Meet Kavitha Jayaraman | Musician, Educator, Philanthropist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kavitha Jayaraman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kavitha, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My journey into the realm of artistic expression began at a tender age when I commenced training as an Indian classical musician. Raised in an environment deeply rooted in music and academics, with multiple generations of musicians preceding me, I found myself navigating the duality of these influences. While academic pursuits held a prominent place during my formative years, my innate musical prowess consistently shone through. Despite obtaining a degree in Accounting and Finance and embarking on a corporate trajectory, I remained committed to my musical vocation, performing professionally across diverse locales such as India, Singapore, and the USA for over 15 years. Eventually, a pivotal realization dawned upon me – that my true calling resided in the world of music. A few years ago, I mustered the courage to transition exclusively to a full-time musical pursuit. In 2017, I commenced teaching music to local individuals, spanning both children and adults, an endeavor that ultimately culminated in the establishment of my music school, ‘Kalaadhaanam.’ This unique institution not only imparts musical education but also serves as a conduit to support small-scale NGOs in India through fundraising initiatives.
My journey took an even more remarkable turn when I gained admission into the prestigious Berklee College of Music for their Masters program. Additionally, I am honored to have become a voting member of the Recording Academy/Grammy, a distinction bestowed upon only a handful of Indian Classical musicians. This trajectory has reinforced my conviction that artists and creative souls are inherently compelled to engage in their craft; a calling so potent that it invariably draws them back, demanding their unwavering attention.
In essence, my pursuit of an artistic career was a harmonious amalgamation of my musical lineage, personal inclinations, and an unshakable realization that my destiny lay in the realm of creative expression.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Delving into the essence of my art, it’s a unique fusion of my dual identities: a seasoned Finance professional by vocation and a dedicated Indian classical musician by passion. This intriguing amalgamation sets me apart from the norm, and has been a driving force behind my journey to where I stand today.

Undoubtedly, the path has been strewn with challenges. Particularly during the phase when I balanced a demanding full-time career in Finance while nurturing my musical aspirations. The crux lay in mastering time management, a skill that proved paramount. Furthermore, life’s diverse demands took center stage, especially as I embraced motherhood, compelling me to deftly juggle multiple priorities.

My narrative reflects the narrative of a perpetual multitasker – an attribute that underpins my ability to successfully sustain dual careers. This innate dexterity has played a pivotal role in crafting my journey.

Another facet that characterizes my journey is my unwavering passion and innate determination. As a corporate finance professional, I channeled this fervor to ascend the ranks, ultimately becoming a people manager before fully transitioning to a full-time musician.

Presently, I’m deeply immersed in nurturing my career as a stage and online musician, concurrently leveraging my passion to drive philanthropic initiatives. A source of immense pride for me is the establishment of my music school, which serves as a conduit to support small-scale NGOs in India through the medium of music education. Additionally, I stand tall before the achievement of a lifelong dream: my debut album titled “Varnams Reimaged.” Its realization at this juncture in my life is a testament to the manifestation of dreams through unwavering dedication.

My story, at its core, echoes a simple truth – the pursuit of passion with unyielding determination yields extraordinary results. It’s a narrative that underscores the beauty of embracing one’s true calling, and the miraculous journey it unfurls.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favourite places to hang out in Miami in Wynwood! This place oozes art everywhere in the streets and also has come of the best restaurants in town! Additionally beaches in Florida are to die for and I would highly recommend a visit to the Key West and west coast of Florida where the pristine white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico are a treat for anyone visiting the area! For families with kids I would highly recommend the Frost museum and a visit to the Lion Country Safari for an upclose encounter with the wild! I personally love biking along the amazing Shark Valley too watching the alligators in the Everglades in their ‘home territory’! Oh and definitely recommend attending one Candlelight concerts at one of the venues in downtown!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My voyage through the realm of music is deeply indebted to the unwavering dedication of my revered Gurus. Their tireless efforts and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my artistic path and ensuring that I attain the pinnacle of excellence. From the very outset, my journey was nurtured by the profound wisdom and mentorship of luminaries such as Smt. Saraswathy Subramanian (Vocal), Smt. Jayashree Aravind (Veena), and the venerable Shri Bombay S Ramachandran. The countless years spent under their tutelage as a young learner were pivotal in refining my craft and cultivating an innate mastery of the art form.

As my journey unfolded, I found myself under the tutelage of present-day Gurus, namely Smt. Mangalam Shankar (Vocal) and Smt. Meenakshi Somasundaram (Veena), whose guidance continues to elevate my skills to new heights.
Yet, recognition must also extend to those beyond the realm of formal instruction. My parents, particularly my mother Smt. Seetha Jayaraman, a musician in her own right, have been profound influences on my musical odyssey. Her unwavering support and discerning critiques have propelled me forward. Furthermore, my husband has emerged as a steadfast pillar of encouragement, consistently championing my endeavors.

In this journey that has been punctuated by dedication, guidance, and steadfast support, I acknowledge these individuals as the true architects of my musical expedition.

Website: https://www.kavithajayaraman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekarnatictuber/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kavithajayaraman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKarnaticTuber

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheKarnaticTuber/

Image Credits
Solo image credit : Rocio Guerra