Elements of Indian Music introduces the Indian melodic system in an accessible manner within the realm of Western music theory. It demonstrates a new archetype in music composition for composers of any genre, as well as composition teachers and anyone interested in ethnomusicology.

This book contains a set of 12 etudes for piano and transcriptions for classical guitar. Each etude is about one minute in length and utilizes notes from a particular Indian scale. An intermediate to advanced skill level is required to perform each etude. Practicing and performing these studies is an excellent way to expand one’s musical perspective beyond traditional diatonic scales.

Indian music has intrigued the West for a long time, but hasn’t always been accessible because of the absence of a systematic approach to theory and repertoire. Just as the Western harmonic system is well developed, the Indian melodic system is very advanced and equally established. The intermingling of these two worlds can inspire new, exceptional sonic landscapes.

Useful literature on the evolution of the Indian melodic system is also included, with notes on how it can be used as a modus operandi by Western musicians who wish to apply Indian scales in Western compositions and improvisations.

Includes access to online audio

SECTION A
Preface by George Brooks 
Acknowledgements 
Introduction 
The Melodic Structure of Indian Music
Melakarta and Thaat 
Raaga
The Quintessence of Indian Music
Congruence Between Musical Cultures 
Indian Theory vs Western Theory – A Unified Approach
Key Signatures and Time Signatures
Staff Position, Scale Degrees, Intervals and Scale-Chord Compatibility 
Standard & Adjusted Scale Degrees for Melakarta Scales 
Approach to Chords 
The Circle of Intervals 
The 72 Melakarta Scales  (Standard Scale Degrees)  
The 72 Melakarta Scales  (Adjusted Scale Degrees)
Relative Modes of Melakarta Scales 
The Method Behind the Melakarta System  
SECTION B
The 72 Melakarta Scales (Staff Notation- Key of C)
Chakra 1 
Chakra 2 
Chakra 3 
Chakra 4 
Chakra 5 
Chakra 6 
Chakra 7 
Chakra 8 
Chakra 9 
Chakra 10 
Chakra 11 
Chakra 12 
Melakarta Scale Workouts 
Piano Etudes using Melakarta Scales
Etude in Melakarta #01 – Kana-kAngi 
Etude in Melakarta #10 – NAtaka-priya 
Etude in Melakarta #16 – Chakra-vAkam 
Etude in Melakarta #19 – JhankAra-dhwani 
Etude in Melakarta #27 – Sara-sAngi 
Etude in Melakarta #36 – Chala-nAtA
Etude in Melakarta #37 – SAlagam 
Etude in Melakarta #45 – Shuba-panthu-varAli 
Etude in Melakarta #51 – KAma-vardhini
Etude in Melakarta #59 – Dharma-vathi 
Etude in Melakarta #65 – Mecha-Kalyani 
Etude in Melakarta #72 – Rasika-priya 
Classical Guitar Etudes using Melakarta Scales
Etude in Melakarta #01 – Kana-kAngi 
Etude in Melakarta #10 – NAtaka-priya 
Etude in Melakarta #16 – Chakra-vAkam 
Etude in Melakarta #19 – JhankAra-dhwani 
Etude in Melakarta #27 – Sara-sAngi 
Etude in Melakarta #36 – Chala-nAtA
Etude in Melakarta #37 – SAlagam 
Etude in Melakarta #45 – Shuba-panthu-varAli 
Etude in Melakarta #51 – KAma-vardhini 
Etude in Melakarta #59 – Dharma-vathi 
Etude in Melakarta #65 – Mecha-Kalyani 
Etude in Melakarta #72 – Rasika-priya