Idhayan K

I’m a performing artist, and I play and teach Saraswathi Veena in the Karaikudi Bani tradition. I’m a disciple of Kalaimamani Sri TR Sambasivan, who is a disciple of Kalaimamani Smt. Ranganayaki Rajagopalan (direct disciple of Sangeetha Kalanidhi Karaikudi Sambasiva Iyer). My teaching varies according to each student’s perception. Getting strong with the basics, from tuning the veena, proper posture, until how the gamakas are treated according to each raagam will be our first priority, before we dive into fun elements like birkas. We will concentrate on kalpana swaram, niraval, etc as the basics gradually become stronger. However practicing a minimum of 2-3 hours a day is essential to develop essential skillset for being a successful performing artist. It requires lots of practice, patience, time and your dedication to see results. Practicing sarali varisai and jandai varisai (in our karaikudi bani fingering style) everyday is mandatory.