What’s happening…
Pallavi 2025
Student Performance
Students of SkandanMusic (past and present) will be performing at the Jiva Studios, 2728 Thomson Avenue, Unit 11, Long Island City, NY.
Open Class
Drop by at the Hanuman Mandir on June 7th between 10am-12pm to try an instrument. Or just come by to observe. Free lessons in violin, viola, mridangam, kanjira and konnakkol
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Vidyanjali 2025
Students of Jiva Performing Arts
Students of Jiva Performing Arts will be performing at Gibney Studios. Agnes Varis Performing Arts Center.
Booking Performances
Solo Performances
Group Performances
Cross-work initiatives
I perform as an accompanist on violin and mridangam, and also offer small ensemble formats such as violin duets, trios, and percussion-focused sets. These performances are ideal for intimate concerts, Dance performance and curated events. Programs can be customized to suit classical, contemporary, or collaborative settings. Whether performing solo or with a small group, I focus on presenting Carnatic music in a format that is engaging and accessible to a wide range of audiences.
I organize full ensemble performances featuring a team of Carnatic artists, including vocalists, instrumentalists, and percussionists. These concerts can range from traditional margams to innovative thematic presentations. Ideal for festivals, community events, and large venues, the ensembles are tailored to fit the occasion. I collaborate closely with presenters to design programs that showcase the richness of Carnatic music while aligning with the goals of the event or series.
I create cross-genre presentations that blend Carnatic music with jazz, world, and contemporary styles. These projects feature collaborative ensembles that may include Indian and Western instruments, original compositions, and improvisation. Ideal for festivals, interdisciplinary programs, and creative venues, each performance is crafted to explore new sonic territory while staying rooted in tradition.
On-going projects
Akshara Music Ensemble
Akshara is a dynamic music ensemble bringing together world music traditions on the rhythmic and modal foundations of Indian classical music. In 2015, Akshara’s Mohana Blues won the ‘Best World Traditional Song’ award at the 13th Annual Independent Music Awards. Along with NYC’s brightest musical talent, Akshara Music Ensemble’s leader and composer, Bala Skandan, presents surprising and delightful interpretations of traditional ragas like Kamboji, Mohana, Gambira Natai and Shanmugapriya arranged for Carnatic, Hindustani, and Western classical and folk instruments.
ON THE WEB
B’Rhythm
B’Rhythm conceptualized by Bala Skandan and Sonali Skandan seeks to create a living dialogue between Indian Classical music and dance and world percussion sounds and urban movements. Inspired by the rhythms we see and hear in NYC every day, this project is an eccentric approach to combining classical sounds, movements, and storytelling with urban street arts. We believe this is a unique endeavor and one which addresses the evolving nature of our cultural landscape and city. Musicians and dancers will explore the synergies and cross-rhythms of Indian Classical percussion played on Mridangam, Tabla, Kanjira, and Vocal Percussion ( Konnokkol) alongside instruments such as Frame drum, Djembe, and Cajon. The projects bring together some of NYC’s finest talents.
ON THE WEB
Commissions
I compose original music for a variety of commissioned works, including dance productions, films, and theatrical performances. My compositions draw from the depth of Carnatic tradition while adapting to the creative needs of each project. Past commissions include Mother Teresa (a dance drama), Four Horsemen (a contemporary dance-theater piece), and Urban Kutcheri (a site-specific production blending classical and street aesthetics). I collaborate closely with choreographers, directors, and producers to create music that enhances narrative, movement, and emotion.
Collaborations
I regularly collaborate with musicians and dancers from a wide range of genres, including jazz, Western classical, contemporary, and global traditions. These collaborations explore intersections between Carnatic music and other forms, creating new works that are both rooted and experimental. Whether through improvisation or composed frameworks, I enjoy building meaningful musical conversations across styles. My work includes projects with contemporary dancers, jazz ensembles and multi-disciplinary artists, fostering a shared creative space that respects tradition while embracing innovation and spontaneity.
Lecture demonstrations
Introduction to Carnatic Music
Basic concepts of Carnatic music – raga concepts, tala structures. Historical context, spirituality in music, evolution of concerts, instrumentation.
Rhythm for Dancers
Development of nattuvangam through konnakkol, understanding jatis, developing jatis, improving rhythm
Introduction to Carnatic Rhythm
Tala signatures, basic rhythmic syllables, developing korvais (rhythmic structures), gait
Demystifying Indian Rhythm
Breaking down complex structures into building blocks, logic and grammar behind korvais
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