About nAdAlayA

We are a South Indian Carnatic Classical Music school based in Almaden Valley, San Jose — dedicated to preserving tradition, fostering excellence in teaching and learning, and inspiring true artistic expression within our community.

Mrs. Vasantha Krishnan — Founder & Principal Teacher

Ganabhooshanam (Distinction), Sri Swati Tirunal College of Music

Mrs Vasantha Krishnan is a Ganabhooshanam holder (with distinction) from Sri Swati Thirunal College of Music, Tiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Granddaughter of Ranga Bhagavathar (Asthana Vidwan, Travancore Palace). Ranga Bhagavathar's contribution to the field of Carnatic Music is immense. In the earlier part of the century, he brought out the publication Balamrutham – compositions of Sri Swati Thirunal in a notated form. Mrs Vasantha Krishnan is the daughter-in-law of Late Sri K Padmanabhan, a noted Veena artist of All India Radio, Delhi. Mrs. Vasantha has over three decades of teaching. During her tenure in New Delhi, India, she cultivated talented students who secured state scholarships, cleared formal examinations, and won prizes at major competitions.

Mrs Krishnan's honors include the Rolling Trophy (1998/99) at the All India Pepsi Music & Dance competition, recognition from the Government of Karnataka (Kannadika Association), and service as a CCRT (Govt. of India) panel judge.

Mrs. Krishnan has deep expertise in sruti alignment, akāram tone, and pathantara fidelity, and uses a curriculum that spans early varisais to masterpieces fromt the Carnatic trinity , manodharma sangeetham, and stage readiness.

Sriram Krishnan — Co‑founder & Instructor

Disciple of Dr. K. Vageesh · CCRT Scholarship Holder · A.I.R. Artiste

Sriram Krishnan began his Carnatic vocal training under his mother, Mrs. Vasantha Krishnan, and later came under the mentorship of Ganakala Bhooshana, Sangeetha Saraswati Dr. K. Vageesh. Under Dr. Vageesh’s guidance, he honed his skills in aesthetics, improvisation, and concert presentation. A recipient of the CCRT scholarship and winner of numerous prestigious competitions in Delhi, Sriram has also performed as a youth artiste on All India Radio.

An Electrical Engineer by training, with a Master’s in Wireless Communications, he is presently employed at Apple Inc. Alongside his career, he continues to pursue his passion for Carnatic music with a special focus on manodharma. His expertise spans intricate rāgas, kritis, and Ragam–Tanam–Pallavi with complex tāla patterns. Sriram regularly performs at premier forums in the Bay Area and during his visits to India. His concerts are noted for rich improvisation, depth, and soulful expression.

Mentor: Dr. K. V. Vageesh

Top‑Grade A.I.R. Artiste · Gold Medal (Univ. of Mysore) · Ph.D. (Delhi Univ.)

Hailing from a music family belonging to the illustrious Tiger Varada-achariar School, Dr. Vageesh had his training in Carnatic Music in a traditional and systematic way under his aunt Sangeetha Vidushi H.S. Mahalakshmi of Mysore. Dr. Vageesh is a Science Graduate with a Master’s Degree in Music with distinction, winning the coveted Gold Medal from the University of Mysore. He got his Doctorate in Music from Delhi University for his research work on the compositions of Muthusamy Dikshithar.

With his passion for Music, Dr. Vageesh joined A.I.R. in 1980 as a Programme Executive. He has produced a number of innovative musical features and special programmes and has won the Annual Akashvani Award for the Best Musical Production, thrice. Also, he is a Top Grade Artiste at All India Radio.

Dr. Vageesh has also composed many Varnas, Keerthanas, and Thillanas and served as Station Director, All India Radio, Tiruchirapalli. He has been awarded numerous awards and titles, including Sangeetha Saraswathi, Gayaka Kala Nidhi, Nada Brahma Kala Ratna, and Gana Kala Ratna, to name a few.