Explore My Global Musical Collaborations and Family
Music is a jaathre—a vibrant musical fair that brings us all together. These moments with my musical family, from Bangalore to Bogotá, remind me that true art connects us all across borders.
A selfie with my wonderful musical family in Bogotá. This trip for the Jazz al Parque festival was filled with so much love and beautiful music. My heart is full.
An impromptu jam session with the brilliant Hamilton de Holanda on his 10-string mandolin. These are the magical, unplanned moments where music transcends language and borders.
With the legendary Herbie Hancock. Meeting my heroes and sharing musical moments with them is a dream come true. Life has been magical, sending gurus and angels along my way.
With the one and only Marcus Miller. It's an honor to meet and learn from these giants of jazz music who have shaped the sounds I love.
With the master guitarist John McLaughlin. Growing up, my parents played Shakti records at home, so to meet him in person is a moment I will cherish forever.
My first meeting with the master, Herbie Hancock. I am ever grateful for this humbling experience and the chance to learn from his wisdom and grace.
My brother, the musical genius Victor Wooten, sharing his love for my album. It is an absolute honor to have his presence on the record and to call him my friend.
I am so excited to be part of "The Rabbit Hole," an immersive music event with some of my favorite folks from Snarky Puppy and GroundUP Music. I'll be teaching a class on Carnatic improvisation.
So thrilled to present the music from my album 'Vari' for the first time at the GroundUP Music Festival. There's no better place to debut this music than with this incredible community of artists.
The schedule for the final day of the GroundUP festival. I was honored to perform and also lead an 'Artist-to-Artist' session, sharing my process with other musicians.
About A Global Musical Family
Whether I am on stage with jazz legends or hosting a workshop, the core of my work is always this—sharing the Carnatic improvisational tradition with fellow seekers. If you are looking to understand how Indian swaras can dance over Western chord changes, or just want to collaborate, let's connect and make some music happen.
My journey has always been about blurring lines. Growing up surrounded by the Guru Parampara tradition, I learned that music is a conversation, not a lecture. When I collaborate with artists like Herbie Hancock or the GroundUP family, or when I am teaching a masterclass on Konnakol and rhythm, I am applying the same principle: listening, responding, and being present.
My workshops are not just theory. We dive into the nuts and bolts of Carnatic-Jazz fusion. We break down complex odd-meter rhythms, explore how to apply gamakas (ornamentation) to global melodies, and look at how to maintain the soul of a raga while experimenting with Western harmony. It is about equipping you with the tools to find your own voice, whether you are a pro looking for new melodic textures or a student just starting your vocal journey.
I host sessions across Bengaluru and travel extensively for masterclasses. Whether it is an intimate 1-on-1 mentorship session or a lively group workshop, my goal is to hold space for genuine learning. Let’s sit down, open our ears, and explore the infinite possibilities of sound together.
Varijashree Venugopal
I’m a student of music first, always. I was humming ragas before I could talk, and today, I live for the magic of blending those roots with global sounds. I would love to have you join me on this journey, whether to learn or to collaborate.
Let's find the right session for you.
Explore my workshops, private mentorship, and live collaboration services.
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