Svaram - Svara Tarang Resonators

This is often one of the first instruments of the growing child. Its appeal lies in the clear bell-like sounds and utter simplicity of make and play. For pre-school we suggest mayor pentatonic tunings for free melodic play. A wonderful entry into the world of music can already be played for toddlers, best when they are ready to settle in to rest.

Constructed like a xylophone in size, design, and form, the metallophone offers a different sound quality or timbre because of the material, it’s made of. Both can be used for many parallel explorations, through the same progression of tuned pitches. In contrast to the punctuated sound of the wooden bars, the metal bars sustain the sound longer. The metallophone invites deeper listening, following the slow fading of the sound that leads to the experience of resonance 

Initiated in 2003 as a grassroots community, rural development project in Tamil Nadu (India),  Svaram has been recognised by the UN Initiative “Music as a Global Resource” as one of its first 50 projects worldwide. The open association and team of over 50 local artisans, trainees, international volunteers and professionals has always retained its emphasis on the human element, its heritage and prospect of evolutionary change and positive progress.

Initially focusing on communication-social-and craft-skill trainings with the practical core of hands on work with different materials like wood, metals, clay, bamboo and seeds/shells for instrument building, extensive explorations and a communal discovery process on the ‘magic of sound’ stimulated the growth of the team in ever unfolding and often surprising directions, creating a natural enthusiasm in everyone involved for the chosen work with the mystery and magic of sound!