Guiding Lights: Pranav Balasubramanian's Musical Mentors

From the age of 7, Pranav Balasubramanian has been enchanted by the melodies of Carnatic music, setting the stage for a remarkable journey. Now, as a sophomore at the University of Michigan studying Neuroscience, he channels his passion for music into a quest to make a difference in healthcare. Balancing his academic pursuits with his musical fervor, Pranav exemplifies a holistic approach to life's endeavors, bridging the worlds of art and science with grace.

Guru

Childhood guru

Guru Smt. Lalitha Ravi

Smt. Lalitha Ravi, a revered figure in Carnatic music, served as the guiding force behind Pranav Balasubramanian's early musical journey.
Introduced him to the intricacies of Carnatic vocal music, laying the foundation for his musical prowess.
Not only honed Pranav's musical skills but also nurtured his passion, shaping his journey as a musician

Guru Shri. Jayshankar Balan

Pranav's musical journey found direction under Guru Shri. Jayshankar Balan, an eminent figure in Carnatic music. Under Guru Shri.
Jayshankar Balan's guidance from the age of 10, Pranav delved deeper into the world of Carnatic vocal music.
Guru Shri. Jayshankar Balan played a pivotal role in honing Pranav's vocal skills, fostering a profound understanding and appreciation of the Carnatic tradition.

Meet Pranav's Guru- Sri. Vijay Anand Neelakantan

Pranav's journey into the realm of Carnatic Guitar began at the age of 12 under the expert guidance of Guru Shri Vijay Neelakantan. With a profound interest in string instruments and a desire to explore new dimensions within the Carnatic genre, Pranav embarked on this transformative musical path. Under Neelakantan's tutelage, Pranav seamlessly blended his vocal expertise with the melodic versatility of the guitar.

Pranav with his Guru- Sri. Vijay Anand Neelakantan

About Sri. Vijay Anand Neelakantan

Sri. Vijay Anand Neelakantan's musical journey was shaped by revered gurus, including his grandfather Sri. V. Natarajan, childhood violin guru Sri. Jayaprakash, and eminent vidwans Sri. Jayshankar Balan and Sri. Madurai Sundar. Inspired by the music of the maestro Mandolin Sri. U Srinivas, Dr. Neelakantan transitioned from learning Carnatic music on the violin to exploring the electric guitar during his graduate school days in Columbus, Ohio. Since 2005, he has been dedicated to developing the art form of Carnatic music on the mini electric guitar.

Neelakantan holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and is an alumnus of IIT Chennai and The Ohio State University. Currently serving as an Engineering Manager at General Motors, he plays a pivotal role in the development of Electric Vehicles.

Teaching and Contributions

Sri. Vijay Anand Neelakantan's passion for Carnatic Guitar extends beyond performance, he has played concerts across the USA & Canada and served as a judge in Carnatic music competitions. As the founder of "Vaadya Vidya Center of Carnatic Guitar," he provides focused one-on-one classes, nurturing talent and preserving the Carnatic tradition on the guitar. His students have showcased their skills in concerts nationwide and achieved success in prestigious competitions such as the Cleveland Aradhana and Papansam Sivan.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Pranav's multifaceted journey. Stay connected to discover more about his passions, interests and aspirations beyond the realm of music.