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Perfecting Carnatic Music — Traditional Curriculum

Perfecting Carnatic Music — Level 2

4 Varnams · 3 Ragas · 1 Pada Varnam · 3 Tana Varnams · Full notation & English lyrics

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4
Total Varnams
1
Pada Varnams
3
Tana Varnams
3
Ragas Covered

What is a Varnam?

A Varnam is the most comprehensive compositional form in Carnatic music, combining melody, rhythm, and lyrics into a single extended study piece. It is the bridge between Geethams (Level 1) and Kritis (Level 3). Every Varnam contains a Pallavi, Anupallavi, Muktayiswara (swara passage), Charanams, and Chittaswaras. Mastering a Varnam in a raga is considered proof of thorough command over that raga.

Pada Varnam:Has lyrics in all sections including the Muktayiswara
Tana Varnam:Muktayiswara has only swaras (no lyrics) — more abstract

Varnams Curriculum

Click any Varnam to view full notation & lyrics
Varnam 1IntermediatePada VarnamTelugu
Viriboni
Bhairavi · Adi Tala · Pacchimiriam Adiyappaiah
↑ S R₂ G₂ M₁ P D₁ N₂ S'
Varnam 2IntermediateTana VarnamTelugu
Ninnukori
Mohanam · Adi Tala · Swati Tirunal
↑ S R₂ G₃ P D₂ S'
Varnam 3IntermediateTana VarnamTelugu
Sarasiruha
Kalyani · Adi Tala · Patnam Subramanya Iyer
↑ S R₂ G₃ M₂ P D₂ N₃ S'
Varnam 4AdvancedTana VarnamTelugu
Saami Ninne
Kalyani · Ata Tala · Sonti Venkatasubbaiah
↑ S R₂ G₃ M₂ P D₂ N₃ S'

More Varnams Coming Soon

Expanding to 20+ Varnams across Bhairavi, Mohanam, Kalyani, Todi, Kambhoji, Shankarabharanam, Saveri, and more ragas.