Mel Bay

Author: Radhika Iyer
Format: Book with Audio Online
Instrumentation: Piano or Classical Guitar

Elements of Indian Music introduces the Indian melodic system in an accessible manner within the realm of Western music theory. It demonstrates a new archetype in music composition for composers of any genre, as well as composition teachers and anyone interested in ethnomusicology.

This book contains a set of 12 etudes for piano and transcriptions for classical guitar. Each etude is about one minute in length and utilizes notes from a particular Indian scale. An intermediate to advanced skill level is required to perform each etude. Practicing and performing these studies is an excellent way to expand ones musical perspective beyond traditional diatonic scales.

Indian music has intrigued the West for a long time, but hasn't always been accessible because of the absence of a systematic approach to theory and repertoire. Just as the Western harmonic system is well developed, the Indian melodic system is very advanced and equally established. The intermingling of these two worlds can inspire new, exceptional sonic landscapes.

Useful literature on the evolution of the Indian melodic system is also included, with notes on how it can be used as a modus operandi by Western musicians who wish to apply Indian scales in Western compositions and improvisations.

Includes access to online audio

Contents:

SECTION A

The Melodic Structure of Indian Music

• Melakarta and Thaat
• Raaga
• The Quintessence of Indian Music
• Congruence Between Musical Cultures
• Indian Theory vs. Western Theory A Unified Approach
• Key Signatures and Time Signatures
• Staff Position, Scale Degrees, Intervals and Scale-Chord Compatibility
• Standard & Adjusted Scale Degrees for Melakarta Scales
• Approach to Chords
• The Circle of Intervals
• The 72 Melakarta Scales (Standard Scale Degrees)
• The 72 Melakarta Scales (Adjusted Scale Degrees)
• Relative Modes of Melakarta Scales
• The Method Behind the Melakarta System

SECTION B

The 72 Melakarta Scales (Staff Notation- Key of C)

• Chakra 1
• Chakra 2
• Chakra 3
• Chakra 4
• Chakra 5
• Chakra 6
• Chakra 7
• Chakra 8
• Chakra 9
• Chakra 10
• Chakra 11
• Chakra 12

Melakarta Scale Workouts

Piano Etudes using Melakarta Scales

• Etude in Melakarta #01 Kana-kAngi
• Etude in Melakarta #10 NAtaka-priya
• Etude in Melakarta #16 Chakra-vAkam
• Etude in Melakarta #19 JhankAra-dhwani
• Etude in Melakarta #27 Sara-sAngi
• Etude in Melakarta #36 Chala-nAtA
• Etude in Melakarta #37 SAlagam
• Etude in Melakarta #45 Shuba-panthu-varAli
• Etude in Melakarta #51 KAma-vardhini
• Etude in Melakarta #59 Dharma-vathi
• Etude in Melakarta #65 Mecha-Kalyani
• Etude in Melakarta #72 Rasika-priya

Classical Guitar Etudes using Melakarta Scales

• Etude in Melakarta #01 Kana-kAngi
• Etude in Melakarta #10 NAtaka-priya
• Etude in Melakarta #16 Chakra-vAkam
• Etude in Melakarta #19 JhankAra-dhwani
• Etude in Melakarta #27 Sara-sAngi
• Etude in Melakarta #36 Chala-nAtA
• Etude in Melakarta #37 SAlagam
• Etude in Melakarta #45 Shuba-panthu-varAli
• Etude in Melakarta #51 KAma-vardhini
• Etude in Melakarta #59 Dharma-vathi
• Etude in Melakarta #65 Mecha-Kalyani
• Etude in Melakarta #72 Rasika-priya