What you will learn
Houston Piano Guy Baby Violin Level 1
- Introduction to the violin
- Reading Carnatic notation
- Sarali Varisais
- Janti Varisais
- Nottuswarams
- Carnatic Music Terms
Houston Piano Guy Baby Violin Level 2
- Sliding exercises Reading notation
- Technical Exercises Gitams
- Special in-house exercises
Houston Piano Guy Baby Violin Level 3
- Bowing exercises
- Technical exercises
- Sthayi Varisais
- One-string exercises
- Swarajatis
- Alankarams
- Jatiswarams
- Konnakol Basics*
How does it work?
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Click on Book now.
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You will be directed to fill a form with your details. Please fill this and click on
Submit. A Houston Piano Guy educator will get in touch with you to schedule your first class.
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After understanding your requirements, our expert will recommend a suitable learning
level for you/your child.
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Fix class timings that are suitable for you and attend your first class.
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Pay only if you like the first class. If you are satisfied, welcome to a rewarding
journey towards becoming a Carnatic violinist.
What our students are saying
I really like to learn songs quickly. I like that my teacher knows me
really well and always makes sure I'm learning at a pace that keeps me
excited. She makes sure to send me recordings and karaoke tracks so I
can practise well during the week before my next class.
- Aatmika, age 11, student
It's nice to see my daughter enjoying herself while also practising
consistently. She gets individual attention and feedback from her
teacher, which helps her.
- Nisha, Houston Piano Guy Parent
About Carnatic Music
India used to have one common music system till about the 13th century when Arab and Persian
influences helped develop Hindustani music in the North of India, while the music that
developed along the original lines of the existing classical system came to be known as
Carnatic music - mainly in South India. If we had to measure the immense popularity of
Carnatic music in India the Chennai Music Season would be a striking barometer. However, it
is not only popular within the country but outside it as well as Carnatic singers and
musicians perform in different parts of the world today.
Carnatic music’s rich history, technical base, and unique elements (such as gamakas), have
made it more than just a style of music, it has become a means to understand the evolving
face of India.
About the Carnatic Violin
The Carnatic violin was introduced to India by Shri Baluswami Dikshitar, brother of the
famous Carnatic composer, Shri Muthuswami Dikshitar, around 1790. He adapted the, then,
predominantly Western instrument to Carnatic music creating a niche for it in Carnatic
concerts. Why the violin? Because the tone of the violin is very similar to the human voice.
What is particularly remarkable about Carnatic violinists is that they generally do not have
a set sheet music with notations before concerts. A testament to their listening skills and
musical knowledge. Many times, violinists play extempore based on what the vocalist and
other instrumentalists’ play on stage.
Of course, this could vary for a solo violinist who shoulders the responsibility of carrying
the concert all on his/her own. Eminent violinist and musician, V Lakshminarayana, was
responsible for making the violin a solo instrument. He also introduced new techniques that
added tonal layers to performances. He encouraged violinists to use all four fingers while
playing as well, as opposed to only the index and middle fingers. This enabled more vigorous
renditions; artistes could also pluck and play strings simultaneously.
With the skill and will of these talented violinists, the violin has become a prominent
instrument in the Carnatic music scene. Be part of the beautiful journey, learn the violin
online!
Carnatic Violin vs Western Violin
Carnatic violinists have traditionally been accompanying instrumentalists while Western
violinists also have very strong solo traditions. The differences start right from the
posture of holding the violin to the notes played to the ornamentations and special features
each music system adopts. Let’s explore two main points of difference:
- Posture: The Carnatic violin is played while being seated cross-legged on the
floor with the scroll of the violin resting on the right foot of the player. This allows
the left hand the freedom to move across the strings. A Western violinist plays standing
with the chin and shoulder supporting the violin giving the both hands freedom to move
the fingers and bow as required.
- Ornamentation: Gamakas or ornamentations are unique to Carnatic music. They give
violinists the freedom to explore their creativity exhibiting their individual skills
and imaginative powers. The beautiful sounds and melodies are simply incomparable to any
other form of music. This is a unique feature of Carnatic music that you will not find
in the unique and intricate system of Western classical music.
Why Houston Piano Guy Music Classes?
- One-on-one ONLINE classes - Enjoy individual attention as the spotlight is on you
& from the safety of your home
- Learn at any age - Begin Carnatic music vocal classes at any age
- Lessons by professional musicians - Benefit from practical experiences of Houston Piano Guy’s
educators who are also performers
- Structured & standardised syllabus - Build a solid foundation in Carnatic music
with our in-house exercises and songs that ensures your progress to higher levels
- Flexible timings - Choose from an array of available time slots
- Student showcase - Selected performances are featured on our Social Media pages
with a total of 3,00,000 followers
- Specialised Training - Prepare for Carnatic music certifications, performances,
or come to JUST LEARN - We’re there for you!
Book your session now
About Houston Piano Guy
Houston Piano Guy, the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts, started in 2007 is the home for great
music and musicians. Guided by the vision of our founders, legendary musicians Dr. L.
Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam, and ably led by singer-songwriter Bindu
Subramaniam and violinist Ambi Subramaniam, Houston Piano Guy has a strong legacy of excellence in
Carnatic and global music.
Here at Houston Piano Guy, we believe in ‘learning through fun’. We have exciting, interactive elements
in all our lessons, and ensure that students bring their musical vision to life while also
having a great time.
