A comprehensive, in depth encyclopedia on the art of Mridangam, encompassing the entire gamut of playing techniques from the basic lessons to the art of accompaniment to Vocal & Instrumental Music has been meticulously designed for aspiring students of percussion by the greatest exponent of Mridangam, Umayalpuram Sri.K. Sivaraman. Rhythmic lessons have been explained through Sollukattu or percussive phrases and translated into Mridangam playing. The components which form the very edifice of the Mridangam art are brought out unraveling a holistic panorama of percussive art.The whole benefit of the Gurukula system is made available by the use of meaningful technology. These products (Ranging from Levels 1 to 4) are a happy wedlock of tradition, creativity and novelty. These lessons reveal the splendor of percussive art beginning with laying a strong foundation for beginners (Level 1) to further advancement (Level 2) to gaining expertise and perfection in all aspects of rhythmical techniques (Level 3) and finally attaining success in concert accompaniment (Both Vocal & Instrumental in Level 4). Spectacular Taniavarthanams by the legend are the hallmark of these set of products painted with the most exquisite colors of his imagination.

Sangita Kalanidhi Umayalpuram Sri K. Sivaraman (Padmasri & Padmabhushan awardee) a virtuoso, a trendsetter, an icon and a maestro par excellence has created this monumental work, his Magnum Opus. The quintessence of the art of Mridangam and his scholarship of over 6 decades find their expression in the magic fingers of this legend. At the altar of percussive art he offers this rare work to posterity with all the reverence and respect it deserves, not only to students of percussion, but also to the global Music fraternity, patrons of art, Music Institutions and connoisseurs of art.

Contents :

• Level 1 A Beginner's Guide Lessons on Posture, Fingering Techniques, Basic Syllables & Alphabets, Sequences, Exercises, Introduction to 4 basic Talas with brief solo renditions in each of the Talas

• Level 2 Advanced Sequences, Exercises suitable for this level followed by advanced solo renditions in the 4 basic Talas along with extra Moras & Korvais.

• Level 3 Complex & intricate Sequences & Exercises, techniques like Pecking, Gumki, Arai Chapu followed by detailed Taniavarthanams in the 4 basic Talas packed with extra Moras & Korvais, elucidation of Sankeerna Gathi ending with the art of tuning the Mridangam.

• Level 4 The final summit - The art of playing Mridangam for concerts (both Vocal & Instrumental) covering the entire gamut of musical compositions from Varnam to RTPs to light classical music.