Karnataka Sangeeta Pravesha
(Junior in Karnataka Style of Music)
Syllabus
This syllabus is the minimum required to be a junior certified. Compositions from previous levels can be used in the successive levels. Students can appear at any level based on their preparedness. The fourth level is mandatory and considered for certification.
Pravesha
Prathama
(Level 1)
- Swaravalis (3 speeds)
- Sarales – any 7
- Jantis – any 5
- Tarasthayi – any 3
- Mandrasthayi – any 3
- Datu – any 3
- Alankara – any 5
- Geetam
- Pillari Geetam 4
- Sanchari Geetam – any 5
- Nottuswara: Any 2
- Bhajans: Any 1
Theory: NO
Pravesha
Dwiteeya
(Level 2)
- Swaravalis (3 speeds)
- Sarales – any 7
- Jantis – any 5
- Tarasthayi – any 3
- Mandrasthayi – any 3
- Datu – any 3
- Alankara 7
- Geetam
- Pillari Geetam 4
- Sanchari Geetam – any 5
- Swarajati and Jatiswara: Any 2 each (total 4)
- Beginner Varnas: Any 2 in two speeds
- Beginner Madhyamakala Krutis: Any 2
- Nottuswara: Any 3
- Bhajans: Any 2
Theory: Common Theory PART 1
Pravesha
Truteeya
(Level 3)
- Swaravalis (3 speeds)
- Sarales – any 7
- Jantis – any 5
- Tarasthayi – any 3
- Mandrasthayi – any 3
- Datu – any 3
- Alankara 7
- Geetam
- Pillari Geetam 4
- Sanchari Geetam – any 5
- Swarajati and Jatiswara: Any 2 each (total 4)
- Beginner Varnas: Any 3 in two speeds
- Beginner Madhyamakala Krutis: Any 5
- Beginner Vilambakala Krutis: Any 1
- Nottuswara: Any 4
- Vachana: Any 2
- Bhajans: Any 3
Theory: Common Theory PART 1 & 2
Pravesha
Chaturtha
(Level 4)
- Swaravalis (3 speeds)
- Sarales – any 7
- Jantis – any 5
- Tarasthayi – any 3
- Mandrasthayi – any 3
- Datu – any 3
- Alankara 7
- Geetam
- Pillari Geetam 4
- Sanchari Geetam – any 5
- Lakshana Geetam – any 2
- Swarajati and Jatiswara: Any 2 each (total 4)
- Beginner Varnas: Any 4 in two speeds
- Beginner Madhyamakala Kruti: Any 8
- Beginner Vilambakala Krutis: Any 3
- Keertanam: Any 2
- Nottuswara: Any 5
- Vachana: Any 2
- Bhajans: Any 4
Theory: Common Theory PART 1 & 2 and Music Theory
Textbooks
The lessons given here are the minimum required to introduce one to Karnataka classical music and to successfully complete the Karnataka junior examination. But students and parents must be aware that there is much more to learn, which can be taught by Gurus following their sampradaya. For example, many more varases, varases in ‘a’-kara, and different rendition styles of compositions.
Sangeeta Pravesha Prathama
with practice tips for instrumentalists
Sangeeta Pravesha Prathama (Junior level 1) is a focused beginner’s version of the full Sangeeta Pravesha textbook, created especially for young learners preparing for the Level 1 practical examination. Considering young children as the users of this book, it features child-friendly large text, engaging visuals, and values-oriented reflections. This book has everything needed for those appearing for the Sangeeta Pravesha level 1 examination.
As a bonus, this book also includes information on the flute used in Karnataka Sangeeta and Sadhaka exercises. These are optional learning and not required for the examination.
Juniors Karnataka Sangeeta Learning
An abridged version in Kannada
Juniors Karnataka Sangeeta Learning – An abridged version is a concise junior’s Karnataka Sangeeta book in Kannada. This book is compiled in accordance with the practical syllabus prescribed by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) for the juniors music examination. Unlike other Sangeeta Bharati books which are designed for Letter size printing, this book is designed for printing on A4 size papers, a common paper size used in Bharat.
Sangeeta Pravesha Practicals
This book, termed an encyclopedia of Karnataka Sangeeta, has everything needed for the practical examination at all three levels of Sangeeta Pravesha (Karnataka Sangeeta Junior).
The download of this book is disabled while we prepare its revised version.
Sangeeta Pravesha Theory and Examination Manual
This book contains the theory (shastra or lakshana) of Karnataka Shastreeya Sangeeta, which a junior-level student should be familiar with. The book has both elements and principles of music to prepare for the written music examination.
The book also has information about the examination, syllabus, sample question papers, evaluation criteria, and much more for Pravesha and its sub-levels.
Video Lessons
Author's Note
Sangeeta Bhārati’s books are created with a simple yet powerful purpose: to introduce young minds to the beauty, discipline, and cultural depth of Indian classical music in a way that is joyful, structured, and meaningful.
These books were created as a personal teaching tool. While guiding my young daughter through her first steps in Karṇāṭaka Sangeeta, I designed large-font, child-friendly lessons to make learning both accessible and engaging. Over time, these lessons have grown into a comprehensive learning resource—now used by students, teachers, and institutions worldwide.
Rooted in Tradition, Designed for Today
The books follow the traditional learning path of Karṇāṭaka Shāstreeya Sangeeta, beginning with abhyāsagāna (foundation exercises) in Māyāmāḷavagauḷa rāga, as established by the great 15th-century composer and teacher Purandaradāsa, widely honored as the “Pitāmaha” (grandfather) of the Karṇāṭaka music system.
Originally developed for flute students, the structure and content are equally valuable to vocal and other instrumental learners, making it a versatile foundational text for classical music education.
Aligned with Structured Learning
Following the launch of Sangeeta Bhārati’s global examination program in 2022, these books are carefully aligned with the Sangeeta Pravēsha syllabus. This ensures that students progress with clarity, confidence, and continuity as they move through formal learning and assessment pathways.
Music with Values
Beyond musical training, these books seek to nurture character. Inspired by timeless teachings on good conduct and self-development, the pages feature gentle reflections designed to encourage discipline, humility, and respect—qualities that shape not just skilled musicians but also thoughtful individuals.
A Gift to the Community
In the spirit of “Kereya Neeranu Kerege Chelli (ಕೆರೆಯೆ ನೀರನು ಕೆರೆಗೆ ಚೆಲ್ಲಿ)”—giving back to the source—these books are offered as free eBooks to ensure that children everywhere can access and connect with India’s rich musical heritage, regardless of geography or background.
A Living Work
Sangeeta Bhārati’s publications continue to evolve through feedback, scholarship, and teaching experience. Updates and refinements are uploaded to this website regularly to keep the content relevant, accurate, and inspiring for the next generation of learners.
— K.N. Shivakumar