CARNATIC MUSIC
Carnatic Music Teacher and Performer from Kochi with more than 20 yrs of experience from India and UK.
Qualification – MA MUSIC (RLV College of Music and Fine Arts (now doing phD in Music )
Tradition – Grandson of Late Kunjan Velu Bhagavathar (first guru of Padmavibhooshan Dr. KJ Yesudas )
Disciple of
Sri Vaikkom Arun Kumar (Kalabhavan),
Sri Thamarakkad Govindan Namboothiri (Rtd Principal, RLV College of Music and Fine Arts )
Sri. Cheppad Vamanan Namboothiri (AIR, Thrissur)
Worked as Asst. Music Director with various legends in film industry like M. K Arjunan Master, Sri. S. Rameshan Nair, Sri. Kavalam Narayana Panicker sir and so on. Also performed in various music festivals in South India.
Teaching style – Now a days we have many option to learn Carnatic music through online. But it is difficult to find out the best style of this system. Here I offer the syllabus which owed from Great Maestro Sri Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyyenkar’s “Paani” or the style of teaching method. The major three Music Colleges in Kerala follows this system on last two three decades with the help of our great Guru Parampara. This teaching method got many appreciation from Music Academy, Chennai.
Through this method, trying to teach a beginner to sing perfect Swara notations without any Gamakas. So they can learn the position of each note perfectly and they are able to sing all kind of music along with Classical Songs.
On the intermediate level onwards we started the theory of South Indian Music also. At this stage you can able to sing Keerthanams and Krithis along with Varnam Chapter which leads to the advanced level ie, Manodharama Sangeetha which includes Raga Alapana, Niraval, Kalpanaswaras, RTP etc.
Carnatic vocalist and Violinist
BA and MA completed from RLV college of music and fine arts ,Thripunithura
Music learning started under his guru and father kanhangad t p srinivasan ( A grade artist AIR Calicut)from childhood onwards. Born in a music family in kanhangad ,kasargod dist .His childhood onwards conducting concerts . Also participated in compitition conducted by kerala state youth festival ,kannur University ,MG University and AIR compitition.
Following a traditional style of singing and teaching.
Kalamandalam Shibilu is a gifted Carnatic vocalist and dedicated music educator with a Master’s degree in Carnatic Music from the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam. With a deep-rooted passion for classical music, she brings both expertise and enthusiasm to her teaching. A K-TET qualified professional, she was honored with the Vajra jubilee Fellowship in 2021, recognizing her academic and artistic excellence. Her active involvement in cultural platforms, including her participation in the Nila National Festival (2018), reflects her vibrant presence in the Carnatic music community. Kalamandalam Shibilu continues to inspire young minds through her music, combining tradition with creative expression.
Niya Hariraj is a seasoned music educator and accomplished performer with over 15 years of experience in the field of Carnatic music. A proud alumna of the prestigious RLV College of Music and Fine Arts, Tripunithura, she has dedicated her career to nurturing the next generation of musicians through her work with different branches of Sanskriti Kala Kendram. She is also a Direct Board Member of Sanskriti Kala Kendram.
Trained under the esteemed Prof. Devi Vasudevan, a leading figure in the Veena Department at RLV College, Niya brings depth and authenticity to her teaching Her expertise spans Carnatic vocal music and classical Veena, and she has performed in numerous concerts, connecting audiences with the richness of South Indian classical traditions.
With a deep commitment to holistic music education,
Niya creates an inspiring and supportive learning environment for students of all ages and skill levels. Her teaching philosophy blends technical rigor with creative exploration, aiming to instill not just musical proficiency but a lifelong appreciation for the art form.
Whether you’re beginning your musical journey or looking to refine advanced skills, Niya Hariraj offers expert guidance, individual attention, and a passion for excellence in every lesson. She is available on both online and offline classes for Vocal and Veena.
KEYBOARD / PIANO
He is with Sanskrit Kala Kendram for the past 8 years. He is a well known artist in Christian Devotional songs in Malayalam Industry and also has the wide experience in Orchestration. Graduated in BA political science from
St. Xavier’s College Vaikom, and BFA Painting (RLV College of Music and Fine arts). He bagged the Diploma in Multi Media and Animation (Kerala State Audiovisual and reprographic Centre).
He follows the grade syllabus from Trinity College of London. Under Sanskriti Kala Kendram he trained many students in India and abroad.
MRIDANGAM
He is a highly skilled mridangam artist and a dedicated teacher,
He began his musical journey at the age of six under the guidance of the renowned maestro Kochi Balakrishna Kammath. His passion and dedication led him to Kerala Kalamandalam, where he underwent eight years of intensive training, followed by advanced studies at RLV College of Music and Fine Arts, Tripunithura, where he graduated with first rank in his postgraduate program.
A B-grade artist at All India Radio, Thrissur, and a recipient of the prestigious CCRT scholarship from the Government of India in 2018, he has contributed immensely to the field of percussion. He has served as a mridangam instructor at Kerala Kalamandalam, SRV Music College, and RLV Govt. College of Music and Fine Arts.
Currently, he continues to inspire and shape future generations as a lecturer in the mridangam department at RLV Govt. College of Music and Fine Arts, Tripunithura.
CLASSICAL DANCE
Started dancing from a very tender age of four under the guidance of Mayuram sunilkumar.Completed BA Bharathanatyam from st.teresas college Ernakulam,and M.A Bharathanatyam from RLV college Tripunithura with first rank.
She is also trained Kalamandalam style from Soumya balagopal under the guidance of Kalamandalam Sumathi Teacher.
Working as a dance teacher in Sanskriti Kalakendram for past 6 years.
Since the age of 5 , she has been passionate about communicating through dance . Her journey in Bharatanatyam commenced at the age of five under the tutelage of kalalayam kuttappan Sir, Kochi . She has completed M.A in Bharatanatyam from RLV COLLEGE OF MUSIC AND FINE ARTS, Thripunithura ,Kochi , in the state of Kerala ,India . She has performed on serval stages and has also opened a dance school under name “MUDRA” kandandu , Thripunithura.She has been working as dance teacher in “SANSKRITI KALAKENTRAM” for the past 5 years.
She started her dance profession at the age of 5 years. She completed her post graduation in M. A. Bharathanatyam from R. L. V. College of Music and Fine Arts Tripunithura.She started her dance training under guru RLV Pradeep.She is also working under Kerala Cultural Department as mohiniyattam artist.Working with Sanskriti Kalakendram for the past two years.
Professional qualification in classical art forms
● M.A bharathanatyam mahatma gandhi university in 2015 )
● B.A bharathanatyam first rank mahatma gandhi university in 2013
Training in other classical art forms
● Bharathanatyam
● Kuchipudy
● Mohiniyattom
● Kerala nadanam
● Folk dance
● Ottanthullal
● Kadhakali
Teaching experience
● Chinmaya Vidhyalaya Perumbavoor 2016-2017 as Bharathanatyam
teacher
● Kerala state school kalolsavam groupe dance choreography in 2015
● Classical dance teacher in mayuram dance academy aroor from 2016 –
2018
● Classical dance teacher in kerala kadhakali centre fortkochi since 2010
● Choreographer for kerala state school kalolsavam since 2010 for folk
Dance,bharathanatyam,kuchipudy,mohiniyattom,kerala nadanam and
Groupe dance
● Classical dance teacher in rhythms aesthetics society singapore since
2018-2019
Awards
● A grade in M.G university youth festival bharathanatyam competition
● M.G university youth festival folk dance single first prize in 2011
● M.G university youth festival ottanthullal a grade in 2011
A highly accomplished Bharatanatyam artist and educator from Alappuzha, Kerala, with over 26 years of rigorous training under renowned gurus and more than 8 years of teaching experience. She holds First Rank in both her M.A. and B.A. in Bharatanatyam from RLV College of Music and Fine Arts, Tripunithura, under MG University. A recipient of the Central Government’s prestigious CCRT scholarship for 8 years and a Doordarshan-graded ‘B’ artist, Keerthana has taught at Kerala Kalalayam, Tripunithura since 2017, and served as a Guest Lecturer at RLV College (2023–2024). Her academic background also includes a B.Com in Taxation from Kerala University.
She has served as a judge at various youth festivals and is known for her disciplined approach, deep commitment to cultural arts, and ability to inspire the next generation of dancers. Fluent in English, Malayalam, and Hindi.
Keerthana continues to contribute to the classical arts through performance, teaching, and mentorship.
GUITAR
Nikhil is accomplished and energetic Guitarist with a solid history of achievement in various musical settings. He is very motivated leader with strong organizational and prioritization abilities. He follows the syllabus which owed from London Trinity College. Through this method, trying to teach a beginner to graded artist.
Worked as Lead Guitarist for bands ANNABELLE Kochi and LEVELS. Working as a guitarist at Sanskriti Kalakendram for the past 4 years
DRAWING AND PAINTING
Hails from Nilampur,Malappuram. Has a BFA degree in Painting from RLV college of music and finearts ,Tripunithura and a MFA degree. Has participated in the following shows: ‘Asantham’ 2019 (group show) , ‘Internal'(2020) at Darbar hall, Ernakulam.
He is one of our faculties since 2017.
Through her patient guidance and encouraging nature, she sparks a life long love for creativity, leaving an idelible mark on the life of the students.With an unwavering passion of arts, a wealth of knowledge and genuine love for teaching she stands out as an exceptional mentor and guide for aspiring young artists.Expert in pencil, charcoal, Acrylic painting, Oil painting, Oil pastels and water colour.
For the last three years she has been working with Sanskriti Kalakendram.
She participated various exhibitions like –
Kinathy
RLV college of music and fine arts
Kinathy2022
Darbar hall art gallery
Eranakulam
Chennai photo Biennale ( community choice)
Art Bucket2022 ,
kochi
*URF Asian Record *
She is a post graduate (MFA) from RLV College of music and fine Arts. A good Art teacher interact with students very pleasantly. Expert in Pencil- Acrylic-Charcoal-Glass works. She Participates various exhibitions like Cartist Yatra 2017 at Durbar Hall, Feb Art, Sadhana Programmes under Govt. of Kerala, Women’s painting Exhibition at Thalassery-Kannur, Palette People Artist’s Residency 2019 at Vagamon etc.
With calm guidance and genuine passion, Irfan sparks a lifelong love for art in young hearts. A mentor rooted in patience and creativity, he brings life to pencil, charcoal, acrylic, oil pastels and watercolours. An alumnus of RLV College of Fine Arts, where he studied Applied Arts, he blends classical training with contemporary vision. For the past five years, he has shared his craft at Sanskriti Kalakendram, shaping the artists of tomorrow.
He has also showcased his works at Kochi Design Week, Krithi Bookfest and the Utopian Dystopia Design Festival.
CLASSICAL VIOLIN
Subheesh Viswanathan is an upcoming enthusiast young violinist, programmer, and composer based in India. He started his musical profession at the age of 15. He completed his post graduation in M. A. Violin from R. L. V. College of Music and Fine Arts Tripunithura. He has one of the leading band known as” Five strings”. He has shared stage with prominent, familiar artists in the industry. “Five strings” has performed many shows in India and across the globe. His uniqueness has gained much audience attention world over
Krishnendhu is a passionate violinist with over 6 years of experience in teaching and performing Carnatic music. A dedicated disciple of the Guru Thiruvizha G Ullas’s tradition,( Retired Professor RLV College of music and fine arts, Tripunithura) She has been shaped by classical rigor and soulful expression.
She holds a Master’s degree in Violin from the prestigious RLV College of Music and Fine Arts, Tripunithura, and also an MA in Malayalam Literature, reflecting her deep connection to Kerala’s cultural and literary heritage.
Krishnendhu is known for her disciplined teaching style, commitment to tradition, and her ability to inspire young minds through music. Her dual background in music and literature brings a unique depth to her performances and pedagogy.
With over 16 years of experience in the field of Carnatic and fusion violin, Girijan P.S is a seasoned performer and dedicated teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Violin from the prestigious Chembai Memorial Government Music College, Palakkad, where he developed a strong foundation in classical music.
Trained under the esteemed Guru Thiruvizha G. Ullas Sir, Girijan has honed a unique style that blends tradition with innovation.
Girijan is passionate about teaching and currently offers both online and offline violin classes, nurturing the next generation of musicians with personal attention and structured guidance.
WESTERN VIOLIN
Over 10 years of teaching experience
Learning violin from the age of 13
6th grade holder in violin, from trinity collage London
Now advanced studies happening under Pradeep singh ( conductor of cochin chamber orchestra) at CAC
Playing Cello as a second instrument
Currently Playing violin for Cochin chamber orchestra and cello for capriccio music band
Originally from Kanjiramattom in Ernakulam district, Jose Amballur is a seasoned musician with over 37 years of experience in the field. He completed his Ganabhooshanam diploma in 1985 from the prestigious RLV College of Music and Fine Arts, Tripunithura.
He is proficient in both Western and Indian classical styles of violin, and is also highly skilled in keyboard, guitar, and vocal music. In addition to his expertise in contemporary instruments, he is well-versed in traditional Kerala art forms such as Panchavadyam and Chenda Melam, reflecting his deep-rooted versatility and dedication to music
FLUTE
Vaikom Mahesh Chellappan is an experienced flautist and music educator with a strong foundation in both Carnatic and Hindustani music traditions. His musical journey began in 1997 under the tutelage of Vaikom Vijayan Master, focusing on Carnatic music with the pullankuzhal (bamboo flute). He further honed his skills between 2000 and 2003 under Tripunithura Prasad Master.
After a professional break due to overseas employment from 2004 to 2015, he resumed his musical pursuit in 2016 under the guidance of Tripunithura Rajesh Vaithiswaran Master, continuing his training in Carnatic flute. Broadening his musical horizon, from 2018 onwards, he has also been undergoing advanced training in Hindustani music and bansuri (North Indian bamboo flute) under Sri Shaji Harimurali, Tripunithura. Additionally, Mahesh is actively involved in light music performances and training, showcasing his versatility as a flautist.