My musical journey across stages and studios
I'm always collecting sounds, memories, and musical 'fam' from around the world. These snapshots capture my journey, from the quiet focus of traditional Carnatic teaching to the vibrant energy of global collaborations.
This is where the magic begins. I love breaking down the fundamentals of Carnatic music, like the basic swaras, on a whiteboard. It makes the concepts clear and accessible for everyone, no matter where you are on your musical journey.
This is the pure joy of Circle Songs, inspired by the great Bobby McFerrin. It’s not about performance, it’s about connection. We create a vocal bubble where every voice matters and we all find our harmony together.
Here I am in an open rehearsal in Bogotá, sharing my music with my band. My workshops often feel like this, a mix of live demonstration, jamming, and shared energy. It’s all about making music together in real time.
This is a little look into the making of my album 'Vari'. It shows how we blend different musical worlds, with my friends and I acting as translators between Carnatic traditions and other global sounds. This spirit of spontaneous, open-minded creation is at the heart of my fusion masterclasses.
My heart is so full looking at this. This is our massive, beautiful family from the Circle Songs School at Grace Cathedral. Hundreds of voices from all over the world, coming together to create something truly special. This is what community in music feels like.
Here’s a little vocal jam with my dear friend and amazing artist, Pramath Kiran. This is the kind of interactive, rhythmic play we explore in my improvisation sessions. I’m inviting you to join in, add your own magic, and be part of the music.
Receiving my first Grammy nominee medal was an incredibly humbling moment. For me, this recognition isn't just personal. It's a celebration of my family, my gurus, and the beautiful Indian fabrics and designs I was so proud to wear.
This moment is so precious. It shows the students of my Appa, Vidwan H S Venugopal, performing at a celebration of his 50-year musical journey. This is our Guru Parampara, the teacher-student tradition that I come from and continue to share in my own teaching.
About Featured
You will notice I love using a whiteboard during my workshops. Whether we are breaking down a complex Raga or just finding the rhythm of a Swara, I find that seeing the structure visually helps us connect deeper. It is never about perfection in my sessions, but rather about making the tradition accessible and fun for everyone, from absolute beginners to fellow pros.
My work really sits at the intersection of my heritage and my curiosity. Growing up with the Guru Parampara tradition meant I learned discipline, but playing with musicians from places like Bogotá or collaborating with jazz legends taught me about freedom. This cluster is a look into that blend.
Why I Approach Teaching This Way
My teaching isn't a one-way lecture. Whether I am hosting an interactive vocal masterclass in Bangalore or leading a session online, I look for ways to demystify Carnatic music. We use tools like circle songs, inspired by Bobby McFerrin, to get everyone singing, regardless of experience. If you are joining my private mentorship sessions, we dig deeper into advanced gamakas and odd meter calculations, applying them to your specific goals, whether that is studio prep or cross-genre fusion.
The 'Vari' Process
When you see the studio clips or the 'Vari' album documentary, you are seeing the 'translator' role I often play. My goal is to take Carnatic elements—which traditionally don't use Western chord changes—and find a way to make them sit perfectly with global sounds. It is spontaneous, sometimes messy, and always beautiful.
What You Can Expect When We Connect
- Hands-on practice: We focus on application, not just theory.
- Inclusive environment: If you can hum, you can participate.
- Technical depth: From Konnakol (vocal percussion) to complex Talas, we cover the mechanics of rhythm.
I treat my workshops like a 'jaathre' or a musical fair. It is meant to be a place where we share energy, ask tough questions, and grow. If you have been itching to try Carnatic improvisation or want to add some Indian classical influence to your own sound, let's chat.
Varijashree Venugopal
Music has been my language since I was a baby, and I am just so happy to share this journey with you. I split my time between teaching the beautiful discipline of Carnatic music and collaborating with musicians from all corners of the world to create something fresh.
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