Question 1

What is Carnatic violin?

Accepted Answer

"Carnatic" is the most indigenous form of Indian Classical music. It's considered to be one of the most advanced and the form of music with the highest scope for creativity.

Question 2

Who introduced the violin in Carnatic music?

Accepted Answer

Around 1790, the violin was introduced in India. It was adapted to Carnatic music by Baluswami Dikshitar, brother of the famous composer Muthuswami Dikshitar. Over the course of time, it became an integral part of the concerts as the violin is best suited to the unfettered gliding and wavering gamakas that characterize the Carnatic ragas. A violinist must also develop acute 'listening' skills as often he has to play without a music sheet, by just following the vocalist.

Question 3

Is there any age limit for learning violin?

Accepted Answer

No, age does not matter! You can learn violin at any age starting from 5-6 years, age does not matter! All you need is intense passion and dedication towards the art.

Question 4

How to learn Carnatic violin?

Accepted Answer

Avoid self-learning. The best way to learn Carnatic violin is to find and join under a well-versed, qualified, and walk-the-talk kind of teacher. Even if you're a well-versed violinist in other forms of music, the best way is to start learning Carnatic from a well-versed, qualified, and walk-the-talk kind of teacher.

Question 5

How effective is learning Carnatic violin over Microsoft Teams?

Accepted Answer

Learning depends more on the amount and effectiveness of the student's practice than the way of learning. From the experience and evidence of student's performance, I can say that online is just as effective if the student diligently follows the master's words and deliberately practices every day.

Question 6

Is it essential to learn Carnatic vocals before learning the violin?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Although, knowing to sing Carnatic vocal can be highly beneficial and can accelerate the learning process for Carnatic Violin pursuers. And, singing will be part of the process while learning Carnatic Violin, because to play something, you must be able to sing it, and singing ensures the master that you've learnt a particular lesson and then can teach the nuances of playing the same on violin.

Question 7

How long does it take to learn Carnatic violin?

Accepted Answer

Learning Carnatic music is a never-ending process. However, if you mean to ask how long does it take to play simple songs/krithis, 1-2 years, depending on your speed. 4-5 years for better refinement of songs and introduction to spontaneous creativity, i.e, music. 10+ years for excellent refinement in the rendition of songs and naturally flowing heart-touching music.

Question 8

How to practice Carnatic violin?

Accepted Answer

Finding a well-versed, qualified, and walk-the-talk kind of teacher is a must for learning Carnatic Violin. And assuming you've already got a great teacher to teach you, consider these points in addition to your teacher's instruction. Practicing the basics is a must for beginner, intermediate or advanced students. Practicing the basics help you stay connected to your violin, (i.e, your brain is rewired every time you practice anything and a highway of neural pathways is formed when you repeat the basics, and then the flexibility and control gained from the basics can be used to play music), then practice compositions, and the currently taught lesson and abstract music. Your practice should be a package of all that you can do and that you wish to become. Your practice should be like a balanced diet. Of course, in a particular session, you may focus on one aspect, but overall, you must balance practicing the basics, compositions, mathematics, and abstract music.

Question 9

Which should be preferred while learning a violin, Carnatic or western?

Accepted Answer

It totally depends on your preference. However, these points may help you make your choice. Learning the western violin gives you the most flexibility and control over the instrument, as the instrument (violin) itself is from the west. Learning Carnatic violin can be even harder but if you are someone who'd like to stick on to it for the long term, Carnatic music gives more space for your spontaneous creativity. Carnatic music is not only a tool to change your mood, but also a tool that can be used for your spiritual growth. However, once you're well-versed in any type/form of music, you can switch to any other form, if you wish to, takes a lot of practice, but it's doable.

Question 10

How to tune Carnatic violin?

Accepted Answer

In Carnatic, instruments are tuned to the base Sa (Aadhara Shadja) on the preferred pitch. And the usually preferred pitch for Carnatic Violins is D#. Accordingly, the violin will be tuned as A#, D#, A#, D# (1-4 strings), as A# is the panchama of D#.

Question 11

Which is the best violin for beginners learning Carnatic music?

Accepted Answer

There's no such thing as such. The best violin for you is the one you choose to get in your budget! Yes, it's that simple! Because violin quality definitely depends on the cost of it. And since the violin is originally a western instrument, its price ranges from $1000 to $5000+. And that's nowhere near the affordable prices here in India. A beginner can start with a beginner level and decent violin of Rs5-7K. Of course, depending on your budget, you can go for a higher-priced violin too. And comparing violins in the same price range is up to your ears, it's a subjective preference. Here's a list of  links for Violin Kits & Accessories.  General guideline, anyone 11+ age can go for 4/4 (full size violin). Kids can go for 3/4, if that doesn't fit, can then go for 1/2 size violin.

Question 12

Can I learn Carnatic music on an electric violin?

Accepted Answer

Sure you can. But for a better understanding of the various dynamics of violin playing, it's better to start learning with an acoustic violin. And unless you already have an electric violin, buying an acoustic violin is way less expensive considering the fact that you must also buy an amp for your electric violin to play through. And you can play the acoustic violin without power, so you don't have to wait if there's a power cut or you're in an isolated nature spot to practice.

Question 13

Which violin strings should I use?

Accepted Answer

Depends on your preference. Here's a list of  links for Violin Kits & Accessories . For a beginner, however, any Low-tension strings are preferred. And it's ideal to not waste money on trying out various strings for beginners, as the violin strings do not matter more than your level of skill in playing the violin. However, if you're an intermediate or an advanced player and you want to see if you can increase the tonal quality or loudness of your violin for your concerts, then, it's best to try out various types of strings. A general tip: Medium and High tension strings can give more loudness, but may reduce flexibility. Medium is preferred by most violinists, as it lies in the sweet spot. However, it is your preference. And, the loudness and tonal quality depend mainly on the violin body, so there's a limit to how much you can change/upgrade your violin tone and loudness by swapping strings. Hence, try out various types of strings, and gradually, you'll get an understanding of your violin and your preferred type of strings.

Question 14

How to hold Carnatic violin?

Accepted Answer

The Carnatic violin is played sitting cross-legged, the instrument pointing to the ground with the scroll resting firmly on the ankle of the player's right foot. This allows the left hand to slide freely up and down the neck. The aim of tone production in violin is to imitate the Carnatic vocal style.

Question 15

How do I play film songs in Carnatic violin easily?

Accepted Answer

Playing film songs on violin is like a piece of cake to a Carnatic violinist. As, pitch, pattern, and melody recognition is an automatic and instantaneous process that happens in a Carnatic Violinist's mind whenever he/she listens to any form of music. Of course, this is the case assuming the violinist has put in years of dedication in practicing, accompanying, and performing music.

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