This micro-credential offers a focused, four-module study on the Nottusvara compositions of Muthuswami Dikshitar, a unique work that bridges Carnatic classical music with simple Western melodies. The course intends to equip students with both practical skills and musicological understanding, using the compositions' simple, unornamented style (C Major / Shankarabharanam scale) as an accessible yet rigorous tool for perfecting pitch (Śruti) and rhythm (Laya).
The curriculum is ideally suited for Music enthusiasts needing strong foundational practice, Liberal Arts students interested in South Asian cultural history, Western Music Students looking for cross-cultural musical comparison or simply anyone with a penchant for music learning. Learning is facilitated through structured modules combining theoretical video lectures and hands-on practice sessions, supported by mandatory self-help learning modules (practice logs and pitch exercises).
Assessment is weighted across two main components: Quizzes (50%) test historical and lyrical knowledge and assess the student's mastery of the compositions with a Final Practical Assessment (50%) . It requires a full performance of select compositions from the repertoire, ensuring verifiable competency for the certification.