K V Narayanaswamy – Sangita Pitamaha of Contemporary Carnatic Music

“A good-looking man, his hair slicked down in the traditional way, sang like an angel with a delightful voice, husky at times, but never heavy throated or loud” – exclaimed Lakshmi Viswanathan, the Vice President of Music Academy  Madras in her tribute to KVN when he passed away in 2002. Kollengode Viswanatha Narayanaswamy a Carnatic musician… More K V Narayanaswamy – Sangita Pitamaha of Contemporary Carnatic Music

How to Breathe while Singing: Breath Control Techniques

If you want to know how to sing better then having good breath control is a must. Breath control is about so much more than just taking a deep breath. It is about maintaining a controlled, steady stream of air while singing. Most beginners who are learning how to sing face the same question: Why… More How to Breathe while Singing: Breath Control Techniques

Bangalore Nagarathnamma – The Songster Activist

“I was Nagarathna (precious jewel on the snake’s head) by birth, then became bhogarathna (jewel of pleasure) and now I am rogarathna (jewel of disease)” – this was how Bangalore Nagarathnamma jovially described herself during her last days. She may also be called ragarathna (jewel of musical ragas) and tyagarathna (jewel of sacrifice). This is… More Bangalore Nagarathnamma – The Songster Activist

Mandolin Srinivas: The Musical Genius Who Captivated the World

Mandolin U Srinivas, also known as Uppalapu Srinivas, was a legendary musician whose mastery of the mandolin revolutionized the world of Carnatic music. With his exceptional talent and innovative approach, Srinivas elevated the status of the mandolin as a solo instrument, captivating audiences worldwide. This comprehensive blog post delves into the life and legacy of… More Mandolin Srinivas: The Musical Genius Who Captivated the World

Beginner to Intermediate in Carnatic Music: How to progress?

What next after the varases? This is one question that pops into the mind of every beginner who is learning how to sing. Once a student is through with the basic singing lessons i.e. sarale varase, janti varase, taggusthaayi varase, taarasthaayi varase, dhaatu varase and alankaara, before proceeding to learn the pillarigeethe and sanchari geethe,… More Beginner to Intermediate in Carnatic Music: How to progress?

Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar: The Trailblazer

“I was greatly influenced by Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar. I do not want another life. But if there is one, I want to be able to sing like Ramanuja Iyengar” exclaimed the doyen of Carnatic Music, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar popularly known as Ariyakudi, was born in  Ariyakudi, a town in Karaikudi district near… More Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar: The Trailblazer