Carnatic Music Workshops

Presented by Leela Foundation

Aligned with Leela Foundation’s mission to educate, enthrall, and enliven the community through the arts, Leela Foundation is thrilled to offer an immersive learning opportunity for Carnatic music students and teachers, led by three distinguished visiting artists from India. Held in April 2026, these immersive sessions offer students and teachers a unique opportunity to train in Carnatic vocal, veena and mridangam respectively.

April 16, 17, 18 2026

Time and Venue - TBD

Workshop Registration

About the instructors

Smt. Jayashree Aravind stands among the foremost exponents of the Veena today. With a distinguished musical career spanning over five decades, she has carved a unique niche for herself as both an acclaimed performer and a deeply respected teacher.

A disciple of the legendary Veena maestro, Padma Bhushan and Sangeetha Kalanidhi Shri K. S. Narayanaswamy, Jayashree Aravind’s artistry reflects the highest traditions of the Carnatic classical lineage. She has also trained with eminent musicians including Smt. T. Brinda and Palghat Shri K. V. Narayanaswamy, enriching her musical depth and stylistic nuance.

Anugrah Lakshmanan is a dynamic and multi-talented Carnatic musician celebrated for his dedication to the classical arts. He received his foundational education and rigorous musical training at Isha Samskriti, an alternative education system envisioned by Sadhguru, where classical arts form an integral part of holistic learning.

He currently continues advanced training under Smt. Jayashree Aravind in both vocal and Veena music. Anugrah is also training with other eminent stalwarts including Sri Malladi Suri Babu and Sri TM Krishna. Anugrah is also the founder of Minna Minni, a unique platform designed to reimagine Carnatic music through fresh and contemporary perspectives. 

Ashwin Subramaniyan is a percussionist and alumnus of Isha Samskriti, an alternative education system envisioned by Sadhguru. Displaying a natural affinity for rhythm from a young age, he began his training in Mridangam and Konnakkol under Sri Trivandrum R. V. Prasad in 2011. He now continues his advanced training in Chennai under Sri Thrissur C. Narendran. In addition to Mridangam, Ashwin is trained in the art of Nattuvangam, bringing a well-rounded rhythmic sensibility to his performances. Ashwin teaches the fundamentals and advanced aspects of Mridangam and Konnakkol and performs extensively as an accompanying artist for both Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music concerts.

Workshop Overview

Carnatic Vocal-Intermediate Taught by:  Anugrah Lakshmanan

Workshop Outcomes: 

• Technique building for improving vocal delivery and rhythm

• 3-4 Compositions (Annamacharya, Muthuswamy Dikshitar, Tarangams or similar)

Suggested Pre-requisite: The participant has learnt a minimum of 3 aadi taala varnams.

The instruction will be 3 sessions of 75 minutes each.

Carnatic Vocal-Advanced

Taught by:  Smt. Jayashree Aravind and Anugrah Lakshman

Workshop Outcomes: 

• Technique building for improving manodharma, in addition to vocal delivery and rhythm

• 3-4 Compositions (Annamacharya, Muthuswamy Dikshitar, Tarangams or similar) taught at an advanced level

Suggested Pre-requisite: The participant has learnt at least 10 varnams and 30 kritis.

Participants in the Advanced level will initially attend the Intermediate session, followed by an additional 60 mins session with Smt. Jayashree Arvind.

The instruction will consist of 3 sessions (75 mins + 60 mins).

Veena Intensive

Taught by:  Smt. Jayashree Aravind

Workshop Outcomes: 

• Fingering technique and practice

• A few rare compositions well suited for the veena

All levels are welcome.

The instruction will be 3 sessions of 90 minutes each.

Mridangam IntensiveTaught by:  Ashwin Subramaniyan

Workshop Outcomes: 

• Tala clarity

• Laya development

• Accompaniment skills

All levels are welcome.

The instruction will be 3 sessions of 75 minutes each.