Shankarabharana, Kalyani, Begada, Todi, Saveri and Bhairavi on his own but with my oral guidance only. Within a week or so he is going to finish off playing even the Savarajati in Bhairavi also on his own. This system of teaching is very reliable in yielding very encouraging results, though many teachers hesitate to follow it as this will not help them yield more money through this.

In fact many are interested in learning music. As this is an invisible fine-art more physical and mental exertion is needed than any other fine-art in getting reasonable control over the invisible Shruti and Laya of it. In general, tender age is preferred to learn it as physical and mental capacities are much higher at that age. It is always needed to give only the first preference in learning this fine-art and possibly finish three-fourths of learning or practice of this art even before attaining 15 years of age to make a mark in this field. To encourage such aspirants even Govt. of India has long ago established the ‘National Institute of Open Schooling’ allowing private appearance of the candidates who devote more time to learn such traditional arts. Presently, some highly talented candidates are utilizing this facility and getting a qualification in general education also simultaneously along with high quality music practicing it for more than 6 hours regularly and also studying general subjects for 2 or 3 hours.

I am always used to harp upon regular practice of music to get reasonable control over it which is bitter to many aspirants. Some aspirants are used to tell that they will be able to devote much time for practice only in the week-ends to whom I was suggesting to do the same in respect of taking their food also. Many people are interested in learning music and becoming an artist but are unable to cope up with the strenuous physical and mental exertion included in it. Even the aspirants learning music want very quick development in their singing or playing music but without much hardship. While everybody exerts himself hard to get even the increment in his salary or even the increment in his financial position or even the increment in his designation or even the increment in his status or even the increment in the number of his family members or even the increment in the amenities etc., etc., I do not understand why they want to skip off the regular practice in respect of music only. amsharma
Last edited by msakella on 01 Dec 2008, 04:19, edited 1 time in total.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Today I have uploaded the video-clippings of Shankarabharana-Adi-Varna to 'youtube.com/msakella' under the following reference for the benefit of the aspirants. amsharma

04.AMS-Violin-Demo-04.10-Shankarabharana-Varna-Pur..MPG
04.AMS-Violin-Demo-04.11-Shankarabharana-Varna-Utt..mpg
04.AMS-Violin-Demo-04.01-Shankarabharana-Varna-AA.MPG
04.AMS-Violin-Demo-04.02-Shankarabharana-Varna-P.MPG
04.AMS-Violin-Demo-04.03-Shankarabharana-Varna-A.MPG
04.AMS-Violin-Demo-04.04-Shankarabharana-Varna-M.MPG
04.AMS-Violin-Demo-04.05-Shankarabharana-Varna-C.MPG
04.AMS-Violin-Demo-04.06-Shankarabharana-Varna-E1.MPG
04.AMS-Violin-Demo-04.07-Shankarabharana-Varna-E2.MPG
04.AMS-Violin-Demo-04.08-Shankarabharana-Varna-E3.MPG
04.AMS-Violin-Demo-04.09-Shankarabharana-Varna-E4.MPG

srikant1987
Posts: 2246
Joined: 10 Jun 2007, 12:23

Post by srikant1987 »

In our Indian music Manodharma-music is the most important one which is the characteristic of our music and which is not available in any other system of music in the world.

Improvisation is present in many other kinds of music. Jazz, for example, is a reasonably serious kind of music, and it allows (and asks for) much improvisation too.

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

It is obvious that our Manodharma-music is filled with spontaneity and complexity even though some improvisation is allowed in any other system of music. amsharma

msakella
Posts: 2127
Joined: 30 Sep 2006, 21:16

Post by msakella »

Today I have uploaded the video-clippings of Kalyani-Adi-Varna to ‘youtube.com/msakella’ under the following reference for the benefit of the aspirants. Along with them I have also uploaded a very difficult Violin-play of Vanajaakshi-Kalyani-Ata-Varna recently played mostly on the 2nd A-string in 116 bpm (beats per minute) speed of the Metronome by my disciple Chi. O. Rajashekhar for the observation of the aspirants.
Due to erratic power supply and as it needs continuous uploading of 5 hrs.minimum I am compelled to make this uploading only after mid-night daily and only one Varna at a time. amsharma
05.AMS-Violin-Demo-05.01-Kalyani-Varna-AA.MPG
05.AMS-Violin-Demo-05.02-Kalyani-Varna-P.MPG
05.AMS-Violin-Demo-05.03-Kalyani-Varna-A.MPG
05.AMS-Violin-Demo-05.04-Kalyani-Varna-M.MPG
05.AMS-Violin-Demo-05.05-Kalyani-Varna-C.MPG
05.AMS-Violin-Demo-05.06-Kalyani-Varna-E1.MPG
05.AMS-Violin-Demo-05.07-Kalyani-Varna-E2.MPG
05.AMS-Violin-Demo-05.08-Kalyani-Varna-E3.MPG
05.AMS-Violin-Demo-05.09-Kalyani-Varna-E4.MPG
05.AMS-Violin-Demo-05.10-Kalyani-Varna-Pur..mpg
05.AMS-Violin-Demo-05.11-Kalyani-Varna-Utt..mpg

sbala
Posts: 629
Joined: 30 Jul 2006, 08:56

Post by sbala »

Dear Sharmaji,
It's heartening to hear that you have started teaching a blind student. I wish him all the very best.

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