5 Top Platforms to Learn Carnatic Music in the US

The growing popularity of online learning has spread worldwide, including in the music industry. 

Now, a learner no longer has to travel to places to learn music, because online music classes bring convenience to your doorstep.

Imagine waking up in the US, thousands of miles away from South India, and still being able to attend or learn structured Carnatic vocal classes taught by a trained guru.

Well, it is more than just a possibility. Today, this has become a norm among Indian American families across the United States. These top platforms to learn Carnatic music in the US have opened the doors of Indian classical music among the Indian diaspora, offering a new opportunity to learn. One of the best examples is the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival – a vibrant celebration of South Indian classical music right in the heart of Ohio. 

Online music learning has been instrumental in preserving traditional art forms, such as Carnatic music. With fewer in-person classes abroad and generational gaps widening, these digital platforms enable younger audiences to remain connected to their cultural roots. They ensure that centuries-old traditions are remembered, practiced, and passed across continents and time zones. 

In this blog, we’ll explore why online Carnatic classes are gaining traction, what you should look for in a good platform, and our pick of the top platforms to learn Carnatic music in the US.

Why Should You Learn Carnatic Music Online?

As mentioned earlier, the popularity of online learning has grown twofold, post the pandemic. Well, it is not just post-pandemic fallouts; learning Carnatic music online has some real advantages:

• Flexibility – You may not necessarily find the right Carnatic teacher in the USA. With online learning, students in the US can learn from expert teachers in India, without compromising on timing. No more worrying about time zones. Morning in India becomes evening in California, making it perfect for a class.

• Learn from Top-Notch Teachers – No more sticking to your local teacher to learn what you love. Carnatic music classes online offer direct access to highly accomplished Carnatic musicians. 

• 1:1 vs. Group Classes – The online Carnatic music classes are designed to meet your specific needs. Do you prefer personal attention? Then opt for 1:1 music lessons. You can opt for group classes if you are looking for a collaborative learning environment. You’ll see that the listed top platforms to learn Carnatic music classes are designed to meet students’ requirements, offering convenience and flexibility. 

• Learning from certified, trained teachers with NRI teaching experience – Several platforms specialize in teaching students outside India, making cultural and linguistic bridges easier to cross.

Best 5 Platforms to Learn Carnatic Music in the US

Artium Academy

The online Carnatic classical lessons are curated by none other than Padma Shri awardee Aruna Sairam, widely celebrated as the Queen of Carnatic Classical Music. We blend legacy with modernity, ensuring that every student, whether a beginner or a returning learner, experiences the rigor of tradition with the convenience of technology. 

What sets it apart in the crowded field of top platforms to learn Carnatic music in the US is its comprehensive learning ecosystem. The structured program is backed by trained experts, cutting-edge technology, and a robust support framework designed specifically for learners outside India. 

Here’s what you get with Artium:

• Structured, level-based curriculum
• Live 1:1 classes and practice support
• Globally recognised music programme offering credibility on par with renowned music institutions worldwide. 
• Dedicated programs for kids and working professionals
• US time-zone friendly slots
• Online practice tools like virtual tabla, tanpura/ online shruti box, and metronome to ensure
  Optimum practice from home. 

But that’s just the beginning.

The students also receive access to curated learning materials like downloadable PDFs, reference books, and daily vocal exercises. Learners can explore exclusive Carnatic content and behind-the-scenes learning moments through our Carnatic YouTube Channel. 

The platform also features Swarā, Artium’s in-house performance and peer-review stage, offering an immersive space for performers to showcase their work and receive feedback. Need a quick tip between classes? 

Its AI Learning Assistant—the Artium Academy Carnatic Music Learning Companion—is always ready with instant guidance. And for those who love staying inspired online, our carnatic Instagram page shares daily vocal tips, learning hacks, and behind-the-scenes insights from the maestros themselves. 

With Artium Academy, it’s not just about taking a class—it’s about joining a global movement to learn, perform, and celebrate Carnatic music like never before.

Shankar Mahadevan Academy

Founded by the legendary Shankar Mahadevan himself, SMA is one of the top Carnatic schools in the US, offering online learning options. Its structured 7-level curriculum is perfect for aspiring learners, from beginners to professionals. 

It offers both one-on-one and group learning options, providing flexibility and high-quality instruction. Every week, courses are delivered through live sessions from certified teachers and supplemented with proprietary online resources. Students can earn level-based certificates and participate in events like Milan360 based on progress. 

Best for: Students looking for celebrity-endorsed, structured learning with certifications and global performance opportunities.

Acharyanet

Acharyanet is another Carnatic music school in the USA that offers an online learning option. It has partnered with famous Carnatic musicians, including Chiravina N. Ravikaran, and offers live and recorded lessons. Listed among the top platforms to learn Carnatic music, it conducts exams for various levels, offering official certifications. The platform is known for its rigorous curriculum and offers downloadable notation, video lessons, and optional teacher-guided sessions.

Best for: Those seeking access to rare guru content and structured evaluation through a hybrid model.

Raga Labs Academy

IndianRaga is one of the top music learning sites in the USA. It is relatively well-known among the diaspora for its viral classical fusion content. Raga Lab Academy offers structured online Carnatic music lessons explicitly aimed at kids and teens. 

Students receive structured feedback, and standout performers may even get featured on IndianRaga’s social media or advanced showcases. Raga Labs also places a strong emphasis on collaboration and creativity. Students get the opportunity to participate in digital projects and showcase their talents globally. 

The learning experience combines traditional Carnatic concepts with contemporary production sensibilities, making it ideal for young learners in the US who wish to stay connected to their roots while exploring music in a modern, engaging format.

Best for: Young learners in the US who want a fun, goal-oriented learning journey.

eAmbalam

They are known as the world’s first online college for Indian performing arts. They offer online Carnatic certificate programs, short-term courses, and tailored 1:1 sessions. 

With academic-style modules and optional live classes, students gain a solid foundation with theory and practice. In addition to Carnatic music, eAmbalam also incorporates wellness practices, such as yoga and meditation, into its learning modules. 

This comprehensive approach nurtures both the musician and the individual, making it attractive for serious learners who seek more than just techniques. The platform’s emphasis on Indian culture and values also makes it a preferred choice for parents keen on cultural continuity. 

Best for: Students looking for a university-like structure with certifications and an in-depth curriculum.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online Platform for Learning Carnatic Music

While online learning is highly recommended, not all platforms offering Carnatic vocal classes and lessons are created equal. They may offer different options, so it is advised to do a bit of research before investing. 

Here are some of the key things to consider while selecting the right platform:

• Teacher Qualification and Credibility 

You need to ensure the platform you enroll in has a good faculty of teaching staff. Check for online platforms that showcase experienced artists, preferably with performance and teaching backgrounds. 

• Structured Curriculum and Progression

A world-standard online music learning platform will have a structured curriculum. This means that level-based learning is appropriate according to your skill level. So, if you’re a beginner, you will go from basic alankars to advanced kritis only when you progress through your lessons.

• Class Format

Are lessons live or recorded? Does the format match your learning style? These are some questions you need to seek answers for. 

• Certification and Performance Opportunities

Look for certification options, such as whether the 5 top platforms to learn Carnatic music offer a globally recognized certification or provide opportunities to perform. 

• Student Reviews and Testimonials

What are others saying? Feedback from US-based learners is particularly useful. Understand the features and benefits offered by the platform, and most importantly, ensure the timings are aligned with your schedules.  

• Pricing and Flexibility

Is it pay-as-you-go, subscription-based, or bundled by course? Are there free trials? These questions need to be answered. 

Testimonials from Artium’s US-Based Music Students

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Guru and Platform

When choosing the top platform to learn Carnatic music online, you should look for more than just quality or fees. It is more about resonance than anything else. Does the platform match your goals? Does the teacher’s style suit you or your child? Do you feel seen, heard, and inspired to practice?

These are the questions you need to ask yourself. With so many online platforms to choose from, students in the US are genuinely spoilt for choice. Whether you’re looking for top platforms to learn Carnatic music with live feedback, seeking online Carnatic courses with certifications, or exploring Carnatic vocal lessons for your child, there’s something tailored just for you.

At Artium Academy, we are honoured to be part of this global movement.  If you’re ready to start or restart your Carnatic learning, we welcome you to book a free trial and experience it first-hand.