Inspiring Future Generations: Leading a Music School and Teaching Virtually with Classical Musician Uma Sankar
“I grew up in a vibrantly musical family, where the majority of my mother’s side were musicians; that’s where it all started. I was also introduced to music at an early age and I formally learned from various teachers at different points in my life.” Today’s woman dreamer, Classical musician , Uma Sankar, shares her thoughts on what age kids should start learning music, the experience of teaching music lessons virtually, her next big dream for her music school, and how her own teacher, Smt. TR Balamani, inspired her to teach others.
1..You have extensive background in classical music. Tell us about your background, training and what led to your interest in classical music.
I grew up in a vibrantly musical family, where the majority of my mother’s side were musicians; that’s where it all started. I was also introduced to music at an early age and I formally learned from various teachers at different points in my life. My early learning began with Smt. Shantha Balasubramanian (Mumbai) for 10 years, and then I advanced to Smt. TR Balamani (Mumbai), a highly accomplished musician and a very accomplished Guru. I continued my learning under her tutelage for as long as I stayed in Mumbai. Learning from Balamani Mami was when I believe my life took a major turn. The Guru is a very important aspect in any students life. The time I spent with her made me realize that music is for me and it inspired me to learn more and take it further. After I got married and moved to the US, I spent some time learning from Smt. Vasundra Rajagopalan, and currently, I am under the guidance of Dr. Suryaprakash Ramachandran.
2. .What motivated you to teach children music? How has the pandemic changed your teaching protocols and how have you and your students adapted to it?
Truly speaking, I had no plans of teaching. I was aspiring to be a performer. My teacher, Smt. Balamani, was the one who insisted that I teach, and because of her words and her blessings, I now run a successful music school. I didn’t realize at first, but as I started teaching, I started to really enjoy it. I have learnt a lot in the process. I am truly blessed to have diligent students and their parents who are very supportive. There is a lot of happiness in sharing your music and joy to see how your students imbibe what has been taught to produce a clean and beautiful performance.
During the pandemic, all my students were and are currently being taught online, through video calling/zoom and we have all adapted quite well to this online learning. Through the initial couple weeks, classes were a little difficult, and it also felt stressful adapting to a completely online platform after experiencing face to face throughout my life. It has been a learning process for both the kids and for me. Nowadays I’ve learnt that it is very convenient as well.
3. Your students learn a lot from you. What are some of the best lessons you have learned from your students?
Definitely teaching has taught me to be very patient, tolerant, more expressive, communicative and very systematic.
4.Music therapy has become very popular recently and many physicians use it as a form of treatment. What are your thoughts on music therapy?
I haven’t ventured much into it,but I have read about it. Personally, I feel that music has a calming and meditative effect and can be uplifting specifically during an unmotivated state of mind. You teach children of different ages.
5. What is a good age to start kids on their journey to learn classical music?
Yes, I feel there is no such thing as a limitation to age when starting the classical music journey. It’s never too late to learn music. Personally, 5 years would be an ideal age to start since the student would be able to sit for an hour and follow instructions.
6. This platform is called dreamcatchers. Share your dream with us.
I would like to expand my school to an academy in the future, because sharing our ancient musical knowledge to the future generation is essential to propagate our art and culture in this country and to the world in general. It makes me happy to sing and to give the knowledge to the others, so inspiring future generations to sing and perfect the art form would be my biggest dream. I also would like to create a platform for junior and senior artists to perform globally, giving them an opportunity to further develop their skill and gain more experience performing on stage.
Bio: Uma is a performer and a devoted teacher and is teaching Carnatic music for over 10 years under the banner of Sruthilayaa School of Music, in Shrewsbury, MA. She has performed extensively in India and USA. She has been lead vocalist for many dance productions and arangetrams. Her training with eminent teachers, coupled with a sincere and dedicated approach , has molded Uma into a capable and sought after teacher. Her students have participated and won many competitions including the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana. Along with her students she has also presented thematic concerts. She strives to impart this art form in all its purity to her students and inspire in them love and appreciation for classical indian music. She also actively participates in promoting this art form in the New England area.
Thank You Uma for Sharing Your Inspiring Story with Us! We are excited to have you in our empowered women’s network!
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