This lesson introduces the very important concept of gaps or spaces in the konnakol language. Tham, Thongu, Din and Din Thongu can be added to the end of phrases to augment ideas and increase rhythmic tension. Familiarity with these phrases will also make learning advanced phrases found in Korvais simpler. Ultimately a handle on these gaps allows long chains of rhythmic ideas to flow, breath and achieve a higher sense of musicality. Audio and video elements will supplement this content and be uploaded shortly. A downloadable pdf of this lessons is available at the bottom of the page. Continue reading
Tag Archives: konnakol
Misra Chapu – Subdivision Exercise 3 (Notation)
This is the supporting notation to the video Misra Chapu Subdivision Exercise 3. A downloadable PDF is available at the bottom of the page. Continue reading
Misra Chapu – Subdivision Exercise 2 (Notation)
This is the supporting notation to the video Misra Chapu Subdivision Exercise 2. A downloadable PDF is available at the bottom of the page. 
Misra Chapu 7 beat cycle – Variation 2
Misra Chapu – Subdivision Exercise 2 (Video)
This video is a follow up to a previous lesson on Misra Chapu. This exercise uses the same subdivisions but introduces them in a different order. The rearrangement of the subdivisions is a simple concept but in practice posses challenges. This idea is applied in numerous konnakol phrases and quickly gets one to reexamine ways that any collection of rhythmic phrases can be permuted.
Misra Chapu 7 Beat Cycle – Subdivision Exercise 1 (Notation)
This is the supporting notated content to the video Misra Chapu Subdivision Exercise 1. Make sure to check out the video first before viewing the notated music.
Misra Chapu 7 Beat Cycle – Subdivision Exercise 1 (Video)
Below is a video of Sreenath Sreenivasan demonstrating the Misra Chapu Thalum while reciting the phrase Ta Ki Ta Ta Ka Di Mi & Ta Ka Di Mi Ta Ki Ta in different subdivisions. This is a great way to lock in the Misra Chapu Thalum and get more comfortable in 7/4 time. Supporting notated content for this video can be found here.
Displacement Exercise in Adi Thalum – Takatakita (Video)
This video demonstrates a classic rhythmic displacement exercise in Carnatic music. In the 8 beat cycle Adi Thalum, the phrase Ta Ka Di Mi Ta Ka Ju Nu is displaced by a 16th note via the phrase Ta Ka Ta Ki Ta, a cell of five 16th notes. Watch the video and attempt to figure out the exercise. If you need help, check out the attached pdf, available to download, at the bottom of the page.
A Hybrid Approach to Jazz 