South Indian Drums

Exploring South Indian Drums: Mridangam and Kanjira Percussion Course

Our South Indian music course offers children the opportunity to explore instruments such as the Mridangam and Kanjira from a young age.

Mridangam, a two-headed drum, is a cornerstone of South Indian percussion. For centuries, it has provided rhythmic foundations for vocal, instrumental, and dance ensembles. Its popularity stems from its ability to produce diverse tones and timbres through various finger techniques, making it a versatile and essential part of South Indian music.

Kanchira, a small frame drum made of Jackfruit wood, features a thin, flexible skin and a single pair of bells. These bells create a distinctive rattling sound, adding a unique percussive dimension. Widely used in South Indian classical music to accompany vocal, instrumental, and dance performances, the Kanjira is renowned for its ability to produce a wide range of timbres and rhythms using fingers and palms. In skilled hands, it can be played with virtuosic flair.

Through this course, students will learn the basics of both instruments, exploring traditional rhythms and techniques while developing their musicality and rhythmic skills in a fun and supportive environment.

South Indian drum for children at the Global Music Academy, Berlin

Teacher

  • Manickam Yogeswaran - teacher at the Global Music Academy, Berlin

    Manickam Yogeswaran

    A Maestro of Carnatic Music 

    Yogeswaran is a distinguished classical musician trained in Carnatic music, a tradition originating from South India. Yogeswaran received training under esteemed teachers, “Sangita Bhushanam” Sri P. Muthukumarasamy and “Sangita Bhushanam” Sri S. Balasingam. His primary Guru, the renowned musician and singer “Padma Bhushan” “Sangita Kalanidhi” Prof. Sri T. V. Gopalkrishnan, has been a significant influence on his career. 

    Notable Film Contributions

    Among his notable accomplishments are contributions to movie soundtracks such as Migration for Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut (1999) in collaboration with Jocelyn Pook, and “The Fuse” for Spike Lee’s 25th Hour (2002). He also worked with Jocelyn Pook on the soundtrack for Sarah Gavron’s Brick Lane (2007), featuring the tracks “Quiet Joy,” “Memories of a Summer,” and “Love Blossoms.” In June 2012, he paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II with his song “The Bells” for her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

    Theatrical and Musical Achievements

    As a soloist, Yogeswaran played the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the musical Stemmer, celebrating the bicentenary of the Norwegian constitution. The musical, composed by British composer Orlando Gough, was performed with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in May 2014, with the event graced by His Highness The Crown Prince of Norway.

    Major Concerts and Collaborations

    His major concerts include performances with The Shout, an acapella choir that won the Time Out Award for Classical Artist of the Year in 2001. He has collaborated with them for notable events such as The BBC Proms, the reopening of the Royal Festival Hall, the Vienna Festival, the Arts and Ideas Festival in the USA, and the European Capitals of Culture opening and closing ceremonies in Linz (Austria) and Stavanger (Norway). 

    At the Global Music Academy, Yogeswaran offers lessons in Carnatic flute, singing, and mridangam.

    Courses

    • Carnatic Singing

    • Mridangam

    • Carnatic Flute

    • Carnatic Singing Kids

    • Carnatic Flute Kids

    • South Indian Drums

    Languages

    German, English, Tamil

    Website

    https://www.myogeswaran.com/