ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (LONDON)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION

in
CARNATIC MUSIC
Syllabus for Vocal
First Grade A
(Recommended age to sit for exam - 7 years)

Practical examination only

All lessons to be practised in Mayamalavagowla raagam.
1.
Swara Varisai
15
(See Note 1 of Notes on Syllabus)
2.
Jantai Varisai
6
3.
Upper Hechchu Staayi Varisai
4
1-3 to be practised in 2 Kaalams i.e. in first 2 degrees of speed

Oral Theory:
1.
2.
3.

Names of the seven swaras (saptha swaras).

Names of the twelve swara-staanams.
Definitions of Musical terms - Aarohanam, Avarohanam, Sruthi, Swaram, Staayi,
Jantai Varisai.

First Grade B
(Recommended age to sit for exam - 7 years)

Practical examination only

All lessons to be practised in Mayamalavagowla raagam.
1.
Thakku Staayi Varisai
4
2.
Thaaddu Varisai
2
3.
Saptha Taala Alankarams
7
1-3 to be practised in 2 Kaalams i.e. in first 2 degrees of speed
4.

Thevaram

Oral Theory:
5.
6.
7.

Definitions of Musical terms - Swaraavali, Akshara-kaalams, Alankaram.

Definitions of Taalam, Tala-Angams, Lagu, Drutham, Anudrutham.
Names of the Sapta-Taalams with their respective Angams and Symbols.

NOTE:
At the practical exam students should submit a list of musical pieces learnt or covered
for the grade.
1

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (LONDON)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION

in
CARNATIC MUSIC
Syllabus for Vocal
Second Grade
(Recommended age to sit for exam - 8 years)
Practical:
1. Swara Varisai 15, Jantai Varisai 6, Upper Hechchu Staayi Varisai 4,
Thakku Staayi Varisai 4, Thaaddu Varisai 2, Saptha Taala Alankarams 7

to be practised only in third Kaalam i.e. only in third degree of speed.

2. Geetam - in two kaalams
6 (in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Sanskrit)
To be practised in the following Raagams:
Malahari,
Mohanam,
Suddha-saveri,
Kalyani,
Ananda-bhairavi,
Kambhoji,
Mayamalavagowla, Madhyamavati, Bowli, Harikambhoji.
3. Jathiswaram
1 (see Note 2a of Notes on Syllabus)
To be practised in the following Raagams:
Bilahari, Kalyani, Shankarabharanam, Saveri, Vasantha, Hamsadhwani, Aabohi, Khamas.
4. Divya-nama Kirtanas

2 (Sri Thiagarajah)

5. Sankeertana (Sri Annamachari)

or Devar Nama (Sri Purandaradasar)

6. Thevaaram

3 (should not be repetition of previous grade)

Theory:
1. Definition of signs and symbols used in notation - namely, Akshara-kaala signs (comma,
semi-colon), Staayi symbols (only 3 staayi ie Mandra, Matya, Tara), Kaalam (only 3 kaala
speed) or degree of speed signs, Taala anga divisions, Avartam endings.
Numerical signs in (jaati), tala angam (lagu symbols) and symbols used for gamakams.
2. Swarastaanas taken by raagams handled in the practical lessons and their Aarohanam,
Avarohanam.
3. Lakshanam of Geetam with the names of composers.
4. Triangam - Lagu, Drutam, Anudrutam - signs and definitions.
5. Sapta taalams and the scheme of 35 taalams using 5 jaatis in Lagu.

NOTES:
1. All students sitting for the practical exams should submit a list of all musical pieces learnt /
covered for the grade and for the previous grade.
2. At the practical exam, students will have to sing or play on the instrument a musical piece
chosen by the examiner(s) from the lists submitted by the student.
3. Previous Grades syllabus should be covered when sitting for this grade.

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (LONDON)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION

in
CARNATIC MUSIC
Syllabus for Vocal
Third Grade
(Recommended age to sit for exam - 10 years)

Practical:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Lakshana Geetham or Suladi

1
Taana Varnam
2 (in two speeds)
Krithi or Keerthana
3 (see Note 3 of Notes on Syllabus)
Swara-jati
1
Thevarams
3 (should not be repetition of previous grades)
Puranam
1
Thirupugazh
2
Sight singing: in the Aarohanam-Avarohanam of the following Raagams: Mayamalavagowla,
Mohanam, Ananda-bhairavi, Kalyani, Shankarabharanam and Hamsadhwani.

Theory:
1. Definition of the following Raagams:
Janaka-raagam, Janya-raagam and its varieties (the eight kinds of varja raagams with
examples).
The three types of Vakra raagams with examples.
2. Vaageyakaras or Composers: Purantara Dasar & Muthu Thandavar - their life-history and
their contributions to Carnatic music.
3. Raaga Lakshanam for the following Raagas: Mohanam, Hamsadhwani, Kalyani,
Mayamalavagowla, Shankarabharanam.
4. Musical Instruments: Thambura & Mirudhangam - Structure and the art of handling of
these Vaadyams (Instruments). Know names of past & present vidwaans.
5. Descriptions (Lakshanam) of Swara-jati, Jathiswaram and Varnam.
6. Definitions of Musical terms: Ragam, Varjam (audava-shadava-sampoorna), Upangabhashangam, Tri-sthayi raagam, Ancient raagam, Auspicious raagam, Melakarta raagam.
7. Definitions of Musical terms: Graham or Eduppu: Samam - Anaakatam - Atheetham.
8. Sapta taalams and the scheme of 35 taalams using 5 jaatis in Lagu.

NOTES:
1. All students sitting for the practical exams should submit a list of all musical pieces learnt or covered
for the grade and for the previous grades.
2. At the practical exam, students will have to sing or play on the instrument a musical piece chosen by
the examiner(s) from the lists submitted by the student.
3. Previous Grades syllabuses should be covered when sitting for this grade.
4. Sight singing should be done in vocal (for instrumental as well).

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (LONDON)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION

in
CARNATIC MUSIC
Syllabus for Vocal
Diploma Year 1 (former Grade 4)
(Recommended age to sit for exam 12 years)
Practical:
1. Varnam in Adi Taalam (in two speeds)
3
(1 previous, 1 new, 1 Navaraagamalika)
2. Varnam in Ata Taalam (in two speeds)
1
3. Kriti or Keerthana
4
(see Note 4a of Notes on
Syllabus)
4. Thevarams
2
(1 new and 1 previous)
5. Thirupugazh
2
(1 new and 1 previous)
6. Subramaniya Bharatiyar Songs
2
7. Sight singing: Simple sancharams set to Adi or Rupaka Taalams in the following Raagams:
Aabohi, Mayamalavagowla, Shankarabharanam, Kalyani, Bilahari, Mohanam.

Theory:
1. Raaga Lakshanam for the following Raagas: Harikambhoji, Suddha Saveri, Aarabhi,
Bilahari, Aabohi, Kambhoji, Pantuvarali (Kamavardani), Sri Ranjani, Anandabhairavi and
Keervani.
2. Scheme of 72 Melakartas - Names of chakras, the allocation of the swara mnemonics in the
chakras.
3. Janya raagas: Bhashanga - upanga; Nishadhandya - Dhaivadhandya - Panchamandhya.
Definition of these janya raagas with suitable examples.
4. Vaageyakaras or Composers: Gopalakrishna Bharati & Sri Thyagaraja - their life-history
and their contributions to Carnatic music.
5. Musical instruments: Violin & Flute - Structure and the art of handling of these Vaadyams.
Tuning of these instruments and use of these instruments in Carnatic Music. Know names
of past & present vidwaans.
6. Practising to write Varnam with notations (swara and sahitya).

NOTES:
1.
2.
3.
4.

All students sitting for the practical exams should submit a list of all musical pieces learnt or covered
for the grade and for the previous grades.
At the practical exam, students will have to sing or play on the instrument a musical piece chosen by
the examiner(s) from the list submitted by the student.
Previous Grades syllabuses should be covered when sitting for this grade.
Sight singing should be done in vocal (for instrumental as well).

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (LONDON)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION

in
CARNATIC MUSIC
Syllabus for Vocal
Diploma Year 2 (Former Grade 5)
(Recommended age to sit for exam 13 years)
Practical:
1. Taana Varnam (Ata Talam)
2
(should not be repetition of previous grade)
2. Taana Varnam in any other Taalam (other than Adi or Ata)
1
(should not be repetition of previous grades)
3. Madyama kaala Kriti/Keerthana
2
(should not be repetition of previous grades) (see Note 5a of Notes on syllabus)
4. Swara-jati by Shyama Sastri
1
5. Nava Varnam or Navagraha Kriti by Muthuswami Dikshitar
1
6. Chauka kaala Kriti/Keerthana
1
7. Ashtapadhi by Jayadevar or Jawali or Tarangam
1 (see Note 5b on Notes)
8. Sight singing: in the following Raagas: Harikambhoji, Vasanta, Hindolam, Karaharapriya,
Pantuvarali, Simhendramadhyamam.

Theory:
1. Raaga Lakshanam for the following Raagas: Bhairavi, Hindolam, Kamas, Vasantha,
Simhendramadhyamam, Bhoopalam, Dhanyasi, Thodi, Surati, Kanada, Shanmugapriya
and Neelambari. (see Note 5c of Notes on syllabus)
2. Musical Forms: Kriti, Keerthana, Raagamalika, Tillana, Ashtapadhi, Jaawali (structure &
use)
3. Musical Terms: Sarvakalika Ragam, Kalpita Sangeetham, Kalpana Sangeetham
(Manodharma Sangeetham) - Definition with examples.
Definitions of : Raaga-chaya swarams, Amsa, Jeeva, Nyasa swarams, Kampita swaram.
4. Vaageyakaras or Composers: Muthuswami Dhikshitar, Shyama Sastri & Arunachala
Kavirayar - their life-history and their contributions to Carnatic music.
5. Musical instruments: Veena, Ghatam & Kanjira - Structure and the art of handling of these
Vaadyams. Tuning of these instruments and use of these instruments in Carnatic Music.
Know names of past & present vidwaans.
6. The scheme of 72 Melakartas. Names of Ragas contained in each chakra. Details of the
Ragas, Bhuta-sankhyai, Swara mnemonics and mela mnemonics (Pa, Sri, etc.)

NOTES: Please also read the Notes on Syllabus at the beginning

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Student should be able to tune their Sruthi box.

All students sitting for the practical exams should submit a list of all musical pieces learnt or covered
for the grade and for the previous grades.
At the practical exam, students will have to sing or play on the instrument a musical piece chosen by
the examiner(s) from the list submitted by the student.
Previous Grades syllabuses should be covered when sitting for this grade.
Sight singing should be done in vocal (for instrumental as well).
Prepare and submit a scrapbook at the exam. Marks will be allocated for the scrapbook

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (LONDON)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION

in
CARNATIC MUSIC
Syllabus for Vocal
Diploma (Former Sixth Grade)
(Recommended age to sit for exam 14 years)
Practical:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Ata Tala Varnam

3
(includes 1 new Varnam)
Panchartna Kriti
1
(Sri Tyagarajah)
Kriti/Keethana
5
(see Note 6a of Notes on Syllabus)
Raagamalika
1
(see Note 6b of Notes on Syllabus)
Padam
1
Thillana
1
Pada Varnam
1
Thirupugazh
1
Raaga Aalapana, Niraval and Kalpana swaras for any Chauka kaala Kriti / Keerthana.
Students should be able to handle these sections on their own.
10. A short Raaga Aalapana of any Raaga chosen by the candidate from Grades 3-Diploma
syllabi.

Theory:
1. Raaga Aalapana - types and descriptions in detail. (e.g. Jeeva Swaram, Nyasa Swaram,
Amsa Swaram, etc.)
2. Varieties in Tanam.
3. Methods in Niraval.
4. Methods of developing Kalpana swaras.
5. Gamakas - types and applications (dasavida gamakas).
6. Musical instruments: Nagasuram & Thavil, (Sitar & Mandolin both optional) - Structure
and the art of handling of these Vaadyams. Know names of past & present vidwaans.
7. Raaga Lakshanam for the following Raagas: Naattai, Sahaana, Gowlai, Begada, Saaveri,
Mukhari, Dharbar, Atana, Dharmavati, Karaharapriya, Latangi, Chakravakam,
Reetigowlai, Saranga and Nattakurinji. (The use of Swarastaana-graphs are essential in
Raaga Lakshanam.)
8. Vaageyakaras or Composers: Papanasam Sivan, Swati Thirunal Maharajah & Arunagiri
Nathar - their life-history and their contributions to Carnatic music.
9. Brief knowledge of Pannisai. Short life history of the Naalvar (Thevara composers).
10. Mudras of 10 composers (mostly from composers in all 6 grade syllabi)
11. Musical Terms of previous grades (1 to 5) should be revised (ie. Arumpada Vilakkam)

NOTES: Please also read the Notes on Syllabus at the beginning

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Student should be able to tune their Sruthi box.

All students sitting for the practical exams should submit a list of all musical pieces learnt or covered
for the grade and for the previous grades.
At the practical exam, students will have to sing or play on the instrument a musical piece chosen by
the examiner(s) from the list submitted by the student.
Previous Grades syllabuses should be covered when sitting for this grade.
Sight singing should be done in vocal (for instrumental as well).
Prepare and submit a scrap book at the exam. Marks will be allocated for the scrap book.

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (LONDON)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION

in
CARNATIC MUSIC
Syllabus for Vocal & Instrumental
Final year leading to Music Teachers Diploma
in Carnatic Music (Former Grade 7)
(Minimum age to sit for exam 16 years - After completion of G.C.S.E or
equivalent exam)
NOTE: Students should sit for main course and a subsidiary subject. Vocal students should
take an instrument as subsidiary subject and vice versa. Bharatha Natyam or Mrudhangam
also can be taken as subsidiary subject.

Theory:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

Panchadasa Gamakas
Raagas
Kacheri dharmas
Raaga classification
22 Sruthis
Musical forms
Manodharma Sangeetham
History of Indian Music
Contemporary Music
Comparison between Eastern & Western Music
Early experiments in Music
Origins of scales and Raagas
Murchanakara Melakarthas
The evolution of finger techniques in Indian instruments
Mudhras in Music
Musical Therapy
The influence of Music on Health
Brindhagaanam
Iconography
Raaga & Emotion
Music & Mathematics
Appreciation - A composition on pieces in any one of the following 3 languages: Tamil.
Telugu & Sanskrit.
Music & Temples
Graha bhedam
2 Hindustani composers (contemporary)
Pallavi
Traditions in Music
Short notes on Audio-Visual Equipments for the propagation of Carnatic Music:
Gramaphone, CD Player & Recorder, Hi-Fi System, Radio, Video Recorder, Tape
Recorder, Television, Computer, etc.

(continued on next page)

7

Music Teachers Diploma (contd.)

Vaageyakaras or Composers - their life-history and their contributions to Carnatic music:
Annamacharya
Ganam Krishnaiyer
Jayadevar
Kshetragna
Maha Vaidhyanatha Iyer
Marimutha Pillai
Contemporary Composers:
Mayuram Visvantha Sastri
Oothukkaadu Venkata Subbaiyer
Muthiah Bhagavathar
Mysore Vasudevachariyar
Pattnam Subramaniya Iyer
Ramaswamy Sivan
Tanjore Quartet
Tan- Sen
Short notes on all composers covered in previous grades

Practical:
1.

2.
3.

4.
5.
6.

Vocal
Instrumental
Musical pieces:
Chauka kaala kriti or keertana with not less than
2
2
five sangatis
Pancharatna Kritis (Sri Thyagarajah)
2
2
Madyama kaala kriti or keerthana with more than
2
1
five sangatis - raaga aalapana, niraval & kalpana
swarams
Folk Songs (chinthu)
1
1
Semi-classical songs
1
1
Raagam-Taanam-Pallavi :
Rendering a Pallavi in the traditional style. Raaga Aalapana, Taanam and Pallavi in Tri
kaala with Tisram, Niraval & Kalpana Swarams. (Candidates should be able to sing
kalpana swarams to two (2) Raagas given by the examiners.)
Raaga aalapana of at least three (3) major Raagas and three (3) minor Raagas should be
practised. Raagams found in the syllabuses from Grade 2 to Grade 6 should be revised
and could be used in the practical exam.

NOTES:
1. Student should be able to tune a given Tambura and Violin or Veena and Flute
2. All students sitting for the practical exams should submit a list of all musical pieces learnt
or covered for the grade and for the previous grades.
3. At the practical exam, students will have to sing or play on the instrument musical pieces
chosen by the examiner(s) from the list submitted by the student.
(continued on next page)

Music Teachers Diploma (contd.)

NOTES (contd.)
4. Previous Grades syllabuses should be covered when sitting for this grade.
5. Sight singing should be done in vocal and on instrument.
6. Prepare and submit a scrap book at the exam. Marks will be allocated for the scrap book.
7. Conduct a model lesson: Examinee will be requested to conduct a practical lesson at the
exam, on a Geetam, Keerthana or Thevaram to a student or students. These students to be
provided by the examinee. If the Examinee cannot provide the students he or she should
inform the Academy in advance and the Academy will provide the students.

Books to read and understand:

South Indian Music (Book 4) Chapters 1 8, 15 & 16.
South Indian Music (Book 4) - Chapters 1 to 8, 15, 16.
South Indian Music (Book 5) - Chapters 1 to 6 & 10 to 15.
South Indian Music (Book 6) - Chapters 5 to 12.
History of Indian Music by Prof. P Sambamurthy - Chapters 3, 5, 11, 12, 15, 16,18.

Recommended Reading:
South Indian Music (Books 1 to 6) by Prof. P Sambamurthy
Dictionary of South Indian Music (3 Volumes) by Prof. P Sambamurthy
A practical Course in Carnatic Music - Books 1-3 by Prof. P Sambamurthy
Aids to the Teaching of Music by Prof. P Sambamurthy
Pictures of famous Composers, Musicians by Prof. P Sambamurthy
Great Musicians by Prof. P Sambamurthy
Great Composers by Prof. P Sambamurthy
Other publications by Prof. P Sambamurthy (Books in Tamil):
Keerthana Sagaram
Karnataka Sangeetham (Books 1-3)
Sri A S Panchapakesaiyers Books:
Ganamrutha Bodhini
Karnataka Sangeetha Saastiram
Sangeetha Santhirikai by Manikka Mudaliyar, Selam.
Ragas in Carnatic Music by Dr. S Bhagyalekshmy
Sri Thyagaraja Swamy Charitham by P K Moorthy
Bharathiya Isai Iyal Payirchchi Nool by Dr S V Leela
Muthuswamy Dikshitarin Varalaaru
Isai Iyal by Tanjore Ponniah Pillai (Annamalai University Publication)
Keerthana Maalai (2 Volumes) by Papanasam Sivan
Studies in Indian Music by T V Subba Rao
Sri Subramaniya Baharathiyar songs
Kalaik Kalanjiyam
Thennaka Isai Iyal by Dr S S Sellaturai
Sangeetha Saasthiram by K Velayuthapillai
Vaageyakararkalin Sarithiram by Sundharam Iyer
Karnamirtha Saagaram by Abraham Pandithar
Thamizhisaith Theebam by Satchithananthan Sri Kantha
Sangeetha Saaram by R V Krishnan (3 Volumes)

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (LONDON)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION

in
CARNATIC MUSIC
Notes on Syllabus for Vocal
1.

Grade 1
Swara Varisai should include 4 Hechchu Staayi Varisai
Swara Varisai minimum 5 should be learnt in 3 speeds
.

. .

eg. Srgmpdns S ; S ; dnsr sndp ..

Theory knowledge of Grade 1 syllabus will be orally examined by the Team Leader
of the examination panel.
2.

Grade 2
a.
Jathiswaram / Swarajati : New pieces should be taught chosen from wider range
available
b.

Terms like Varja, Sampurnam, Vakra definitions and other names like Janaka,
Janya should be explained while teaching. Only simple explanation is required.

3.

Grade 3
Kritis and Kirtanas: To be taught in Adi and Rupaka Taalams. Music pieces should
be in Tamil, Telugu and Sanskrit languages. Kritis and Kirtanas could be taught in
Raagas chosen from the Grades Raaga Lakshana list and also in any other Raagas.

4.

Diploma Year 1 (Formerly Grade 4)

a.
Kritis and Keerthanas: Compositions of Muthu Thandavar, Papanasam Sivan,
Gopalakrishna Bharati, Mysore Vasudevachariar, Kotteswara Aiyer and Sri
Thyagaraja

5.

b.

Diploma Year 1 to Music Teachers Diploma (Former Grades 4 to 7)

At the Practical Exams, marks to be given in Presentation for posture and
pronunciation.

c.

Teachers should make it a practice to teach the student to sing the ArohanaAvarohanam of the ragas given in the sight singing.

Diploma Year 2 (Formerly Grades 5)

a.
Kritis and Keerthanas: Compositions of Gopalakrishna Bharati, Papanasam Sivan,
Kotteswara Aiyer, Sri Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshitar, Tanjore Quartet &
Swati Tirunal.
(a short raga Alapana and kalpana swarams for a Madyama kala kriti or keerthana
chosen by the student)
b.

Tarangam is composed by Narayana Theerthar

c.

Graphs:
The use of Swarastaana-graphs is essential in Raaga Lakshanam.
Graphs of arohanam avarohanam of different raagams

d.

Graphs on alankarams in different Janaka and Janya raagams

Continued on next page

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (LONDON)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION

in
CARNATIC MUSIC
Notes on Syllabus for Vocal (contd.)
5.

Diploma Year 2 (Formerly Grades 5) (contd.)

e.
Teachers should make it a practice to teach the student to sing the ArohanaAvarohanam of the ragas given in the sight singing.
f.

Preparing and submitting journals (scrapbooks) for grades Diploma Year 2 to

Diploma: Students should endeavour to write in their own handwriting - wherever
possible - their observations, comments on articles, reviews and pictures.
Team leaders of the examination panel will sign and date the journal (scrapbook) at
the end each time it is submitted.

6.

Diploma (Former Grade 6)

a.
Kritis and Keerthanas: Madyama & Chauka kala Compositions of all the composers
mentioned in previous grades, Shyama Sastri, Arunachala Kavirayar, Harikesa
Nallur Muthiah Bagavathar, Oothukadu Venkata Subbiyer and other composers.
Kritis and Keerthanas should not have less than 4 sangatis each.
b.

7.

Raagamalika: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Sanskrit compositions (including

Bhavayami Raguramam by Swathi Thirunaal Maharajah, Ponniah Pillai,
Seetaramiah etc.)

Theory Question Papers will be set as follows:

Grades 2
Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions 80%
Part 2: Detailed Essay type Questions 20%
Grades 3 and Diploma Year 1
Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions 60%
Part 2: Detailed Essay type Questions 40%
Diploma Year 2 and Diploma
Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions 50%
Part 2: Detailed Essay type Questions 50%

Any Queries and Questions on this syllabus should be discussed with Academys Chief
Examiner, Smt. Saraswathy Packiarajah
Tel: +44-208-577 3588

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (LONDON)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION

in
CARNATIC MUSIC
NOTES FOR EXAM APPLICATIONS
New Syllabus:
The attached revised syllabus should be used from examinations to be held in and
after April 2011 examinations, until further revisions.
Theory Exams:
There will be written theory examinations from Grades 2 to Music Teachers
Diploma. Students who have already sat for either Vocal or Instrumental
examinations will have to re-sit the Theory exams after 3 years have elapsed when they sit for another subject. This is applicable to all grades from grades 2 to
Diploma (Former Grade 6).
Audio- Visual Examination for Diploma Year 2 and Diploma (Former Grade 5 & 6):
There will be a half an hour Audio-Visual examination, to be held after the
Theory exam. Students who have already sat for either Vocal or Instrumental
examinations at Diploma Year 2 and Diploma will have to re-sit the Audio-Visual
exams after 3 years have lapsed - when they sit for another subject. Audio-Visual
marks will be awarded as a bonus only to candidates who pass the Theory exam.
Rules for Exemptions:
A.

A student appearing for the Academys examinations for the first time or without
previous qualifications from other examination boards can be considered for
exemptions from the first two grades only (and if they are more than 10 years old
by July in the year of examination the student proposes to sit).

B.

A student of other examination boards can be exempted from any grades of the
Academy of Fine Arts (London) examinations provided they have passed the
corresponding grades of the other examination boards and have covered the
Academy syllabus.
NB:
The corresponding grades are not necessarily the same number grades. The
Academys grades correspond with higher grades of some examination boards,
but with lower grades of North Ceylon Oriental Music Society (NCOMS).
Students who possess qualified certificates for Grades 1 to 5 from NCOMS will be
allowed to take the Academys next appropriate Grade Exam.

Continued on next page

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (LONDON)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION

in
CARNATIC MUSIC
Notes for Exam Applications (contd.)
September / October Exams
To help referred students to pass theory exams there will be a Theory exam held in
September / October of each year for Grades 2 to 6. This will take effect from October
2010. This theory exam will not be applicable for students who are sitting theory exams
for the first time in their respective grades. ie. To sit for September / October theory
exams the student should be referred in one of the Vocal & Instrumental theory paper.
Diploma (Former Grade 6)
Effective from 2010 April/May exams students who pass Grade 6 will be issued a
Diploma Certificate. This certificate will neither qualify in any way as Academys Music
Teachers Diploma (Former Grade 7) Diploma nor will it be recognised as a Diploma by
University of Madras for further studies. In order to qualify as Diploma holder for
further studies in University of Madras, students should pass the Academys Music
Teachers Diploma (Former Grade 7) examinations.

Any Queries and Questions on this Examination Notes should be discussed with Academys
Chief Examiner, Smt. Saraswathy Packiarajah Tel: +44-208-577 3588
or Academys Board Chairman Dr Ratnam Niththyananthan Tel: +44-208-904 3937

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS (LONDON)

PUBLIC EXAMINATION
in
CARNATIC MUSIC
Vocal Examinations

Grade 1 to 7
Syllabus
Effective from April 2013 Exams
The Academys Music Teachers Diploma is recognised by The University of Madras
for further studies

Web page: http://www.aofaonline.com

Email: Academyof.finearts@btinternet.com

179 Norval Road

North Wembley
Middlesex
HA0 3SX
Tel: 0208-904 3937
Fax: 0208-904 5939

This syllabus supersedes all previous versions

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No part of this syllabus may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means, or stored in a database
or retrieval system, without prior permission of the Academy.