Bala Skandan

Bala Skandan is a performer, educator and composer of Carnatic music. He performs both on the Mridangam (double-headed drum) and violin (Carnatic style). He also highlights the beauty of Kanjira (frame drum) and konnakkol (vocal rhythm) in his compositions as well as in performances. He is the lead artist and composer of Akshara Music Ensemble, a NY based Indian-classical music inspired band. Bala Skandan lives in Manhattan and teaches actively.

Bala Skandan started his music training at the age of 6 in both Mridangam and Violin; He received training from Sri Sarveswara Sharma on violin and Sri Ambalavanar and Sri Sinnarajah on Mridangam.  He subsequently became disciple of the legends of Carnatic music Guru Karaikudi Mani on Mridangam and Vidushi T Rukmini on Violin.

Noted for his ‘superb musical accompaniment’ by the NY Times, Bala Skandan has accompanied established international musicians and dancers and has performed in prestigious venues in Chennai, Europe and North America throughout his musical career.

He is the lead musician and composer for Akshara, an Indian percussion ensemble based in NY.

In 2007/08 Bala Skandan had the distinction of teaching and conducting the first Carnatic student recital at the prestigious Juilliard School of music.

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