Classical Carnatic training from foundational swaras to concert stage
Spotlight Academy's Carnatic Vocal program spans eight progressive levels, from swaras
and Sarali varisai through full concert-stage mastery. Currently taught at our Spring
and The Woodlands West campuses, with a SAMPADA certification pathway through Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University.
8Levels
2Campus
$105Starting From
SAMPADACertification Path
Curriculum
Eight Levels, One Voice
Nāda Ārambham
Foundation
Group·30 - 45 min·$105/mo
Private·30 min·$135/mo
Introduction to Carnatic vocal music with focus on pitch, voice culture, and foundational swaras.
What you'll learn
Voice culture basics
Shruti alignment
Sapta Swaras
Sarali Varisais
Janta Varisais
Basic rhythm introduction
Simple theory
Svara Prabodham
Fundamentals
Group·45 min·$110/mo
Private·30 min·$135/mo
Developing strong swara control, rhythm sense, and vocal stability through structured exercises.
What you'll learn
Madhyama speed swaras
Dhaatu Varisais
Geethams
Basic Bhajans
Tala exercises
Introduction to ragas
Voice control drills
Geeta Pravaham
Skill Building
Group·45 min·$115/mo
Private·30 min·$135/mo
Students begin flowing through structured compositions with improved rhythm and melody handling.
Classes are currently at our Spring campus on Tuesdays. Woodlands enrollment is opening soon - contact us to be added to the waitlist.
Meet Your Instructors
Shraddha Mohan
Artistic Director, Carnatic Vocal
B-High Grade ArtistMaster's in Indian MusicAward-Winning VocalistDisciple of Renowned Gurus
Our Carnatic Vocal instructor is a passionate and accomplished musician with a Master's Degree in Indian Music from the University of Madras, Chennai. A disciple of renowned Carnatic maestros including Dr. Mala Swamy, Smt. Seetha Rajan, Smt. Suganda Kalamegham, and Smt. Suguna Varadachari, she has been performing since the age of 10. She is a B-High Grade artist of All India Radio, recipient of the Shraddha Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu, and a multiple prize winner at prestigious Carnatic music competitions, including The Music Academy and Mylapore Fine Arts.
Cleveland Aradhana ArtistUSA & India PerformerPerformed at Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana
Vaishnavi began learning Carnatic music at a young age from her grandmother, Smt. Vasantha Sundararajan, and continued her training under Smt. Koviladi Kala. She has performed in major sabhas in Mysore and at venues in the US, including Bharathi Kalai Mandram (Houston) and the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana. She holds a degree in Biomedical Engineering from UT Austin and an MBA from Rice University, and currently works in Finance at ExxonMobil in Houston. She continues to stay closely connected to music while also pursuing her interests in reading, writing, and the outdoors.
Performances, showcases, and class highlights from Spotlight Academy.
Watch Videos
Questions about this program?
No prior experience is needed. The beginner level starts from the foundations - Sarali Varisais, shruti awareness, and building the voice in a structured, age-appropriate way.
Not to start. Early levels focus on swaras and foundational compositions where the musical structure matters more than language fluency. Familiarity with the lyrics grows naturally alongside the music.
A shruti box or tanpura app is helpful for home practice but not required from day one. Your instructor will let you know what to set up once your child has settled into the program.
Students who are comfortable with their foundational compositions are typically introduced to studio performances within their first year. Progress toward recitals and public events is guided by the individual student's pace and readiness.
Carnatic Vocal classes are conducted in small groups, which helps students develop listening skills alongside their own technique. Group dynamics are an important part of the classical learning tradition.
Yes. In addition to group classes, we also offer private one-on-one lessons and online classes for students who prefer flexible scheduling or remote learning options.
Yes. Since Carnatic vocal is a traditional seated art form, students should wear comfortable clothing such as pants, leggings, or long skirts that allow them to sit comfortably. Hair should be neatly tied back. Wearing a bindi is optional and welcomed if the student chooses.
Ready to begin Carnatic Vocal?
Enroll now and we will confirm your child's level, campus, and class time.