Carnatic Music Masterclasses & Workshops
BALA RAMANAN
I run practical Carnatic music masterclasses and workshops where we focus on hands-on improvisation, stamina building, and finding your own musical voice, with special sessions for Veena players and open formats for all musicians.
Ramana Balachandhran
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22.4k
About Carnatic Music Masterclasses & Workshops
How I See Music & Teaching
Music, for me, is a never-ending journey. I'm always digging for new ideas and connections, especially in the way kanakku (math in music) and melody play off each other. I don't believe in just drilling formulas; I want to get to that sweet spot where the structure disappears and only the emotion, the raga bhava, shines through. My masterclasses are all about this kind of hands-on discovery.
Workshop Formats
- I run online and in-person sessions, all focused on doing, not just talking.
- "Veenopasana: The Stamina Session" is for intermediate or advanced Veena players who want to push their limits. It's four hours of non-stop
sadhana(practice), all about fretting, speed, clarity, and getting those fingers to sing. This one's selective, since it works best with folks at the same level. - Thematic workshops are open to all Carnatic musicians, whether you sing or play. One session, we might break down how to build a killer Alapana; another, we could get into the guts of a specific
kriti(composition) or talk about mixing rhythm and melody.
What We Dive Into
- Carnatic improvisation techniques for making your Alapana and Swarakalpana more interesting.
- Building stamina and control, especially for Veena players chasing that high-level sound.
- We get practical about performance, ornamentation (
gamaka shuddham), and feeling the emotional side of each piece. - Manodharma training in Carnatic music, so you can start finding your own voice.
I see these workshops as shared exploration—no one has all the answers. If you're curious to go deep and stretch your musical muscles, we'll get along just fine.
Meet your Expert
Ramana Balachandhran
257 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Namaste, I’m Ramana. Veena is my main thing, but honestly, music is music - I end up playing mridangam, sitar, singing, whatever. Sometimes my brain goes off on weird tangents, like imagining chess as ragas on the veena! My thatha, simple man, strict but sweet - I used to prank him with Kurkure, and he’d grumble, ‘Chi yennada idhu masala va potrukaan!’ (What’s this masala!) but still eat it. I find inspiration everywhere - monkeys meditating, old masters, even random moments. Always searching for that stillness.
My Work
Veena Performances & Collaborations - I play solo, team up with others, and bring in my multi-instrumentalist Carnatic artist side.
Advanced Veena Workshops - My veenopasana workshops are intense 4-hour sadhana for those ready to dive deep. Think gamaka shuddham training, fretboard control, stamina.
Teaching Style - I find shortcuts, mnemonics, practical tricks. Whatever helps you learn, I’ll try it.
Concerts & Pallavi Exploration - Every concert is a test and a game. I love complex Pallavi exploration, even if I mess up sometimes.
My Musical Philosophy - Kanakku and bhava? Not enemies. I try to blend math and melody so it just feels natural.