Carnatic Flashcards
7 cards from real Online Music Lessons practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Carnatic flashcards as text
What is the term for the improvised elaboration of a raga performed before the main composition in a Carnatic concert?
Answer: Raga alapana
Raga alapana is the free-flowing, unmetered exploration of a raga's character and phrases, performed before the composition begins.
Which instrument is traditionally considered the primary percussion instrument in Carnatic music?
Answer: Mridangam
The mridangam is the principal percussion instrument in Carnatic music, providing rhythmic support to all vocal and instrumental performances.
In Carnatic solfege, what is the correct ascending order of the seven notes?
Answer: Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Da Ni
The seven Carnatic swaras in ascending order are Sa (shadja), Ri (rishabha), Ga (gandhara), Ma (madhyama), Pa (panchama), Da (dhaivata), and Ni (nishada).
Which of the following ragas is considered an 'audava' raga (pentatonic scale)?
Answer: Hamsadhvani
Hamsadhvani is a popular pentatonic (audava) raga using only five notes: Sa Ri Ga Pa Ni, omitting Ma and Da.
What does 'Tani Avartanam' refer to in a Carnatic concert?
Answer: A solo percussion improvisation by the mridangist and other percussionists
Tani Avartanam is the solo percussion interlude in a concert where the mridangist and accompanying percussionists improvise freely.
In online Carnatic lessons, what is typically taught first to absolute beginners?
Answer: Sarali varisais (basic scale exercises)
Sarali varisais are the foundational scale exercises taught first, training students in pitch, breath control, and rhythmic regularity.
Which of the following best describes the raga 'Bhairavi' in Carnatic music?
Answer: A versatile raga associated with pathos, using flat Ri, Ga, and Da
Carnatic Bhairavi is a rich, emotive raga associated with pathos and longing, featuring flat (komal) versions of Ri, Ga, and Da.