Mridangam is the most
authentic percussion instrument of India and an integral part of Indian music. The body of
the instrument is made of jackwood shell and the layers of skin on the two heads are
secure by means of a long un-tanned leather strap. The right head is called the
Valan-thalai and the left one is called the Thoppi. Unlike most of the other instruments,
Mridangam sounds better only with a trained hand. Therefore a beginner needs to be more
patient and determined to practise.
Teaching mridangam involves 3 stages.
The first stage is leaning the lessons.
Lessons are arranged in Adi Tala. Learing the drum syllables, getting to practise them as
lessons meticulously in three distinct speeds where the speeds are double to the previous
ones at a steady tempo. Oral recitation of the drum syllables along with the tala executed
with one’s hands is also an essential part of learning.
The next stage is to learn Nadai and
Tani avarthanam (pure percussion performance). Four main talas are taught – Adi,
Rupakam, Misra Chaapu & Khanda Chaapu. When once the student is able to play Thani
avarthanams independently set to tala of a given tempo with simple improvisations within
the limits of the grammar of mridangam, a few other talams are also taught. Gati bedam or
playing of Nadai variations (eg. Tisra Nadai) are also taught. A lot of listening is a
must. Tonal beauty, rhythmic control, energetic playing and aesthetic presentation are
important. The student intuitively acquires the sense of proportion in playing.
The last stage is to accompany a music
concert as the mridangist. A lot of practise and understanding the “dos &
donts” are essential to go through this stage. Stage experience, tuning and
maintenance of the Mridangam on and off the stage are of significance. More than anything
else, upholding the artistic tradition, Guru Bakthi, high thinking and a humble attitude
make a true mridangist. |
The National Arts Council has endorsed 10 special courses of alapana under
the Arts Education Programme (NAC-AEP) and they are offered to all schools, JCs and
polytechnic institutions in Singapore. These institutions may book the courses in advance
for the years 2007-08 and these programmes will be conducted at the respective schools of
Singapore
List of NAC-AEP endorsed programmes for 2007-08:
Indian Music for MEP
Bharata Kalanjali (Tribute to the Art of Dance)
Introduction to Indian Percussion - Part 1
Concert Tradition
Evolution of Ragas
Bharatanatyam (Indian Classical Dance)
Confluence of South & North Indian Music (Jugal Bandhi)
Indian Folk Dance
Research topics on Indian Music for MEP
Strings of India
Besides the above list, we offer customised workshops too.
We have conducted several workshops at JCs and schools such as RJC, RGS, MGS, YJC,
ACJC,TJC, TKGS since year 2000..
Visit the following link for programme details: NAC-AEP |