The structure of the sopanam music is believed to reflect the experience of the devotee in scaling the height of devotion.

Like Carnatic music , it has an introductory segment called Adapanam .Its base on Omkaram or the sole use of the sound 'Aaa.This is followed by the song .

Sopana sangeetham have some similarities with the north indian classical Hindustani music. Sopana sangeetham is traditionally taught by the family members to the next generation.