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Behind the Scenes: The Making of Our Music

bySuma SudhindraClasses at Tarangini Arts Foundation, MalleshwaramStarts from2,800 per month (8 classes)View full gallery

The stage looks polished, but the real magic happens right here on the floor. Get a glimpse into the candid moments, hard work, and laughter that go into building a 50-member ensemble for our upcoming production.

A candid moment from our composing session for 'Meera Tarangini'. This is where ideas are shared, and layers of music are built with incredibly talented musicians.

Another snapshot from the making of our golden jubilee musical. These informal, floor-seated sessions are where we are most comfortable and creative, working together to bring a new composition to life.

About Behind the Scenes

This is where the real music starts—not on a grand stage, but here on the floor in our studio. We spend hours refining the layering of 50 instruments, debating the Meetu (plucking) balance, and ensuring that every note in our latest production, Meera Tarangini, serves the composition perfectly.

The Creative Process

People often see the finished concert, but the journey of a Carnatic music composition is messy, loud, and incredibly fulfilling. Whether we are preparing for a golden jubilee celebration or a standard ensemble piece, the process starts with a blank slate.

My students and I focus heavily on the how and why of each raga. When we sit together to rehearse for events at venues like Chowdaiah Memorial Hall, we aren't just reading notations. We are exploring the nuance of each phrase. For our 50-member ensemble, the challenge is synchronization. We spend weeks aligning our rhythm and tone, making sure that when we perform, it sounds like one single, massive instrument rather than 50 separate players.

Why Practice Sessions Matter

Learning at Tarangini Arts Foundation is about more than just finger technique. It is about understanding the art of performance. During these sessions, I emphasize:

  • Ensemble Coordination: Learning to listen to fellow musicians while maintaining your own rhythm.
  • Stage Etiquette: Understanding sound checks, microphone placement, and how to handle the inevitable nerves of a live performance.
  • Creative Input: I encourage students to ask questions and experiment. Music is a dialogue, not a lecture.

Join the Journey

Whether you are an absolute beginner looking for Carnatic music training in Malleswaram or an advanced player wanting to join our ensemble rehearsals, these sessions are open to those with passion. We focus on rigorous technique but keep the atmosphere supportive and fun. If you want to see how we build a concert from the ground up, come visit us at the foundation.

50-member ensemble performing February 2025.Approved by the tribe
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Suma Sudhindra

Classes at Tarangini Arts Foundation, MalleshwaramStarts from 2,800 per month (8 classes)

I am Suma, and for me, the veena is a lifelong conversation. I don’t just teach and perform; I live in these practice rooms, constantly learning and experimenting with new sounds alongside my students and fellow artists.

Explore other aspects of my music

Looking for something specific? Search through my concerts, awards, and teaching programs.