Sangeetha Swaminathan
South Indian Carnatic vocals
Carnatic music is a traditional art form for Southern India that dates back to ancient times. Carnatic compositions revolve around Hindu gods and goddesses and therefore the aspects of devotion and spirituality are central to this traditional art form. Originally, Carnatic music was performed in temples and royal courts, but has been adapted for public performance during the last two centuries. Structurally, this form of music is based on rhythm, known as thalam, and the melodic line, known as ragam. Carnatic music combines the elements of devotional rendering and melodic improvisation. Thus, a Carnatic musician must have technical expertise for the improvisational aspects, as well as the ability to convey the emotions inherent in the pieces of music.
Hailing from Chennai, India, Sangeetha Swaminathan has stuided Canatic music from the age of five, first from her father Karur Krishnamurthy, and, since 1993, from the illustrious Carnatic vocalist Sudha Raghunathan. Sangeetha now has her own students, including Prithvi Guruprasad, her apprentice in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program in 2009. Their apprenticeship focused on teaching Prithivi concert-level compositions essential for a full-fledged performance, as well as raga improvisations and assembling compositions.