Certification Examination in Carnatic Music

By Thara Narasimhan

HOUSTON: The first of its kind a certification Examination in Carnatic Music was held on 27 May. It was organized and designed by Vidushi Rajarajeshwary Bhat under the auspices of Krishna Gana Sudha Music Academy – Houston. An overwhelming 60 participants took advantage of this exam all over the United States several in person and few taking exam on-line. CARNATIX Level I – Shadjam exam for the first time in the USA with the help of Tournametrix.

Certification is a process that validates an individual’s qualifications for a specific field. It demonstrates that the individual knows and exhibits abilities and skill with level of assessed excellence and the standard of knowledge that has been acquired through learning. In addition, it increases visibility, builds credibility, provides a goal for personal professional achievement and validates expertise for the individual and to those outside the field.

The Carnatix offers 7 levels certification Examination towards “Sapta Gana Rathna” degree and performance opportunities created by Vidwan Sri. Vittal Ramamurthy (Violin) and Vidhushi Smt. Rajarajeshwary Bhat (Vocal). With their extensive experience and knowledge in music, CARNATIX – Carnatic Music Examinations are designed to bring about standardization in Carnatic Music Assessment throughout the world with one standard system and encourage interested students to take these exams one level at a time and grow in this field.

The exam consisted of both theory and practical examination personally administered by Vidushi RajaRajeswary Bhat at SAI Primary Care in Manvel. She is very well known to introduce innovative methods of teaching and making it fun to learn Carnatic music. She is instrumental to introduce “Gruha Sangeetham” and “Tender Voices” that provides incentive for students to master their lessons, inspiration to pursue the art to the next level and enthusiasm to share with family and friends in a traditional concert format presented by her students. With this innovative of idea beginning with certification in Carnatic music there is excellent scope for this idea develop and flourish into higher level of recognition with, approval and University Accreditations.

Meena Aithala observes, “ Krishna Gana Sudha Music Academy (KGSMA) has established a milestone for all the music learners who will be now able to receive certification for their music education. The Director of KGSMA Vidushi Rajarajeshwary Bhat initiated this idea and with her dedication and selfless effort, this is a reality now. True to its name, KGSMA has made its mark as an Academy of formal musical studies. The exams will be held in 7 levels namely Shadjam, Rishabam, Gandharam, Madhyamam, Panchamam, Daivatam, Nishadam and it will be administered twice a year during Memorial Day weekend and Thanksgiving weekend.

Tournametrix is proud to bring “CARNATIX” Examination in Carnatic Music (South Indian Classical Music). CARNATIX will also establish practical performance opportunities as part of the syllabus and evaluation at certain milestone level examination. It also is an opportunity for many Music teachers all over the United States to conduct the exams and have their students certified in carnatic music.

For further information on activities of Krishna Gana Sudha Music Academy 

email: krishnaganasudha@gmail.com 

or call 281-901-2345.