Carnatic vocal · Singapore & online
Carnatic music classes in Singapore
Learn Carnatic vocal music the way it was meant to be learnt: by ear, step by step, with a teacher who listens to your voice. Lessons are shaped around your age, background and goals, with no fixed syllabus. Online from anywhere, or in person at our Costa Rhu studio.
What you will learn
Carnatic music is built on a clear progression of exercises and compositions. Each student moves through it at their own pace, and we spend longer wherever the voice needs it.
- Foundations — shruti, swara and talaSinging in tune with the tanpura, the seven swaras, and keeping tala with the hand. Sarali varisai, janta varisai and dhatu varisai build pitch, breath and evenness.
- Alankarams and geethamsThe seven alankarams across the suladi talas, then simple geethams that introduce ragas such as Malahari, Mohanam and Kalyani.
- Swarajathis and varnamsLonger compositions that train gamakas, speed and stamina — the bridge from exercises to concert repertoire.
- Kritis and bhajansCompositions of the great composers, devotional songs and the pieces you love, learnt with correct sahityam, bhava and gamaka.
- ManodharmaFor students who are ready: raga alapana, niraval and kalpana swaras — the improvisational freedom at the heart of Carnatic music.
Who our Carnatic classes are for
Children (from age 4)
Little Voices (4–8) starts with ear-training and rhythm games before formal varisais. Young Singers (9–15) build structured raga and tala foundations, with guidance toward exams.
Adults — new or returning
Never learnt before, or picking music back up after years? Lessons are paced to a busy adult life and built around the music you want to sing.
Seniors
Gentle, unhurried sessions centred on devotional songs and bhajans — for joy, community and calm.
How lessons work
Every student starts with a trial class. We listen to your voice, ask what you love to hear and what you want to be able to sing, and suggest a path. From there you choose the format that suits you:
If you are also curious about Hindustani or Western music, our Equivalence Fluency Lab shows how the same notes carry different names — Sa is Sa is Do — so a Carnatic student can understand a Hindustani bandish or a Western melody with ease.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any prior experience to join Carnatic classes?
No. Many of our students start from zero. The first lessons focus on listening, singing in tune with the tanpura and keeping tala, and we only move on when you are comfortable.
What is the right age for a child to start Carnatic music?
Children can start from around age 4 in our Little Voices program, which uses playful ear-training and rhythm games. Formal varisais usually begin once the child can sit for a short focused session, often around 6 or 7.
Are Carnatic classes available online?
Yes. Classes run live online for students anywhere in the world, and in person at our Costa Rhu studio in Singapore. You can move between online and in-person classes whenever your schedule changes.
Can my child prepare for Carnatic music exams?
Yes. Alongside regular lessons we offer an academic curriculum with structured guidance toward music certification and formal degree examinations.
How much do Carnatic classes cost?
Fees depend on the format you choose — one-to-one or group, online or in person. We share current pricing when you enquire, along with the next available trial slot.
Start with a trial class
Tell us the age, format and music you love — we'll reply with the next available slot. Pricing is shared when you enquire.