Gamaka symbols are, as the name indicates, merely symbols; however close might they mimic the actual sound or oscillations, they are not detailed instructions on executing the respective gamakas on voice or instruments. Learning a specific gamakam and learning the symbol associated with it are two separate processes. Compare learning driving vs knowing road signs.
I'm not saying Gamaka symbols are not useful; I'm just saying looking at symbols to learn the gamakas in the first place, without proper guidance or authentic reference, may not be the right thing. That said, Sri. Akella Mallikarjuna Sharma has made audio recordings of the gamakams for which he has given symbols. If you are confident of your listening skills and are willing to invent your own violin technique, give these recordings an extensive study.
Here are some general observations about gamakas. You should watch for them because you are on your own:
- Many phrases can be executed in different ways, with different gamakas for same notes. So don't be alarmed if the book specifies some gamaka and some video/audio recording has a different version.
- Gamakas do change with speed. A more elaborate gamaka can be played in slow speed. The same phrase may be played with a different gamaka when played fast (lesser number of oscillations or slightly simplified version, or no gamaka at all!). I'm not sure whether such variations are incorporated in print.
Pay special attention to anuswarams. They are not so easy to grasp simply by listening to recordings. Playing anuswarams properly adds needed sparkle to gamakams. Without them your play will sound dull with simple glides up and down.
Good luck. Keep us posted on your progress.
Learn from a teacher, IMHO, is far far far better.
Thank you,
Ananth Pattabi
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