Students are taught the various drum syllables used in South Indian music. In native terms, they are called the Jatis or Sol-Kattu or Konnakkol.

The drum syllables are in a way tongue-twisters. If these drum syllables are said orally with proper articulation and breath control, they sound great.

While learning them you get to know the execution of the tala (Rhythmic yardstick with hand gestures). The simple notated representation using English alphabets also improves one's Sight-reading abilities.

The 3 months' course that answers the question, "What we do on the drums can we do orally?" The student will learn important theory information and the practical application of reading in various styles. The course includes ear training, sight reading drill, and intricate tala exercises. The class assembles once a week for one hour of interactive learning and Towards the end of the course, there will be a performance-based project presentation by the participants.

Course leads to a certificate.
Guru(Instructor): Mr V.Raghuraman

Video sample  : Oral Drum syllables

These are performance-oriented classes that focus on group interaction, timekeeping, sound recognition, reading and understanding of notated version of ensemble scripts with stylistic interpretation. Students are taught notated  orchestral pieces after the basics of the Ragas contained in them is covered. This will improve their understanding and performance in a group.

Instructors: alapana teachers.

This course deals with the conditions of a studio workplace. Students are taught mic-sense and special attention to studio environment. There will be special emphasis to teach the presentation skills for best recording results. Includes trial recording and final project performance to audio record their own performance. Accompanying musicians will be arranged for recording.  alapana will record and cut an audio CD master of his/her performance.  Elementary video recording aspects may also be included. Students are also taught about the interaction of producer, songwriter, engineer, etc., in the music making process.

Guru(Instructor): Mr V.Raghuraman

This is a "hands on" course that introduces the drummer to a variety of hand percussion instruments of India in the classical stream. Students are taught the basics of Mridangam and  Tabla.  A secondary focus is on  Ghatam , Kanjira, Mohrsing, Dolak & Naal.

Students are taught basic techniques on various instruments in order to practise and perform with students of other genere. Undergo training to perform in ensemble settings. In the process they will also be able to grasp the elements of similarities and differences in North and South Indian percussion approach.

Guru(Instructor)s: Mr V.Raghuraman & Mr Jatinder Singh

A one-on-one meeting once a week or at different frequencies with an instructor to work on the curriculum, trouble-shoot problem areas and offer an opportunity to evaluate the student's progress on an individual basis. The available subjects are Vocal music, Veena, Violin & Mridangam in Carnatic style, Tabla and Bharatanatyam dance. The venue will be alapana classrooms.

Instructors: alapana teachers

The Theory class is a combination of lecture and demonstration to assure the student that he/she has acquired a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamentals of Indian Music theory. Topics covered are: History of Indian Music, Evolution of the Raga system, Development of musical instruments, Trinity of Carnatic music, Tala system, Pitch, Notation, Structure of compositions, Concert tradition, Glossary of terms, Do's & Dont's.

Guru (Instructor)s: Mrs R.Banumathy & Mr V.Raghuraman

The Studio Recording Workshop is designed to give the student hands on experience inside a working alapana recording studio.

The course is currently under review for launch.