Videos

In this episode, we explore one of the most joyous ragas in Carnatic music — Mohanam — through a fun-filled and charming composition from the Chocolate Melodies series.

Join Maestro Kumaresh (also known as The Fiddling Monk) as he teaches one of his popular Chocolate Melodies, specially composed in the vibrant ragam Mohanam.

Watch the Full Video Song “Chocolate Melodies – Mohanam” here – https://youtu.be/r5kmec_gxIk

If you’d like to learn this melody and more, or start your journey in Indian Violin, head over to www.fiddlingmonk.com/courses
There, you can follow a structured learning path with personalised feedback from the Maestro.

Fiddling Magic is a YouTube tutorial series by Maestro Kumaresh R, offering rare insights and specially crafted Carnatic Violin lessons — from foundational concepts to advanced artistry.

Subscribe to Fiddling Monk’s YouTube Channel for more episodes.

In this episode, we step into the expressive world of Gamaka—the soul of Carnatic music. Join Maestro Kumaresh (a.k.a. Fiddling Monk) as he demystifies the concept of Gamakas using the classic Mayamalavagowla Varnam, Sri Rajarajeshwari, as the medium.

You’ll learn:
• What Gamakas are and why they are essential to Carnatic music
• How to approach and apply them in context
• The nuanced movements between notes that bring emotion and identity to the raga
• Practical demonstrations woven into the phrases of this foundational Varnam

Fiddling Magic is a YouTube tutorial series by Maestro Kumaresh R (Fiddling Monk), offering rare insights and specially crafted Carnatic Violin lessons—from foundational concepts to advanced artistry.

Watch the Full Episode – Subscribe to Fiddling Monk’s YouTube Channel
Go Deeper – For a structured learning path with personalised feedback from the Maestro, enroll in full courses at www.fiddlingmonk.com/courses

THRIPUTA – The Next Talapravaham Concert
The much-awaited fifth concert in the Talapravaham series is here! Each performance in this series delves deep into one of the Sooladi Sapta Talams, exploring all five jaathis (varieties) through sophisticated, masterclass original compositions by Fiddling Monk.

After the blockbuster success of the previous concerts—Dhruva, Matya, Roopaka, and Jhampa—it’s now time for Thriputa, a popular structure in the Karnatic music system. The Chatushra Jaathi of Thriputa Talam, famously known as Adi Tala, is one of the most widely used and recognized talas in the Karnatic music system.

This time, prepare for a mesmerising journey through Thriputa Talam, featuring five original compositions, each crafted uniquely for one of its jaathis:

1. Tishra
2. Chatushra
3. Khanda
4. Mishra
5. Sankeerna



🎶 Artists performing along with Fiddling Monk:

• Vid. B. Harikumar on Mridangam

• Vid. Trichy Krishnaswamy on Ghatam

• Master Vaibhav Ramani on Violin

"Paravasam" is an original composition in the raagam Begada set to Khanda Jaathi Jhampa Talam.

Composed by: Kumaresh Rajagopalan (a.k.a Fiddling Monk)
On Violins: Vid. Kumaresh R. and Master Vaibhav Ramani
On Mridangam: Vid. Anantha R Krishna
On Ghatam: Vid. Trichy Krishna Swamy

"Varaali" is an original composition in the raagam Varaali set to Chatushra jaathi Roopakam Talam.

Composed by: Kumaresh Rajagopalan (a.k.a Fiddling Monk)
On Violins: Vid. Kumaresh R. and Master Vaibhav Ramani
On Mridangam: Vid. K.U. Jayachandra Rao
On Ghatam: Vid. Trichy Krishna Swamy

Experience the unique journey of learning Indian violin with Bowing with Fiddling Monk, where tradition meets the digital age of education. Our platform offers a curriculum meticulously crafted by The maestro - Kumaresh R (aka. Fiddling Monk) himself, ensuring a deep understanding of techniques specific to playing the Indian violin.

As the first fully digital violin learning platform, Bowing with Fiddling Monk offers pre-recorded video lessons filmed in high-quality from multiple angles, capturing every nuance of the teaching. Animated illustrations complement the lessons, making complex techniques easy to grasp.

Through our digital classroom, you can access all lessons, assignments, and course materials in one place. Each assignment is reviewed by senior instructors or the maestro himself, with personalised feedback provided to ensure constant guidance. The journey doesn’t stop with individual lessons—students join monthly meetings with the maestro, where they can perform, present musical concepts, and participate in detailed discussions. This fosters a vibrant and progressive music community, while also cultivating a refined taste for enjoying and appreciating quality music.

Students at Bowing with Fiddling Monk are not just becoming professional musicians, composers, or teachers. Many also experience improvements in other areas of life, including academics and professional work, through enhanced focus, multitasking, and a sense of calm.

Ultimately, Bowing with Fiddling Monk is more than just a violin e-learning platform—it’s a way to unlock your potential and discover a better version of yourself through the art of music.

"Naatya Ganapathi" is a musical ode to lord Ganesh, depicting the dynamic glory of his divine dance - in the ragam Naatai set to Tishra jaathi Dhruva Talam.

Composed by: Kumaresh Rajagopalan (a.k.a Fiddling Monk)
On Violins: Vid. Kumaresh R. and Master Vaibhav Ramani
On Mridangam: Vid. K.U. Jayachandra Rao
On Ghatam: Vid. Giridhar Udupa
On Khanjira: Vid. Guruprasanna

#music #indian #dynamic

#indian #music is based on the concept of Sruti (Tonic note), Raaga (Melodic Scale), and Taala (Rhythmic Cycle). #Melakarta #Raagas are the 72 melodic scales divided into 12 chakras, with six raagas in each chakra. These are considered the parent raagas for many thousands of raagas. This musical series offers a small peek into the sounds of these #dynamic, intricate, and interesting Raagas.

Two distinctly different Ragas
Chakra No.9 - Brahma Chakra - Raga No. 54 - #Vishvambari
Chakra No.10 - Disi Chakra - Raga No. 55 - #Shāmalāgi

#music #indian #dynamic

#indian #music is based on the concept of Sruti (Tonic note), Raaga (Melodic Scale), and Taala (Rhythmic Cycle). #Melakarta #Raagas are the 72 melodic scales divided into 12 chakras, with six raagas in each chakra. These are considered the parent raagas for many thousands of raagas. This musical series offers a small peek into the sounds of these #dynamic, intricate, and interesting Raagas.

Two distinctly different Ragas
Chakra No.9 - Brahma Chakra - Raga No. 53 - #Gamanāshrma
Chakra No.10 - Disi Chakra - Raga No. 56 - #Shanmukapriya