My first teachers were my Paternal Grandparents Smt. Janaki & Sri.N Ranganathan. My thaatha was a big influence in my childhood. He also nurtured me to appreciate and enjoy good music. He was a versatile musician, proficient in harikatha, bhajans, and other compositions. My Paatti played the Veena and was an AIR artiste.
My next Guru was my father R Mukundan. He was a big fan of the GNB school of music and I remember he would never miss a concert of MLV or Radha & Jayalakshmi, Trichur Ramachandran etc. He took many opportunities to teach me various compositions. My mother, Smt.Saroja Mukundan who has also trained me in many compositions, is a disciple of Salem Chellam Iyengar; she has many achievements to her credit in the music field & having taught numerous groups, trained scores of students in various ages in Bangalore.
The biggest Lesson I have learnt from my family of Gurus is to be proud BUT also be absolutely Humble about our lineage, awards, accomplishments, creations or success.
My formal training was with the below Gurus. I consider myself very lucky to have been under the tutelage of these two stalwarts.
Gade Sri Satyanarayana Murthy is originally from Kakinada district in Andhra Pradesh. He has however been a resident of Bangalore for many many years now. He has a degree in MA Music from Andhra University, and has been teaching numerous students. He is also the Secretary of Geetha Sangeetha Prachara Mandali in the Cantonment area in Bangalore. He has been instrumental in organizing Thyagaraja & Purandaradasa Aradhana for this Sabha for more than 25 years. He has performed extensively, and is a very innovative teacher. His methods are preferred by many students in Bangalore and other places around the globe.
He encourages all his students to perform on stage from a very young age in order to overcome stage fright and gain self-confidence. He has created unlimited opportunities for young talented musicians, as well as encouraged many local artists. He has instituted awards and felicitations through the Mandali to well deserving teachers and accompanists. He has also recognized many under-priviledged artists and helped them earn a living.
His service to the Carnatic world and his undying loyalty to each student’s musical career is remarkable. He also trains students online.
And most important – He is extremely proud of my simple accomplishments and considers me his flag-bearer in teaching using traditional and unique methods of vocal training.
*************************************************************************************
Smt.Lalitha Sivakumar in Chennai accepted me as a student without any recommendations or tests. The Sivakumar family did not treat me like a student, but as a member of the family. I have spent many days at their home, helping Lalitha Maami with cooking and sharing lunch with them. I was a regular accompanist on the tambura for Nithyasree’s concerts. It was a treat to admire her up close and personal. Everybody in the family was a dear friend to me and they still have the same affection. Every krithi that I learnt from Lalitha mami was a great experience. I am very proud to have been chosen as a student by such a gifted Vaggeyakara and musician. Smt.Lalitha Sivakumar not only comes from a very illustrious musical family, but has gems such as her daughters and grand daughters who are outstanding musicians today!
You can read more about her at: http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/09/21/stories/2007092150560300.htm
*************************************************************************************
Madhuradhwani Music School 