Carnatic music stands on 3 pillars, Ragam, Talam and Bhavam. The raga system is very strong and vast. 72 Melakarta ragas ,and thousands of Janya ragas with potentially 500 ragas used through compositions and Manodharma. There are 7 core talas around which 175 talas have been derived based on jaathis and gathis, but once again only a few are in regular usage. Gamakam is a unique feature of Indian classical music which is a fundamental melodic component involving techniques , by which a raga or song , can be gracefully expressed.
As instrumentalists the need to focus on talam at the very beginning has two reasons. Firstly , Talam comes from habit and good habit needs to be cultivated at the very beginning. Secondly, the first few lessons in Carnatic music, are notes only and devoid of sahityam. Hence instead of focusing on oscillating the swaras , one must use these swaras to master 3 speeds. A metronome helps keep time. And this practice should be given to the right hand, because the rhythm aspect for a veena player , comes through the right hand.
Taking the help of a metronome, one must do strike practices for first , second and third speeds. Detailed explanation of how to do it has been posted in my youtube channel and I have given the link to the video for talam practice , below.
A daily right hand strike practice of 15 minutes goes a long way in setting the rhythm in the student. Remember ‘Talam is a habit and gamakam is a skill.
How to Set a Metronome
Beginners lesson