Carnatic Music Certificate Course and Exams

Conducted by The International Foundation for Carnatic Music and Acharyanet.com

IFCM is incorporated in India and USA as a not-for-profit organization.

The Acharyanet Courses and Exams are created by renowned musicians, gurus and scholars of the highest order to inculcate learning of Indian classical music with an emphasis on perfection with correctness and completeness.

Browse through the courses and exams offered below for basic, intermediate and advanced levels and obtain your certification today.

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Exams & Certification

Acharyanet offers various levels of exams for testing proficiency in skillsets in both theory and practice. Both vocalists and instrumentalists may prepare for the exams based on the syllabus outlined below. Students may complete the registration form and give their details to schedule an exam date. The exam will be administered by experts who will conduct the exam online on the topics included in the syllabus. Students will be assessed on their ability to answer the questions accurately and will be assigned a grade and a certificate which will be sent by email within 2 week of the exam date.

Curriculums are based on Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 1, Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 2 and other courses.

Varishais & Alankarams Level 1

Based on Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 1 Syllabus

Practical (70 marks)

Sarali, Jantai, Datu, Melsthayi varishais, 7 alankarams (in minimum 2 speeds).

Theory (30 marks)

Raga basics (Melody chapter) & Tala basics (Rhythm chapter) from Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 1 Syllabus
Appendix - V Suggested Listening - Name any 3 vocalists and 3 instrumentalists

Study Materials

Varishais & Alankarams Level 2

Based on Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 1 Syllabus

Practical (70 marks)

Sarali, Jantai, Datu, Melsthayi varishais, 7 alankarams in the following ragas:
Pantuvarali
Shankarabharanam
Kalyani
Simhendramadhyamam
Kharaharapriya

Theory (30 marks)

Chapter 1, 2 and 3 and Practical Exercises- Phase I and Phase II from Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 1.
Names and serial numbers of the first 4 Melakarta Chakrams (ragas 1-24).
Appendix - V Suggested Listening - Name any 5 vocalists and 5 instrumentalists (Audio clip might be played)

Study Materials

Varishais & Alankarams Level 3

Based on Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 1 Syllabus

Practical (70 marks)

35 Tala Alankarams

Theory (30 marks)

Chapter 1, 2 and 3 and Practical Exercises- Phase I and Phase II from Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 1.
Names and serial numbers of 8 Melakarta Chakrams (ragas 1-48)
Appendix - V Suggested Listening - Name any 10 vocalists and 10 instrumentalists (Audio clip might be played)

Study Materials

Varishais & Alankarams Level 4

Based on Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 1 Syllabus

Practical (70 marks)

35 Tala Alankarams in the following ragas
Pantuvarali
Shankarabharanam
Kalyani
Simhendramadhyamam
Kharaharapriya

Theory (30 marks)

Names and serial numbers of 72 Melakartas
Appendix - V Suggested Listening - Identify any 3 vocalists and 3 instrumentalists (Audio clip might be played)

Study Materials

Geetams Level 1

Based on Perfecting Carnatic Music Level I

Practical (70 marks):

First 15 geetams/thiruppugazh from Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 1 book.

Theory (30 marks):

Identify and sing first 36 Melakartas (1-36)
Identify and sing scale of any 12 ragas from Appendix B, 'A Few Popular Ragas'. (Questions will be based on ragas chosen by students)
Appendix - V Suggested Listening - Identify any 5 vocalists and 5 instrumentalists (Audio clip might be played)

Study Materials

Geetams/Swarajathis Level 2

Based on Perfecting Carnatic Music Level I

Practical (70 marks):

Any 25 geetams/thiruppugazh from Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 1 book.
Any one swarajathi from Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 1 book.

Theory (30 marks):

Identify and sing second set of 36 Melakartas (37-72)
Identify and sing scale of any 25 ragas from Appendix B, 'A Few Popular Ragas'. (Questions will be based on ragas chosen by students)
Appendix - V Suggested Listening - Identify any 7 vocalists and 7 instrumentalists (Audio clip might be played)

Study Materials

Varnams Level 1

Based on Perfecting Carnatic Music Level II and other video lessons on Acharyanet

Practical (80 marks):

Render any of the 5 out of 8 varnams given below in 2 speeds.
Be able to sing the svaram and sahityam for the varnam wherever asked.
Should be knowledgable about all aspects of the varnam including the raga & janyam details, arohanam-avarohanam, important phrases of the raga and composer.

Varnams in Syllabus

Theory (20 marks):

Chapters 1, 2, 3 from Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 2.
Appendix 1 - 16 note system.
Appendix 2 - Scale of first 24 melakartas with serial numbers and chakras.
Appendix 3 - Ability to identify and render basic scale of at least 20 ragas. (Questions will be based on ragas chosen by students).
Appendix 4 - System of 7, 35 and 175 talas.
Appendix - V Suggested Listening - Identify any 10 vocalists and 10 instrumentalists (Audio clip might be played).
Appendix 6 - A few useful technical terms.

Learning Materials

Perfecting Carnatic Music Level II E-book
Video Lessons Taught by Chitravina N Ravikiran
Notations are provided for all the video lessons for subscription members.

Varnams Level 2

Based on Perfecting Carnatic Music Level II and other video lessons on Acharyanet

Practical (80 marks):

Render any of the 5 out of 8 varnams given below in 2 speeds and tishram.
Be able to sing the svaram and sahityam for the varnam wherever asked.
Should be knowledgable about all aspects of the varnam including the raga & janyam details, arohanam-avarohanam, important phrases of the raga and composer.
Be able to explain any technical or rhythmic nuances in the varnam

Varnams in Syllabus

Theory (20 marks):

Chapters 1, 2, 3 from Perfecting Carnatic Music Level 2.
Appendix 1 - 16 note system.
Appendix 2 - Scale of all melakartas with serial numbers and chakras.
Appendix 3 - Ability to identify and render basic scale of at least 40 ragas (Questions will be based on ragas chosen by students)
Appendix 4 - System of 7, 35 and 175 talas.
Appendix - V Suggested Listening - Identify any 10 vocalists and 10 instrumentalists (Audio clip might be played).
Appendix 6 - A few useful technical terms.

Learning Materials

Perfecting Carnatic Music Level II E-book
Video Lessons Taught by Chitravina N Ravikiran
Notations are provided for all the video lessons for subscription members.

Krtis Level 1

Practical (70 marks):

Learn and present any 5 out of 8 Krtis in the syllabus below.
Be able to identify the svaras for any section from the krti and be able to render it with talam.
Should be thorough with details about the composition including the raga & janyam details, arohanam-avarohanam, important phrases of the raga and composer.

Krtis in Syllabus

Theory (30 marks):

Chapters 1, 2, 3 from Perfecting Carnatic Music Level II.
Appendix 1 - 16 note system.
Appendix 2 - Scale,Serial numbers and names of melakartas from the first 4 chakras.
Appendix 3 - List of 15 Janya ragas that you have prepared.
Appendix 4 - System of 7, 35 and 175 talas.
Appendix - V Suggested Listening - Identify 5 vocalists and 5 instrumentalists out of a list of 8 you submit respectively (Audio clip might be played).

Learning Materials

Perfecting Carnatic Music Level II E-book
Video Lessons on Acharyanet
Notations are provided for all the video lessons for subscription members.

Krtis Level 2

Practical (70 marks):

Learn and present any 5 out of 8 Krtis in the syllabus below.
Be able to identify the svaras for any section from the krti and be able to render it with talam.
Should be thorough with details about the composition including the raga & janyam details, arohanam-avarohanam, important phrases of the raga and composer.

Krtis in Syllabus

Theory (30 marks):

Chapters 1, 2, 3 from Perfecting Carnatic Music Level II.
Appendix 1 - 16 note system.
Appendix 2 - Scale of 72 melakartas with serial numbers and chakras.
Appendix 3 - Ability to identify and render basic scale of at least 40 ragas (Questions will be based on ragas chosen by students)
Appendix 4 - System of 7, 35 and 175 talas.
Appendix - V Suggested Listening - Identify any 10 vocalists and 10 instrumentalists (Audio clip might be played).
Appendix 6 - A few useful technical terms.

Learning Materials

Perfecting Carnatic Music Level II E-book
Video Lessons on Acharyanet
Notations are provided for all the video lessons for subscription members.

Krtis Level 3

Practical (70 marks):

Learn and present any 8 out of 12 Vilambakala Krtis in the syllabus below, including 1 pancharatna krti and one kamalamba/kamakshi navavaranam
Be able to identify the svaras for any section from the krti and be able to render it with talam.
Be able to explain any technical/melodic/rhythmic nuances in the composition and explain a brief meaning of the composition

Krtis in Syllabus

Theory (30 marks):

Chapters 1, 2, 3 from Perfecting Carnatic Music Level II.
Appendix 1 - 16 note system.
Appendix 2 - Scale of 72 melakartas with serial numbers and chakras.
Appendix 3 - Ability to identify and render basic scale of at least 40 ragas (Questions will be based on ragas chosen by students)
Appendix 4 - System of 7, 35 and 175 talas.
Appendix - V Suggested Listening - Identify any 10 vocalists and 10 instrumentalists (Audio clip might be played).
Appendix 6 - A few useful technical terms.

Learning Materials

Perfecting Carnatic Music Level II E-book
Video Lessons on Acharyanet
Notations are provided for all the video lessons for subscription members.

Kalpana Swarams Level 1

Be able to sing kalpana svarams for atleast 2 compositions from a list of 5 compositions including one in Adi (1 kalai) and 1 in Roopaka talam.
Choose any refrains from their choice of compositions for their rendition and render svarams for a duration of 2-3 minutes.
Be able to render basic mathematical finishes like 3 fives, 3 sixes and sevens and sing a final round with a simple korvai within the give time limit.

Krtis in Syllabus

Learning Materials

REGISTER

Kalpana Swarams Level 2

Be able to sing kalpana svarams for atleast 3 compositions from a list of 5 compositions including one Adi (1 kalai), 1 Roopaka & 1 Mishra Chapu talam.
Choose any refrains from their choice of compositions for their rendition and render svarams for a duration of 4-5 minutes.
Be able to render basic mathematical finishes like 3 fives, 3 sixes and sevens, some smart finishes or dove-tailing patterns and finish with a final round and a korvai within the give time limit

Krtis in Syllabus

Learning Materials

Kalpana Swarams Level 3

Be able to sing kalpana svarams for atleast 5 compositions from a list of 8 compositions inlcuding one Adi (1 & 2 kalai), 1 Roopaka, 1 Mishra Chapu & Khanda Chapu talam
Choose any refrains from their choice of compositions for their rendition and render svarams for a duration of 5-7 minutes.
Be able to render basic mathematical finishes like 3 fives, 3 sixes and sevens, some smart finishes or dove-tailing patterns and finish with a final round and a korvai within the give time limit

Krtis in Syllabus

Learning Materials

Raga Alapana Level 1

Should be able to render alapana for atleast 3-4 minutes in one Shuddha madhyama, one Prati madhyama and an audava/shadava ragam from a list of 5 ragams in each category.
Importance would be given to syllable usage of phrases, raga grammar, approach to the raga alapana, adherence to correct gamakams , aesthetics etc

Suggested Shuddhamadhyama Ragas

Keeravani
Begada
Bhairavi
Kambhodhi
Mayamalavagowla
Nattaikurinji
Shankarabharanam
Saveri

Suggested Pratimadhyama Ragas

Pantuvarali
Poorvikalyani
Shanmukhapriya
Varali
Latangi
Kalyani
Hamsanandi
Dharamavati

Suggested Audava/Shadava Ragas

Mohanam
Sriranjini
Khamas
Saraswathi
Madhyamavati
Vasanta
Abhogi
Hamsadhwani

Learning Materials Offered

Video Lessons on Manodharma

REGISTER

Raga Alapana Level 2

Should be able to render alapana for at least 5 minutes in one Shuddha madhyama, Prati madhyama and a rakti raga (such as Reetigowla, Yadukulakambhodhi, Anandabharavi) from a list of 5 ragams in each category.
Importance would be given to syllable usage of phrases, raga grammar, approach to the raga alapana, adherence to correct gamakams , aesthetics etc

Suggested Shuddhamadhyama Ragas

Bilahari
Harikambodhi
Sarasangi
Kaanada
Dhanyashi
Charukeshi
Kapi
Todi

Suggested Pratimadhyama Ragas

Simhendramadhyamam
Vachaspati
Shanmukhapriya
Varali
Latangi
Kalyani
Ranjani
Hamirkalyani

Suggested Rakti Ragas

Yadukulakambodhi
Reetigowla
Anandabhairavi
Surati
Shahana
Mukhari
Kedaragowla
Athana
Sama

Learning Materials Offered

Video Lessons on Manodharma

REGISTER

General Information

01
Registration: Each student wishing to take the Carnatic Music Certificate Course examination has to register with www.acharyanet.com by paying the appropriate registration fee.
02
Fees are 50USD/1000INR for Level 1 exams and 60USD/1200INR for higher level exams of any type.
03
The exam is open to any student at any part of the world but will typically be conducted in collaboration with a local institution or organization.
05
Typically, the examination will be conducted online via Skype.
06
Students will be informed well in advance of the date.
07
Each student has to provide a list of lessons and compositions learnt and questions will be based on that.
08
Students could be quizzed on both the lyrics and Swaras of any piece or any part of a piece as also related information such as the Arohana-Avarohana of the Raga, its parent Raga, composer (wherever such info has been given).
09
Duration of the examination per student would be about 15-30 minutes for practical and theory.
10
Marks will be awarded to the student based on accuracy of pitch, tempo and Tala, tonal clarity, pronunciation, Raga structure (with Gamakas) as well as theoretical knowledge.
11
For advance level, students will also be graded based on fidelity to Sangatis in songs and creativity in Alapana and Kalpana Swaras.
12
Students have to ensure that the Sruti is audible to the examiner. Online Sruti might pose a problem.
13
This is not an open-book exam.
14
Registration Fees will not be refunded under any circumstances; however a postponement of the exam date will be considered up to ONE month maximum, if circumstances necessitate that.
15
Examiners will be noted musicians and/or gurus and their decisions will be final.

Certification & Score Grade

Certificates will be awarded to each successful candidate, with appropriate grading, based on the performances of students.

90 & Above

Superior

80-90

Excellent

60-70

Good

70-80

Very good

50-60

Average

Below 50

Evolving

Note: A student can take up to 3 exams for any given level and improve upon his or her previous results.