SRI BHRAMARAMBA SANGEETHA VIDYALAYA

 

 

Courses in South Indian Classical Music and Bhajans, Sanskrit and other Indian Languages

 

Courses

Teachers

Concerts

Videos

Mysore

Classes are available in;

-       Vocal - classical and bhajans.

-       Harmonium and keyboard.

-       Stringed Instruments - violin, mandolin, veena, guitar.

-       Percussion Instruments - mridangam, tabla, ghatam.

-       Sanskrit and chanting. Hindi, Kannada and Tamil.

 

Classes are given in Mysore - India, or over the internet using Skype or Yahoo Messenger.

 

Phone - (+91) 9448101314 / 9448011606 / 9900928938 / 0821 2332727

Email - ambaprasadviolinist@yahoo.com

              bhargavamrudangam@yahoo.co.in

Address  - 2359/18, Ambasadana, XI Cross,

Basaveshwara Road, Mysore - 4, India.

 

Both long and short term courses can be given. Classes are given individually and start on demand. Classes in Mysore can take place at the school or at your place of convenience.

 

 

 

 

Courses

 

All lessons are transcribed in a series of graded books in English compiled by the teachers.

 

Vocal : Students are taught the basics of the Carnatic (South Indian) vocal technique, improving the range and tone of the voice and handling the stylistic ornamentation which is typical of the South Indian style. Later Geethas (small songs) and Krittis (performance pieces) will be learnt. Courses can be tailored to the students interests with Bhajans and devotional singing as optional courses of study

Classes begin with Sanskrit chants followed by practical and theory lessons and end with Bhajans.

 

Harmonium, Keyboard, Violin, Guitar and other stringed instruments: 

A systematic approach to learning in the South Indian Classical style suitable for both beginners and advanced players with or without experience of Western classical music. Starting with simple exercises to build a basic technique, students can quickly move on to learning short pieces in some of the beautifully expressive Ragas (scales).

 

Mridangam, Tabla and Ghatam; The student is taken through a series of lessons that build a strong foundation by learning the patterns that form the basis of the tabla, mridangam or ghatam technique. Once these have been learnt these patterns are applied to accompany both Bhajans (devotional singing) and Indian Classical Music. Later the student can learn some solo pieces in a variety of different Talas (rhythmic metres).

http://sites.google.com/site/mysorepercussion/

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Teachers

 

The violin virtuoso Mysore V. Amba Prasad is the eldest son of Smt. Shalini and Sri G.V. Murthy. He belongs to the popular Carnatic classical lineage of Sri Rajamanickam Pillai, his first Guru being the renowned Shresta Acharya Vid. Kumbakonam Janardhanam. Since his first public performance in 1992, he has performed over 900 programmes as a solo violinist in some of the most important concert halls and temples in India. He has a flair for experimenting, and plays on a self designed five stringed violin. His playing is always innovative and technically brilliant.

Coming from a deeply spiritual family Amba Prasads performances are renowned for the profound connection made with the divine through the medium of music.

He is an extremely experienced teacher of both Carnatic violin and vocal techniques. He also teaches mandolin, guitar and other stringed instruments. He has a great wealth of knowledge about the South Indian style of Classical Music and passes this on to his students with passion and dedication. He has taught both Indian and foreign students to performance level.

 

Some of the awards and titles given to Amba Prasad include:

Bharata Violin Vadya Tilaka - Skandashrama, Salem

Nada Yogi - Mysore District Literary Association

Nada Nirmathru - Divine Park, Saligrama

Ilam Isai Thendral - Andanallur Mutt, Trichy

Kalai Choodar - Music Sabha Pudukkottai

Ganavadya Sudaroli - Sri Devi Prasad sangeetha Vidyalaya

Piteelu Vadana Chatura - Lord Hanuman Temple, Mysore

Yuva Bhaskara - Lions South, Mysore

Awarded a Silver Medal by Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Charities after a Violin programme during Navaratri 2000 at Sri Sri Sringeri Shankara Mutt, Siddapur.  

 

Gurus

Shresta Acharya Vid. Kumbakonam Janardhan (Late) of Sri RajaManicka Pillai Paramparai, Thanjavoor. Kanchipuram Nagarajan Walajapet ,Sri Nivasa Bhagavathar, Mysore Hrishikesh, Mysore Venagopal, Vidushi Ratnamma, Karnataka Kalashri Vid. N, Nanjundaswamy (disciple of Mysore T. Chowdaiah), Vidwan Kodanthai J. Deviprasad and Mysore H.K. Narasimha Murthy.

 

Comments from students.

Amba Prasad Sir is a very attentive and patient teacher and his talent as a musician is inspiring.  He has the gift to teach all levels, and as a beginner I felt comfortable (and apologetic..) getting acquainted with the violin and breaking in my voice.   I was fortunate to begin my studies with him in Mysore, and now back in Los Angeles I experience his encouragement and precision through our lessons over the net.

Elizabeth Larson -- Los Angeles, CA

lizlarx@excite.com

 

"Ambaprasad is an amazing teacher.  His devotion to music and to the Divine make studying with him and introduction to much more than music.  If you want to connect with the great Mystery, study with Ambaprasad!  He helped me reconnect to  my own great love of music."  

B Alford, Wisconsin

balford@mac.com

 

I have been learning the keyboard since May 2008 through Mr Ambaprasad's tutoring over the internet. I wish to say that I enjoy the classes very much and really admire his sincerity, dedication and thoroughness in his tutoring. There has been times when I would think it has been long enough a class but he encourages through his lovely bhajans to make the class more interesting. Also he is very free to discuss on the various nuances of the music and I will not hestitate to recommend Mr.Ambraprasad to anybody who would like to learn.

Seshadri

e-mail:klvsaica@yahoo.ca

 

Mysore V. Ambaprasad has been a great inspiration to me as my violin teacher these past four years. His dedication to his students and to Carnatic music is complete. He brings music to life for his students and his audiences as he is always imbued with the devotion that is the essence of Carnatic music.

Lara Pearson - London

larap.ann@gmail.com

 

I started taking mandolin and harmonium lessons with Amba Prasad on my last visit to Mysore. With no musical background, I was surprised by how quickly I became comfortable with both instruments as well as my own voice. Amba has created a well rounded curriculum based on a combination of music theory lessons, instrument practice, as well as voice lessons. His inspiring love for carnatic music encourages me to explore my own musical abilities beyond where I thought possible. We now have lessons via the internet, since my departure and I can still benefit from his passion and support. Tarica Phungprasert - Bangkok, Thailand.

taricap@gmail.com

 

"I have been learn under Mr. Ambaprasad for near nine months now and I have enjoyed every class so far. Mr. Ambaprasad is a very fine guru and I am lucky to have him as my violin teacher. I have learned more with Mr. Ambaprasad than ever before and this has brought forth more interest in me to play violin. Mr. Ambaprasad is a very kind, patient and effective teacher and in the nine months I have learned from him he has bolstered my confidence and my knowledge of playing the violin."

Vignesh

vidyaramchandran@yahoo.com

 

Ambaprasad is like the sun. 

His teaching transform a seed into a flower.

Chiara 

chiara_castellan@gmx.ch

 

I am learning Carnatic  instrumental Music (Violin) from Nadayogi Mysore V  Ambaprasad for almost 10  years. The way he teaches and guides is a great sort of encouragement to learn. He keeps his calm even though we will be making lots of mistakes . He will make us to put so much efforts while learning fundamentals , it makes that much easier to learn  the advance lessons.

What else I can say,  I am very glad to say that I got such a wounderful and talented Guru.

Srinath Gurunath

Srinath_Gurunath@contractor.amat.com

 

I am deeply grateful to Ambaprasad for teaching music theory, singing, and harmonium both for my wife Carol and I. He is truly a great teacher and I was really amazed on how much I've learned in a very short amount of time. Ambaprasad passion for teaching and his teaching methods are remarkable.

Sincerely,  Marcus Fontoura

marcusfontoura@yahoo.com

 

I have been a student since a year and of course I must say that Shri Ambaprasad has inifinite patience for students like me who are very slow in learning . He makes the class very interesting and is always ready to explain on any questions that you may have on your music. Yes he is a very cordial and understanding teacher and I can recommend him to anybody who wants to learn music.

Ranga, Canada

klvsaica@yahoo.ca

 

"I've been learning violin under Mr Ambaprasad since March'08. I knew the basic swara positions and how to tune my violin before joining the online classes.

Mr Ambaprasad has a very friendly approach/infinte patience to teaching....has a very good understanding of where you are struggling and methods to improve on that. does a lot of revision every class to make sure you imbibe what was taught in the previous classes... also ensures that each class has just enough content/practice so that you feel both comfortable and challenged at the same time !!!! I have no reservation in recommending these classes. In fact I would go to the extent of saying that these (online) classes are better than in person classes."

Seshu

 

Learning music with Mr Ambaprasad has been a pleasure because of his patience and his knowledge, and his dedication to music is inspiring. ItŐs amazing how much he taught me in just 10 lessons. Anush, England

 

Software: Microsoft Office

A well known percussionist, Mysore V.R.R.Bhargava is the second son of Smt. Shalini & Sri G.V.Murthy . The family has a very spiritual and traditional background and also has developed a unique bonding with music since the days of the Maharajas.

Bhargavas induction into the art was planned with love by his father who learnt mridangam in his presence for a few days and when Bhargava showed inclination towards it he handed it over to him and encouraged him to become a professional musician.

In his learning days he had the fortune of being taught by a few well known & kind hearted gurus like vidwan Sri Ekambaram of Kanchipuram, vidwan Sri Tumkur Bhadrachar, vidwan Sri Belakwadi Sridhar, Vidwan Sri P N Chandramouli, vidwan Sri V S Ramesh, vidwan Sri Srinidhi and vidwan Sri Sudarshan of Mysore.

He is blossoming under the profound tutelage of Vidwan Sri G.S. Ramanujan, who is carrying the flag of Mysore style percussion initiated & popularised by his guru vidwan sri P.G. Lakshminarayan.

Bhargava has performed in approximately 500 concerts since 1993. He has accompanied many eminent artists including his brother Nadayogi Mysore V. Ambaprasad, a popular solo violinist.

Bhargavas style of playing is a mixture of song and rhythm based accompaniment that creates a wonderful mood for the listener and inspires the main artist, bringing out the best in them.

Bhargava has proved his mettle as an excellent teacher too. He teaches Mridangam, Tabla & Ghatam to many Indian and Foreign students and has designed his own style of teaching that makes the learning process quick, simple & effective.

 

Comments from students.

I have been blessed by being a student of Mysore V.R.R. Bhargava for the past 4 years taking Tabla and Mridangam lessons in Mysore and over the internet when I am living in the UK. He is an excellent teacher with plenty of patience for beginners and an enormous wealth of knowledge for more experienced students. His lessons are always stimulating, full of variety and innovation and his performances are truly inspirational.

Lara Pearson - London.

larap.ann@gmail.com

 

"I had an incredible experience learning mridangam from Bhargava in Mysore.  After 10 days, I came away with a basic knowledge of exercises, grooves and a few solo phrases.  As a music educator myself, I appreciated the way he customized lessons differently for me and my wife (who is not a professional drummer).  I highly recommend taking lessons from Bhargava."

John, Chicago, USA

John Knecht

 

"I had the pleasure of taking 20 tabla lessons with Mr. Bhargava over the month of February 2009 in Mysore, India.  I'm a drummer by profession, but I have never played tablas before.  The lessons with Mr. Bhargava gave me a solid foundation to playing and understanding this amazing instrument and the culture it represents.  Mr. Bhargava has an endless amount of patience and a constant genuine smile on his face.  The lessons with him contibuted to the very plesent expereince I had in Mysore.  I would recommend him to anyone who is interested in exploring Indian music, from beginners to advanced."

Yotam Rosenbaum

Drummer, Composer

Los Angeles, California

 

Your classes were superb,and always give me great knowledge.

Thank you.   Jeremiah

 

I think classes are PERFECT!! 

Ana Bolio,  Japan.

 

"I really enjoyed learning with you and the style of teaching, being given little by little an extra little sequence of strokes to learn. For me with no musical background it was very intuitive and fun."

Gia Weightman, Australia

 

 

 

 

Concerts

 

Nadayogi Mysore V. Amba Prasad gives solo violin concerts accompanied by his brother Mysore V.R.R. Bhargava leading the percussion. The concerts commence with Vedic chants played on the violin and continue with a variety of compositions to suit the occasion - pure classical at Sabha concerts, devotional music at Temple concerts, and a good mixture of light music during marriage occasions.

 

 

 

Videos

 

 

 

 

 

Mysore

 

Goddess Chamundeshwari on Chamundi Hill overlooking Mysore has been kind enough to bless people with a rich cultural knowledge. Mysore has had an atmosphere suitable for the development of the fine arts right from the days of the Maharajas. The Maharajas were musicians themselves and some of them were also eminent composers. They played an important part in the development of music in Mysore by encouraging both Indian and Western classical music. Many excellent composers were patronised by the Maharajas. These include Sri Mysore Vasudevacharya, Sri Vina Sheshanna, Sri Vina Venkatagiriyappa, Sri Bidram Krishnappa and Sri Mysore T. Chowdiah.

Since the end of the era of the Maharajas the responsibility for encouraging musicians has been taken over by some of the Swamijis and also art loving patrons who have formed sangitha sabhas (musical organisations) where artists from all over the world are invited to perform in front of enthusiastic audiences.

Some of the musicians from Mysore such as Mysore T. Chowdiah went on to conquer the hearts of music lovers throughout the world and this trend has been continuing to this day.

With the grace of God and everlasting patronage of our father Sri G. V. Murthy we have established a music institute named Sri Bhramaramba Sangeetha Vidyalaya which is situated in a residential area of Mysore, 3km from Mysore Palace. Mysore itself is a three hour drive or train journey from the state capital of Karnatika, Bangalore.

 

 

 

Rev. 2.0 September 20th, 2009