Bodhana with Notation (Carnatic Music - An Introduction)

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Seetha Rajan, a versatile musician with about five decades of experience in the field, is respected as much for her unswerving adherence to tradition and classicism, as for to the younger generations. Ever analytical and innovative, she has been constantly experimenting with new ideas, particularly in the field of musical pedagogy. The Bodhana system, an effective and attractive curriculum for learners of Carnatic Music is the culmination of her thought and effort in this direction.

Perceiving in their young daughter, a natural flair for music, her parents Smt. Lakshmi and Sri Subramaniam decided to entrust her musical growth to a dedicated Guru, Sri Kittamani Iyer. A shift to Secunderabad, gave her an opportunity to learn Hindustani music from a renowned musician, Sri Bhim Rao. Subsequently, a National Talent Scholarship (Govt. of India) gave her an opportunity for advanced training under ‘Sangita Pitamaha’ Semmangudi Srinivasier, which honed her talents and broadened her musical vision. She also pursued her academic studies and emerged as a University rank holder in M.A Music. Her interest in musicology was kindled by her professor, Sri R.K. Ramanathan (Bangalore University) which was later sharped by Pro. S.R Janakiraman at the Music Academy, Madras. Total dedication to the subject and rich guidance from all her mentors helped her blossom into a good blend of a musician, scholar and guru.

Endowed with a soothing and mellifluous voice, she announced her arrival into the world of classical music by winning the first Prize in the all India Radio competition in 1967 and several other laurels all in a row. Performances in a number of prestigious sabhas followed. Today, as a ‘Top Grade’ artiste, her renditions are characterised by profound vidvat and vishranti. She has evolved her own style, absorbing the ingredients of great stalwarts and following her own musical instincts.

Her magnum-opus is the creation of Bala Brundam Sangita Gurukulam, a quality institution for music aspirants. She has also been involved in teaching music in the Music Academy and Kalakshetra, Chennai. She has been conducting workshops and lectures in various music forums and universities. She has carried out research on many subjects and has produced a number of thematic features with her disciples.

With a Senior Research Fellowship awarded by the Dept. of Culture, Govt. of India, she worked on her THESIS-“ An attempt at analyzing and restructuring the curriculum for students of Carnatic Music (vocal)”.

In recognition of her contribution to Music, she has been honoured with many awards and titles. The birudu ‘Acharya Choodamani’ from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, and the M.S. Memorial Award from the Bharatiya Sangeetha Vaibhavam trust are some of the prestigious ones.