We sing, we might practice daily but don't we all sometimes wonder, "Am I really getting better?"

Progress in Carnatic music isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes, it’s hidden in the way you hold a note a little longer. Or how you don't panic when a tala changes. This quiz will help you pause, reflect, and see just how far you’ve come.

Pick the option that feels most true right now.
This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being honest and kind to your journey.

đź’¬ Questions

1. How comfortable are you with singing basic varisais (sarali, janta, alankaram)?

A. Still struggle with consistency and clarity
B. Manageable with focus
C. Confident—I can sing them fluently

🌿 Reflection:
Go back to your very first varisai. Can you hear the improvement in your stability, clarity, and voice control now?

2. Can you sing with sruti alignment throughout a song?

A. I often drift off pitch
B. I correct myself mid-way
C. I stay aligned from start to end

🌿 Reflection:
Sruti alignment is subtle but powerful. Even noticing when you go off is a big sign of growth.

3. How do you approach learning a new kriti?

A. Need a lot of help and repetition
B. I break it into parts and learn gradually
C. I can understand the structure and learn with fewer repetitions

🌿 Reflection:
Think of your first kriti. Has your learning process become smoother, faster, or more independent since then?

4. Do you understand the concept of tala and maintain it while singing?

A. Talas feel tricky—I often lose track while singing
B. I can keep simple talas but still need practice
C. I can comfortably sing within tala without losing track

🌿 Reflection:
Clapping along to talas outside of class? Catching yourself mid-mistake? That’s your internal rhythm building itself quietly.

5. Have your gamakas become more natural in your singing?

A. Still figuring out where and how to add them
B. I can use basic gamakas, but not fluently
C. They are becoming second nature in my renditions

🌿 Reflection:
Gamakas are not just technical—they’re emotional. Even trying them means you're stepping into expressive singing.

6. How do you feel about manodharma (improvisation) like alapana or swaram?

A. Too early for me—I just follow what I’m taught
B. I’m exploring, though still hesitant
C. I’ve started experimenting and enjoy it!

🌿 Reflection:
Manodharma is a sign of musical maturity. But curiosity—even more than confidence—is where it truly begins.

7. How has your confidence changed in the last few months?

A. Still unsure of myself
B. Gaining confidence slowly
C. I feel much more at ease singing in front of others

🌿 Reflection:
Confidence isn't loud. It shows up in small ways—when you hit record, unmute on Zoom, or try that tricky note.

đź“ť Your Results

Mostly A’s – “Shruti Shishya 🌱”

You’re laying the groundwork—and that’s everything in Carnatic music. It takes patience and persistence to master the basics. Focus on sruti, simple talas, and clean renditions. The structure will soon feel familiar.
🎧 Tip: Don’t compare yourself to others—compare yourself to your last month’s voice.

Mostly B’s – “Talam Thiranali 🎶”

You're no longer a beginner—you’re becoming a real student of the art. Your understanding of structure, tala, and gamakas is developing, and with consistent practice, you’ll be ready to explore manodharma with more ease.
🛕 Tip: Start listening actively to kutcheris—you’ll absorb much more than you think!

Mostly C’s – “Raaga Jnani 🌟”

You’re evolving beautifully. Your voice is maturing, your manodharma is emerging, and your command of technique is strong. Keep challenging yourself with rare raagas and complex talas—you’re ready.
🌺 Tip: Share your music—record a kriti or alapana and send it to your teacher or even post it online.

🎯 Keep Going, No Matter Where You Are

Every “off note,” every skipped beat, every shy attempt—it all counts. Whether you’re just finding your shruti or exploring manodharma, remember: you’re growing, just by showing up.

✨ Want to go deeper with your Carnatic learning?
Join Spardha’s 1:1 Carnatic classes and get personal guidance from experienced teachers—your music deserves it. Book a FREE Trial class today!