Explore a dimension of music that is uncommon, ambitious and far beyond the ordinary, with this powerful and supremely positive duo VANI and SATHISH. Aparna Shivapura in conversation and discovering their philosophy that music can enhance, transform and elevate.
This couple has contributed to the development and dissemination of Classical Carnatic Music in a manner that is worth many an applause. They have taken music and its classical heritage to offshores, across the ‘seven seas’ if you want to refer to an adage! The sense of homecoming and belonging brought them back here, but they have come back and initiated a cultural renaissance of sorts, in their own way. Simply, with a philosophy that is based on simple life principles – teach music for the joy of learning, make music a vehicle to impact people at the core not just to become artists, but develop a sense of aesthetics, spark or catalyze inner transformation, a sense of deep rooted values and above all, a giant stride of humanitarianism.
Creating “musical waves” outside India
Vani and Sateesh carried their musical bearings, tradition, legacy and heritage to USA. Before long, their musical aura started creating the rippling effect and over the next one and a half decades, they must have taught Classical Carnatic Music to more than a hundred students. By students, I don’t necessarily mean young children. They have the most interesting and intriguing tales on how people of all ages right up to 75+ started reaching out to them to get a whiff, an essence, a small connect with our Classical Music. People let go of jobs so they could stay close to them and learn music. people started traveling, taking flights to come for a music class. People would wait up at 5 AM outside their door in freezing temperatures just to learn music. There were also students that helped them in the kitchen, feed their children and more! Seems like a fairy tale! “It all seemed surreal to us, connecting suddenly with a stream of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures in a different land, uniting, collaborating for the sake of art, for the sake of music,” says Sateesh.
Slowly, they realized, that the whole experience, the passion, the commitment they saw in Indians outside India was entirely different. Something, they had never experienced before, the extent people would go to learn Classical Music. And therein, began their journey as teachers of music – something that is now a significant element in their life. “We do not teach music to prepare students for exams or to put them in the competitive space. They must learn for the sake of learning an art form, to be enthralled in music, to live music,” says Vani.
In India
Sateesh recalls their simple and native beginnings when going to USA was indeed a big thing and often unheard of! He recalls how Mysore Nagaraj in those days, gave him a list of contacts of music lovers in New Jersey. And in hindsight, this was his only single touch point in the US and which gradually blossomed into a beautiful experience teaching and learning music, and in the process, getting connected to hundreds of people who loved music. “Music has connected everything in life for us,” says Sateesh.
They came back to India and set up Vishesha Fine Arts – a platform for serious musicians and music lovers, a place to be connected to everything good in life, a place where people learn music and ethics, learn to emote, communicate and above all, connect. The couple have counseled innumerable people through music and through Vishesha, they have enhanced, perhaps broadened the scope of life into good values and good living. “Even if we have impacted a fraction of people, a minute segment of the populace, I think we have achieved something significant,” says Sateesh.
The couple continues what they learned and experienced first hand outside the country. The spirit of integration, collaboration beyond barriers, one can understand that this is the true power of music – through its amplification lies its core, one of unification, simplification and an elevated experience, which is transformational.
Teaching Music
One striking thing I found about them is their approach, method and philosophy of teaching music. Teaching is not to prepare children or people for exams, teaching is for them to learn. They talk of teaching methods which sounds like I am listening to some professor in a Global University. Firstly, they insist that the child is taught music along with the parents (at least one parent). They believe that music cannot be broken into chapters and taught in bits. They believe that it is a culture, a sensitivity and an appreciation of art that must be inculcated like culture. Secondly, they believe that the people who reach out to them for learning enter into a journey along with them. A journey of music which transforms the person from within. They advocate that children must be taught from very young since they can embark on their life journey along with this. “Learning music prepares you for life,” says Sateesh. Thirdly, learning music especially those who are serious about it will understand that it comes with some long-term and life changing elements. “We teach children to write their own scripts. One has to strive hard, no shortcuts at all here and be really open to change.” Fourthly, they provide Custom-fit teaching, something unheard of in today’s fast paced competitive atmosphere. They teach each child individually depending on his / her ability, they help the child break its own barriers and work at a different pace, basically nothing is forced into the child’s learning system. Music inculcates a sense of discipline, an orientation for excellence, a deep sensitivity, an empathetic trait and in the process, learn to enjoy life, its subtleties and its gifts. Unbelievable and commendable, I would say.
Legacy
It is well-known that Vani hails from a family of renowned Classical musicians. Her great grandfather Mundarigi Narasimhachar (1855–1940) belonged to Haridasa Parampara of Vijaya Dasaru, a prominent Haridasa of Karnataka. Her grandfather Mundarigi Raghavendrachar (1896–1944) was a musician well versed in many disciplines of music and was a professor of music at Queen Mary college in Chennai (contemporary of Prof P. Sambamurthy). Her father, Sangeetha Kala Ratna (awarded by Bangalore Gayana Samaja) Bellary. M. Venkateshachar is a carnatic classical vocalist and her uncle Bellary M Sheshagiri Achar was a Vaggeyakara (composer of lyrics and music). Her uncle and father were known as 'Bellary Brothers' and performed in most parts of India during the 1950s and 1960s. The recent lineage of five generations popularly known as 'Vishesha Parampara' spans over 130 years.
Vani does feel she is chosen and blessed to be born into this family and finds it a colossal task to the legacy forward. “It is a huge responsibility and I am discovering that every day there is something new to learn and contribute.” Interestingly, she says I grew up unaware of my legacy and adapted well to the rigorous practice sessions, a life devoted to music. In hindsight, I understand how it has built a solid foundation internally and in my core. “I feel the joy of learning music, I feel the joy of singing and am thankful eternally to my legacy, my heritage and my tradition,” she smiles her enigmatic smile.
Through Vishesha Fine Arts, Vani and Sateesh are making every substantial effort possible to spread the essence and gift of music. The organization does not operate on any formal protocol like office bearers, meetings and conventions. It is formed by five committed musicians who are trying to create a viable platform for musicians and music lovers. They pay attention to granular details like how to treat fellow-musicians, and so on. “Every single musician is equal to a Yogi. Being in the presence of such people is itself enough to lead the way for inner transformation. A cultural osmosis happens through this and especially children are benefited,” says Sateesh.
Guru-Shishya Parampare
One of the most significant concepts Vani and Sateesh talk about is the need for the revival of the Guru-Shishya Parampare. A Guru is supreme and ultimate for the learner. It is very difficult to get a Guru. Imparting knowledge and above all, the relationship between Guru-Shishya is very unique, a concept quintessentially Indian and a core part of our tradition. If you surrender to a Guru, there will definitely be a life-changing transformation from deep within. Something that can change your future, change your life and take you to higher altitudes. Vani and Sateesh through their teaching, their passion for music and through their organization are trying to create this platform, this environment and engender these relationships.
Purpose of Art - Essence of music is in its amplification
Music essentially humbles you, it helps you move beyond your rationale dimensions and explore a depth to you that you wouldn’t know existed. You can reach close to a deep spiritual experience and learn to sense super natural powers, simply told, the magic of life. Meeting with the magnanimous couple Vani and Sathish has left me impacted, as if I were their student and if you spend time with them, you would understand their journey, their purpose, their lesson of music – its power, its ability to amplify and elevate. Some Indians make us proud wherever they go. And when they return to home shores, they create an even bigger impact that is magnetic and rippling, just by their persona.
Stay blessed and continue to create the magic, Sateesh and Vani! Our best wishes with you, always!
PROFILE IN BRIEF
Vid. Vani Sateesh hails from Bellary Brothers’ family and holds a Masters Degree in Music. Sateesh a Violin student of Vid. H K Naramishmurthy, holds a Masters degree in Bio Medical Engineering. Vani became an ‘A’ Graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan when she was just 18. She currently holds three A grades in AIR and is a B High grade composer. Having started performing since the age of 10, Vani has given concerts in many major sabhas and festivals though out India and abroad. She has done several concert tours in North America. She has been featured on numerous occasions in AIR Sangeet Sammelan, South Zone, National Programs of Music on Doordarshan, SVBC, Udaya TV, Shankara TV, Raj TV and more
Vani Sateesh has several thematic concerts to her credit as well. In addition to Mysore Sadashiva Rao Compositions concert at The Music Academy, Chennai, she has given many Eka Vaggeyakara concerts across the globe. It includes, Purandara Dasa, Thyagaraja, Muttuswamy Dikshitar, Shyama Shastri, Mysore Vasudevachar, Bellary M. Sheshagiri Achar, Dr. M Balamuralikrishna, Bhadrachala Ramadasa, Bhakta Meera and ShivasharaNara Vachanagalu. Vani has conducted workshops on many of these vaggeyakaras. She has also sung exclusive bhavageethe concerts. Vani Sateesh was on the panel of select musicians who helped design and draft the music curriculum for the Chinmaya Nada Bindu Gurukula for Indian Performing Arts, Pune. She has been associated with SPICMACAY in their outreach, featuring in concerts, workshops and presentations.
Sateesh, a student of Vid. H K Narasimhamurthy has accompanied many noted musicians including Vid. Trichur V Ramachandran, Bombay Sisters, Vid. R A Ramamani, Vid. A V Prakash, Vid. Ravikiran, Vid. Vani Sateesh, Vid. T V Gopalakrishnan, Vid. T K Govinda Rao, Vid. Shankaran Nambudari to name a few. Sateesh, on his professional front has held many senior positions in multi national companies and currently serves as Vice President at Infosys. He was a pioneer in the field of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and went onto become one of the founding member of Auto Identification research center in Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), America. Continuing their musical journey, Vani and Sateesh established ‘Vishesha Fine Arts’ in 2010. Vishesha Fine Arts has done commendable work in imparting Carnatic music education to a fraternity of keen students. Through organizing concerts by artists of repute and of promise, honoring individuals who have made distinct contributions to the cause of music and by actively joining hands with other organizations with aligned objectives – Vishesha Fine Arts has earned itself a distinguished place in the cultural tapestry of Bengaluru in a short span of eight years.
Explore a dimension of music that is uncommon, ambitious and far beyond the ordinary, with this powerful and supremely positive duo VANI and SATHISH. Aparna Shivapura in conversation and discovering their philosophy that music can enhance, transform and elevate.
This couple has contributed to the development and dissemination of Classical Carnatic Music in a manner that is worth many an applause. They have taken music and its classical heritage to offshores, across the ‘seven seas’ if you want to refer to an adage! The sense of homecoming and belonging brought them back here, but they have come back and initiated a cultural renaissance of sorts, in their own way. Simply, with a philosophy that is based on simple life principles – teach music for the joy of learning, make music a vehicle to impact people at the core not just to become artists, but develop a sense of aesthetics, spark or catalyze inner transformation, a sense of deep rooted values and above all, a giant stride of humanitarianism.
Creating “musical waves” outside India
Vani and Sateesh carried their musical bearings, tradition, legacy and heritage to USA. Before long, their musical aura started creating the rippling effect and over the next one and a half decades, they must have taught Classical Carnatic Music to more than a hundred students. By students, I don’t necessarily mean young children. They have the most interesting and intriguing tales on how people of all ages right up to 75+ started reaching out to them to get a whiff, an essence, a small connect with our Classical Music. People let go of jobs so they could stay close to them and learn music. people started traveling, taking flights to come for a music class. People would wait up at 5 AM outside their door in freezing temperatures just to learn music. There were also students that helped them in the kitchen, feed their children and more! Seems like a fairy tale! “It all seemed surreal to us, connecting suddenly with a stream of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures in a different land, uniting, collaborating for the sake of art, for the sake of music,” says Sateesh.
Slowly, they realized, that the whole experience, the passion, the commitment they saw in Indians outside India was entirely different. Something, they had never experienced before, the extent people would go to learn Classical Music. And therein, began their journey as teachers of music – something that is now a significant element in their life. “We do not teach music to prepare students for exams or to put them in the competitive space. They must learn for the sake of learning an art form, to be enthralled in music, to live music,” says Vani.
In India
Sateesh recalls their simple and native beginnings when going to USA was indeed a big thing and often unheard of! He recalls how Mysore Nagaraj in those days, gave him a list of contacts of music lovers in New Jersey. And in hindsight, this was his only single touch point in the US and which gradually blossomed into a beautiful experience teaching and learning music, and in the process, getting connected to hundreds of people who loved music. “Music has connected everything in life for us,” says Sateesh.
They came back to India and set up Vishesha Fine Arts – a platform for serious musicians and music lovers, a place to be connected to everything good in life, a place where people learn music and ethics, learn to emote, communicate and above all, connect. The couple have counseled innumerable people through music and through Vishesha, they have enhanced, perhaps broadened the scope of life into good values and good living. “Even if we have impacted a fraction of people, a minute segment of the populace, I think we have achieved something significant,” says Sateesh.
The couple continues what they learned and experienced first hand outside the country. The spirit of integration, collaboration beyond barriers, one can understand that this is the true power of music – through its amplification lies its core, one of unification, simplification and an elevated experience, which is transformational.
Teaching Music
One striking thing I found about them is their approach, method and philosophy of teaching music. Teaching is not to prepare children or people for exams, teaching is for them to learn. They talk of teaching methods which sounds like I am listening to some professor in a Global University. Firstly, they insist that the child is taught music along with the parents (at least one parent). They believe that music cannot be broken into chapters and taught in bits. They believe that it is a culture, a sensitivity and an appreciation of art that must be inculcated like culture. Secondly, they believe that the people who reach out to them for learning enter into a journey along with them. A journey of music which transforms the person from within. They advocate that children must be taught from very young since they can embark on their life journey along with this. “Learning music prepares you for life,” says Sateesh. Thirdly, learning music especially those who are serious about it will understand that it comes with some long-term and life changing elements. “We teach children to write their own scripts. One has to strive hard, no shortcuts at all here and be really open to change.” Fourthly, they provide Custom-fit teaching, something unheard of in today’s fast paced competitive atmosphere. They teach each child individually depending on his / her ability, they help the child break its own barriers and work at a different pace, basically nothing is forced into the child’s learning system. Music inculcates a sense of discipline, an orientation for excellence, a deep sensitivity, an empathetic trait and in the process, learn to enjoy life, its subtleties and its gifts. Unbelievable and commendable, I would say.
Legacy
It is well-known that Vani hails from a family of renowned Classical musicians. Her great grandfather Mundarigi Narasimhachar (1855–1940) belonged to Haridasa Parampara of Vijaya Dasaru, a prominent Haridasa of Karnataka. Her grandfather Mundarigi Raghavendrachar (1896–1944) was a musician well versed in many disciplines of music and was a professor of music at Queen Mary college in Chennai (contemporary of Prof P. Sambamurthy). Her father, Sangeetha Kala Ratna (awarded by Bangalore Gayana Samaja) Bellary. M. Venkateshachar is a carnatic classical vocalist and her uncle Bellary M Sheshagiri Achar was a Vaggeyakara (composer of lyrics and music). Her uncle and father were known as 'Bellary Brothers' and performed in most parts of India during the 1950s and 1960s. The recent lineage of five generations popularly known as 'Vishesha Parampara' spans over 130 years.
Vani does feel she is chosen and blessed to be born into this family and finds it a colossal task to the legacy forward. “It is a huge responsibility and I am discovering that every day there is something new to learn and contribute.” Interestingly, she says I grew up unaware of my legacy and adapted well to the rigorous practice sessions, a life devoted to music. In hindsight, I understand how it has built a solid foundation internally and in my core. “I feel the joy of learning music, I feel the joy of singing and am thankful eternally to my legacy, my heritage and my tradition,” she smiles her enigmatic smile.
Through Vishesha Fine Arts, Vani and Sateesh are making every substantial effort possible to spread the essence and gift of music. The organization does not operate on any formal protocol like office bearers, meetings and conventions. It is formed by five committed musicians who are trying to create a viable platform for musicians and music lovers. They pay attention to granular details like how to treat fellow-musicians, and so on. “Every single musician is equal to a Yogi. Being in the presence of such people is itself enough to lead the way for inner transformation. A cultural osmosis happens through this and especially children are benefited,” says Sateesh.
Guru-Shishya Parampare
One of the most significant concepts Vani and Sateesh talk about is the need for the revival of the Guru-Shishya Parampare. A Guru is supreme and ultimate for the learner. It is very difficult to get a Guru. Imparting knowledge and above all, the relationship between Guru-Shishya is very unique, a concept quintessentially Indian and a core part of our tradition. If you surrender to a Guru, there will definitely be a life-changing transformation from deep within. Something that can change your future, change your life and take you to higher altitudes. Vani and Sateesh through their teaching, their passion for music and through their organization are trying to create this platform, this environment and engender these relationships.
Purpose of Art - Essence of music is in its amplification
Music essentially humbles you, it helps you move beyond your rationale dimensions and explore a depth to you that you wouldn’t know existed. You can reach close to a deep spiritual experience and learn to sense super natural powers, simply told, the magic of life. Meeting with the magnanimous couple Vani and Sathish has left me impacted, as if I were their student and if you spend time with them, you would understand their journey, their purpose, their lesson of music – its power, its ability to amplify and elevate. Some Indians make us proud wherever they go. And when they return to home shores, they create an even bigger impact that is magnetic and rippling, just by their persona.
Stay blessed and continue to create the magic, Sateesh and Vani! Our best wishes with you, always!
PROFILE IN BRIEF
Vid. Vani Sateesh hails from Bellary Brothers’ family and holds a Masters Degree in Music. Sateesh a Violin student of Vid. H K Naramishmurthy, holds a Masters degree in Bio Medical Engineering. Vani became an ‘A’ Graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan when she was just 18. She currently holds three A grades in AIR and is a B High grade composer. Having started performing since the age of 10, Vani has given concerts in many major sabhas and festivals though out India and abroad. She has done several concert tours in North America. She has been featured on numerous occasions in AIR Sangeet Sammelan, South Zone, National Programs of Music on Doordarshan, SVBC, Udaya TV, Shankara TV, Raj TV and more
Vani Sateesh has several thematic concerts to her credit as well. In addition to Mysore Sadashiva Rao Compositions concert at The Music Academy, Chennai, she has given many Eka Vaggeyakara concerts across the globe. It includes, Purandara Dasa, Thyagaraja, Muttuswamy Dikshitar, Shyama Shastri, Mysore Vasudevachar, Bellary M. Sheshagiri Achar, Dr. M Balamuralikrishna, Bhadrachala Ramadasa, Bhakta Meera and ShivasharaNara Vachanagalu. Vani has conducted workshops on many of these vaggeyakaras. She has also sung exclusive bhavageethe concerts. Vani Sateesh was on the panel of select musicians who helped design and draft the music curriculum for the Chinmaya Nada Bindu Gurukula for Indian Performing Arts, Pune. She has been associated with SPICMACAY in their outreach, featuring in concerts, workshops and presentations.
Sateesh, a student of Vid. H K Narasimhamurthy has accompanied many noted musicians including Vid. Trichur V Ramachandran, Bombay Sisters, Vid. R A Ramamani, Vid. A V Prakash, Vid. Ravikiran, Vid. Vani Sateesh, Vid. T V Gopalakrishnan, Vid. T K Govinda Rao, Vid. Shankaran Nambudari to name a few. Sateesh, on his professional front has held many senior positions in multi national companies and currently serves as Vice President at Infosys. He was a pioneer in the field of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and went onto become one of the founding member of Auto Identification research center in Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), America. Continuing their musical journey, Vani and Sateesh established ‘Vishesha Fine Arts’ in 2010. Vishesha Fine Arts has done commendable work in imparting Carnatic music education to a fraternity of keen students. Through organizing concerts by artists of repute and of promise, honoring individuals who have made distinct contributions to the cause of music and by actively joining hands with other organizations with aligned objectives – Vishesha Fine Arts has earned itself a distinguished place in the cultural tapestry of Bengaluru in a short span of eight years.