Topic started by Logenthiran (@ 207.6.33.7) on Thu Mar 6 23:16:14 .
All times in EST +10:30 for IST.

Can anyone help me find a site with instuctions or help about playing the nadhaswaram? or any sites with books about how to play the nadhaswarm.

Responses:

• From: Nick (@ mridangam.demon.co.uk) on: Fri Mar 7 08:07:43
  
  Can you really expect to learn such an instrument from a book? Perhaps if you already know vocal music it might help you to make a start. But I believe it is renowned for its difficulty:-(
  
  I am often persuading people that you cannot really learn mridangam without a teacher, and we don't have ragam to learn.
  
  
• From: logenthiran (@ vance002.net.gov.bc.ca) on: Fri Mar 7 14:56:58
  
  ive had experiance playing western wind instuments and I also play the tabla, I know alot about carnatic music so i don't think I'll have much of a problem. I just want to know some basic tips on how to play it.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• From: Rohan (@ 24.247.126.246.kzo.mi.chartermi.net) on: Fri Mar 7 15:31:38
  
  Like Nick said, it is difficult to learn an instrument or vocal music through a book, moreso for a total beginner. As long as you have some understanding of the music system and have heard plenty of it (so that you know what it is supposed to sound like), you can succeed with a book to a good extent.
  
  Of the myriad of complexities carnatic layam has, the most difficult aspect to express through a book, I have found, is the idea of kaarvai (gaps) and nadai (change in inner pulse). These are critical ideas that need to be firmly understood by all carnatic musicians. If one can do so with a book, then there's no problem. But generally, it is best if someone can instruct directly or at least verbally so one can hear the material.
  
  
• From: Nick (@ mridangam.demon.co.uk) on: Fri Mar 7 16:13:32
  
  Logenthiran, Then I am sure you will be able to make a start. I was thinking that one of the hardest things at first must be holding the double reed properly between the lips so as to get a sound out of it.
  
  
• From: Nick (@ mridangam.demon.co.uk) on: Fri Mar 7 16:17:45
  
  Rohan, isn't karvai much the same as a pause in Western notation? nadai is there too; playing tisra nadai in Western notation would be written in triplets. However, playing *the same melody or rhythm pattern* compressed into triplets etc against an unchanging beat is something rather amazing for Western musicians, I think.
  
  
• From: Rohan (@ 24.247.126.246.kzo.mi.chartermi.net) on: Fri Mar 7 19:01:03
  
  You are correct Nick. I used the term "gap," but pause is the technical term for it. I have heard many use the word "pulse" in a technical conversation, so I am assuming that is also the technical term.
  
  Again, Western music does not go in depth into the rhythmic aspects as Carnatic music does. Let alone nadai, but the idea of mohra, korvai, theernaman, etc., do not even exist in western music. For that matter, they do not even follow thalams (beat cycles), but just follow a steady tempo! Carnatic rhythm is altogether very unique and intricate.
  
  
• From: Logenthiran (@ 207.6.33.7) on: Sat Mar 8 18:09:39
  
  you would'nt happen to know where i could find a diagram or somthing about how to put the double reed between the lips would you? i tried and iam not getting the sound i want, i know ure right when u say I need a guru for this kind of instument or any carnatic instument for that matter, but if u do where i would find a picture of that it would be a big help. since i live in canada, its hard to find a nadhaswarm guru.
  
  
• From: Nick (@ mridangam.demon.co.uk) on: Sun Mar 9 05:47:13
  
  Rohan, I wish I knew more about Western music so I could take up this topic of conversation, but I never learnt any music before starting on mridangam. If you know any good written comparisons, book or web, I would be interested to see them.
  
  
• From: Nick (@ mridangam.demon.co.uk) on: Sun Mar 9 05:52:32
  
  Logenthiran, try to find a local oboe player/teacher? they may be a *little* more common than nagaswaram players in your area;-) I am often meeting Tamil people from Canada, but OK, it is a huge place that I know little about, so I guess you must live somewhere where there is not a big community.
  I could find a nagaswaram player just down the road from me in London, UK! They are, however, booked up months in advance for functions, and I think they speak very little English
  
  
• From: Rohan (@ 24.247.126.246.kzo.mi.chartermi.net) on: Sun Mar 9 10:54:16
  
  Logenthiran,
  
  I have seen a duo of a thavil and a nagaswaram artist who live in Toronto. I am not sure to what extent they give concerts or teach, but you may want to try getting some information about them and try to contact them.
  
  
• From: Logenthiran (@ 207.6.33.7) on: Sun Mar 9 16:29:22
  
  "I have seen a duo of a thavil and a nagaswaram artist who live in Toronto."
  yes I know there are plenty of people who live in toronto who can play nadhaswarm. however in British Colombia, its very hard to find anyone who know even a little about the nadhaswarm. however thank you nick for the tip about finding a oboe player. i will do that.thanks<<
  
  
• From: Nick (@ mridangam.demon.co.uk) on: Sun Mar 9 18:36:06
  
  Do let us know how you get on
  
  

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