Posted by Umesh (68.36.215.74) on June 27, 2005 at 18:51:55:

 In Reply to: On learning Nattuvangam

Posted by Suba Parmar on June 27, 2005 at 10:06:15:

 Thank you for your advice! I have a very strict guru, so I don't even know if I should ask her about learning nattuvangam or even pursue it with another guru here in NJ since she may object. She does, however, let us help her conduct classes with the thattakali (wooden block and stick). I have a feeling she wants me to solidify my sense of thalam before I go on to do such things. I do practice the different nadais in different thalas and also the hand movements (i.e., thattu, veechu, etc.) for the different thalas. I now understand the difference between, say, something like Tishra Nadai Adi Thalam (3x8) and Chathushra Nadai Chathushra Jaathi Rupaka Thalam (4x6)... different aksharams, same # of pulses. I also learn the jathis to my dance songs so I may recite them myself while doing some impromptu practicing. The only big issue is handling the cymbals, but I'm sure I could get the hang of it with some training and practice. Thank you for the contact.

-Umesh