5 Free Apps You Need to Have If You Are a Karnatic Music Aspirant
In today’s world, everything is technology, everything is handy, every action is a mobile application. In such a scenario the music field has also not lagged. Worldwide, music is supported by 1000’s of apps.
Instrument apps — Tambura/Tanpura, Guitar, Mridanga, Tabla, Keyboard, Drums, and many more.
Music learning apps — Online learning, Vocal coach, Music exercises, tuning, note identifier.
Radio apps — Free online radio of all world stations.
Music apps — Soundtracks, music albums, movie songs.
Karaoke apps — Providing tracks for the songs
Recording apps — Voice recording, Studio like recording, and so on…
When it comes to Indian classical music, specially Karnatic/ Carnatic there are few apps one must-have. So here I am listing out 5 most useful and must-have applications for Karnatic music beginners, aspirants, listeners, and pro s. Some of you might know these apps, then it is cool. But if you don’t know, do try these apps (Android) out. Trust me, they are worth it.
Tambura/ Tanpura is an instrument for Shruthi/ Sur / Pitch/ Scale in Indian classical music, both Hindustani and Karnatic. It has 4 strings which are set to the notes P S S S (2nd and 3rd S being higher notes). Earlier Tambura was carried everywhere for Shruthi, then came Shruthi box (Electronic ones which are still used), now with the invention apps, Shruthi is very handy.
Tanpura Droid — Most of you might be familiar with this app. It is the basic most important thing for any singer or instrumentalist. This app provides Tambura Shruthi of all pitch. Also allows you to alter the 1st string to any other required note.
As the name itself describes, this app provides Arohana and Avarohana of almost all the Raagas of Karnatic classical music. You can also find the name of the raaga by entering the swara/notes in that raaga. Other details include Janaka, Janya, Melasankhya, keyboard audio of all the Arohana and Avarohana. It also has a tuner and 7 taala combinations of providing akshara kala, anga chinhe.
This is a wonderful app. This app has a Karnatic compositions database. You can
- search a kruthi to find out its raaga
- search a raaga to find out all the compositions in that particular raaga
- search a composer name and find list of compositions by him or her
This app is very hands-on while listening to any concert, especially for new bees.
4. Sahityamala
If you are a Karnatic music learner and you are bad with lyrics, this app is made for you. This app helps a little higher level learners of Karnatic music. This app provides lyrics of many compositions, in different languages and their meaning in English. This makes searching for lyrics of composition on the internet a little hassle-free.
Well, this app would be helpful for senior-level learners, performers. This app provides percussion for your practice or any small performances. This app is a blessing for people who understand taala and Mridanga patterns. This app provides Mridanga, jalra/taala, Tambura sounds. It allows you to create your own Mridanga patterns and also has some existing patterns you can readily play.
Quick question: Was the article helpful? List any such apps you have come across in the response section?
