Syllabus:

Our syllabus for 5 levels, Prathama, Madhyama, Thrayee, Chatusra and Kausthuba are available here.

SYAMA has devised a holistic syllabus with an intention to provide comprehensive knowledge of carnatic music to the students. Hence our exams comprise of assessment in various areas as below (depending on the level):

1. Standard lessons – varisais, alankaras, geethams, swarajathis, varnams and kirthanas
2. Special exercises – Singing Akaram, alankaras in various ragas, etc.
3. Documentation – Reading from Notations, Writing notations of phrases/songs
4. Theory – Practically oriented theory of carnatic music.
5. Picture memory – students need to recognize pictures of instruments, various composers/musicians and their short biographies
6. Viva-voce - Interpreting/recognising components of manodharma singing, application of manodharma (improvisation) in extempore phrases/songs.
7. Cross-disciplinary knowledge – Students of melodic and rhythmic categories need to cross-learn basic concepts of the other.
8. Miscellaneous – Tuning of Thambura, Mridangam or Veena, Formulate a pallavi, etc.
9. History of carnatic music
10. Internals – Your support to participating or attendance support to SYAMA in in-house programs or various temple programs.

Hence we strongly encourage all students to give examinations. Examinations not only give you an assessment of where you stand, but also indirectly makes students practise more than what they do otherwise.

Examination procedures/rules:

SYAMA conducts its annual examinations in the 1st week of June every year.

1. Examinations are optional.
2. Students can take only one level of exam at any one time.
3. Students who have already learnt music elsewhere will be admitted at an advanced level directly, based on their capacity. No need to give exams of earlier levels
4. A reputed carnatic music exponent from chennai will be the examiner for all levels.
5. The examiner will spend 5-10 minutes with the student/parent, right after the exam to discuss the student's performance and to provide expert advice.
6. Successful students will receive certificates for every level
7. Decision of the teacher on the exam level and whether the student is fit for the exam, is final.
8. Examination fees are as follows: Levels 1 to 3- S$50; levels 4 and 5 - S$70
9. Students need to compulsarily attend 2 theory classes.