‘’The power of music makes all the difference’’
Classical Carnatic music is the continuance of ancient Indian music as it was prior to the advent of Persian influence and the attendant evolution of the Hindustani style. myGurukul has the honor of having one such maestro of this powerful music as a Guru with us- Vidwan Shashank Subramanyam. He pours all his experience of more than 3 decades into his teachings at myGurukul. You can learn Carnatic Flute from this maestro and set a strong foundation & widen your musical horizons.
Well, till then this blog will tell you more about Vidwan Shashank Subramanyam, his journey towards Carnatic Music, and tips he himself has to share for the beginners as well as the professional flutists. Yes! This space will enable you to create your own archive with tips from the maestro.
Shri Shashank’s spectacular journey
As known to the world of Carnatic music, Vidwan Shashank Subramanyam hails from a musical family. Music in his veins was prominent since he was 6 years old. At 11 he was already in the professional circuit of the music world. This all started by just observing his father playing flute where he imbibed the fingering technique. Just so you know, he also played violin alongside. And since then he has created history in the world of Indian Classical Music with his Carnatic Flute.
Significance of Carnatic Music
Carnatic music as we know it today can at best be traced to the early or middle of the eighteenth century & reminds of temple-based music. It holds a rich tradition of composition in all the 4 south indian languages & the temples there like Meenakshi temple depict its themes. Carnatic music equips an artist not only with plain notes but also gamakas that can never be replicated.
Talking about carnatic flute, though it is a mere instrument, what makes it beautiful is carnatic music & its intricate nuance. Though the composition of carnatic & other flutes, the style of playing might look similar, but the music produced is extremely different and unique. It brings with it melodic and rhythmic complexities that adds an extra-edge to an artist while collaborating with other musicians.
Sharings from Vidwan Shashank Subramanyam -
Tips for beginners that’ll stay as the foundation forever -
1. Keep edgelity in fingering
Be it any fingering technique, almost all are complex. Practice with edgelity.
2. Focus on gayaki style
It is fundamental to learn the vocals before any carnatic instrument.
3. Breathing exercises; the very basic yet paramount.
Regular attention towards controlling your breath via exercise is crucial.
4. Vocabulary of sounds
Be well-versed with all types of notes and sounds.
5. Have acceptance to amalgamation of genres
Be open to unification.
6. Play ornamented notes fluently.
Not just the plain notes, be fluent in ornamented notes.
7. Play fundamentals well before moving to advance
Never rush, master in one thing at a time
8. Choose a guru who is progresisve & not rigid.
A guru who gives solid knowledge without trying to imprint their style on their students, who lets you explore is important right from the start.
Tips for professionals to enhance their playing
1. Understand music & flute parallely, not definitely.
Though music and instruments are different, understand them in their own capacities but parallely.
2. Don't mix, stay homogenous.
Represent one ideal picture through your melodies
3. Don't imitate
Not even your guru, as everyone possesses his/her unique style. Find your own.
4. Strive to contribute on your own.
You can never be seen in comparison to your peers. Have a quest to create your own pieces.
5. Study everybody’s work
Search, research, analyse, imbibe, appreciate and come to a conclusion of your own.
6. Don't bask forever under your guru, learn and self-explore.
Walk along with your guru till necessary, then bank on his knowledge don't bask.
‘’Learn under a Guru who gives a shape & strengthens your wings & not adds weight to it’’
- Vidwan Shri Shashank Subramanym
Vidwan Shashank Subramanyam along with his peers and students have found ways to ease the complex fingering techniques of carnatic flute. He has curated lessons that not alone teach you complex note formation as fundamental lessons, but notes in different time cycles. This well-crafted study syllabus is made available only at myGurukul. Learn authentic classical music directly from the maestro and experience wholesome exercise.
Start your journey towards melodies.
