* Save the date: Our summer recital will be held on Sat, Jun 14, 2025 at 5:30 pm.
As a devoted practitioner and instructor of Carnatic music—the sophisticated classical tradition of South India—I bring over 15 years of teaching experience to Madison, Wisconsin. My journey in this ancient art form has led me to guide students, wide-eyed preschoolers to passionate adults, each discovering their unique voice within this rich musical tradition.
My own musical path began at age five in Coimbatore, India, under the tutelage of Shri. Kannan. I continued my advanced training under the expert guidance of Acharya Ratnakara Shri. Chitravina N. Narasimhan. Deeply indebted to my gurus for their profound wisdom, I am committed to honoring their legacy by imparting these timeless teachings to my own students with dedication and reverence.
My comprehensive teaching methodology builds strong foundations through integrated training in music theory, ear training, sight reading, notation writing, voice culture, and rhythm exercises. This holistic approach ensures students develop both technical mastery and deep appreciation for this classical art form.
As a teacher for the Madison Sangeetha Seva group, I guide students of all ages in performing devotional songs and krtis at temples throughout Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, and surrounding areas. I hold dual roles at the Madison Tyagaraja Aradhana festival during Rama Navami, leading and performing with the Swaralayam group. I have also served as an adjudicator for various regional singing competitions.
While I find joy in performance, my deepest fulfillment comes from teaching. The meditative nature of Carnatic music has profoundly influenced my life, and I am passionate about helping the next generation connect with and preserve their cultural heritage through this transformative art form.
When I am free, I cherish time with my husband and two daughters, exploring new destinations and hiking trails with my family.
A distinguished musician and member of the Kovai Kannan Brothers, Shri. Kannan was renowned for his dedication to teaching. Beginning lessons at 5:30 AM daily, he emphasized singing from memory, and performance without written aids. He left an indelible mark on me with his soulful singing and his patient and encouraging approach to teaching. Even though he passed away many years ago, I still think of him fondly and am grateful for all that he taught me.
Son of the legendary Gotuvadyam Narayana Iyengar, Shri. Chitravina Narasimhan is a revolutionary figure in Carnatic music pedagogy. His innovative teaching methods, and vision have significantly contributed towards lowering the average age of performing musicians. An accomplished performer and scholar, he has earned numerous prestigious awards and titles including Gotuvadya Kalanidhi, Gotuvadya Praveena, Hanumad Gana Shiromani, Acharya Ratnakara and Acharya Pitamaha.
Shri. Narasimhan's expertise in composing intricate ragam-tanam-pallavis in complex talas has transformed the teaching of Carnatic music. His proficiency in developing simplified melodic-rhythmic techniques to explain complicated concepts ensure that his students stand a class apart from their contemporaries. His generous sharing of knowledge, his emphasis on discipline, work ethics, and passion, creates an invaluable learning experience for his students. I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to learn from such a teacher.