Carnatic music is traditionally taught according to the system formulated by Purandaradasa. This involves practice lessons(graded exercises), alankaras(exercises based on the seven talas), geethams, jathi swarams and swarajathis. After the student has reached a certain standard, varnnams are taught and later, the student learns krithis followed by manodharma sangeetham(ragam exposition, niraval, kalpana swara and ragam thanam pallavi)It typically takes several years of learning before a student is adept enough to perform at a concert. The learning structure is arranged in increasing order of complexity.

Level 1 -Praarambhik

Level 2 -Praveshika

Level 3 -Madhyama

Level 4 -Upantya

Level 5 -Visharad