stages in learning
start
simple kritis in “Audava Audava rags such as Mohanam, Hamsadwani, Abhoghi, Hindolam, Shivaranjani. Suddha Dhanyasi, Suddha saveri, Madhyamavathi
second step Ragas that are notes based like Sampurna ragas Simmendra madyamam, Shanmukha priya. Avoid vivadhi note ragas
Mother tongue is priority, Cinema purely classical songs in mother tongue acceptable.
Then shadava ragas like Sri ranjani etc. Introduce famous simple raga based songs.
Then shadava shadava, shadava sampurna, Audava sampurna can be introduced Now all languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada may be learnt.
Ragas based on phrase like Begada Nattai Gowla, Sriraga, and similar ragas where the notes are extremely close to each other like saveri, Vivadhi ragas may be introduced.
Pratmadhyama should be introduced progressively from first stage itself. It is big void the trinity output in this genre were relatively limited.
However they really opened the Vivadhi ragas and created a beautiful genre.
By now will be able to sing alpana. Then Heavy Gana raga like Sankarabharanam. Kamboji, Todi, Bhairavi, Kalyani, Karaharpriya, Poorvi kalyani.
Muthuswami Dikshithar and shyama shastri songs enter the III stage. They are laden Tags and bhava and Dikshithar in particular is a strict adherence to his parampara and Paddhathi. Shyam shastri has an unique style of purity deep Gamakas, Bhavas and evocative Bhskthi Rasa.
the heavy gamaka based ragas and kritis repetitive polisihing should be the basis for advanced stage.
Sruti and sthanas must be clear. 22 srutis shall be drilled including Gamaka gently.
Throughout Meaning and Bhava are important.
When your in such advanced stage you are on your own and you will be using these greats as lighthouse and explore inendingly.
The grammers of Thyagaraja and Dikshitar are different by now must become natural. Padantharam, depth, Kalapadharmam, Gamaka, Shruthi shuddham are learnt throughout life. Learning never stops.
Always remember that People T. Brinda, T Mukta, M.S. M.L.V. D.K.P. N.C. Vasantha kokilam. Veenai Dhanammal, and in the Men GNB, Ariyakudi, Madurai Mani, T.N.Rajaratnam, Karukurichi, Semmangudi, Maharajapuram Vishwanatna Iyer, Chembai, TR Mahalingam, Lalgudi TNK, Parur MSG have carved unique places