The heritage of Indian Classical Music has thrived and evolved over thousands of years solely because of its rich Guru-Shishya parampara. At Vidya’s Academy of Classical Music (VACM), we aspire to continue this tradition by kindling the passion for Carnatic Vocal Music thereby nurturing the interest in students to take this art form on a professional level.
The heritage of Indian Classical Music has thrived and evolved over thousands of years solely because of its rich Guru-Shishya parampara. At Vidya’s Academy of Classical Music (VACM), we aspire to continue this tradition by kindling the passion for Carnatic Vocal Music thereby nurturing the interest in students to take this art form on a professional level.
Our Director Smt. Vidya Harikrishna started teaching Carnatic Vocal Music in 2003 with a single student and since then the academy has grown by leaps and bounds. She believes that Carnatic Music is for all ages and that it is never too late to begin to train in this genre. VACM’s students span across various ages and they are all taught according to the padhati, whether they intend to become professionals or merely pursue it as a passion. Classes are conducted in a structured and disciplined manner with great emphasis on the fundamentals of Carnatic Music.
Signature musical compositions and vocal collaborations for premier Indian dance institutions and sacred annual festival celebrations.
Smt. Vidya Harikrishna has composed and rendered vocal music for many prestigious dance productions and dancers in India, USA, and Canada including the acclaimed production Dwandva.
An annual nine-night devotional celebration presenting revered Devi kritis, rare ragas, and dedicated Guru-Shishya recitals invoking Divine grace through Carnatic music.
Gifted with a melodious voice, Vidya is an accomplished concert vocalist, much regarded as among the best young carnatic classical vocalists that Mumbai has produced in recent times.
She had her initial training from Smt. Sampoorni Venugopal and Smt. Radha Santhanam
She had been undergoing intensive training under Late Smt. T. R. Balamani, brief learning from Smt.Alamelu Mani and is currently training under Padmabhushan Shri T. V. Gopalakrishnan.
Amongst her many personal milestones the one she cherishes most is the first prize she won in all categories, in a competition held by Vedic Heritage, Acharya Viswanath Dev Art Foundation, in its first edition in 1999. Following her concert in The Pandit Jasraj Auditorium, New York, she was presented the prize by SANGEET MARTAND PANDIT JASRAJ, who appreciated her Raaga alapanas and blessed her with a long music career.
Vidya has been a part of many a Tala Vadya recitals( Percussion Ensembles), reciting the art of Konakkol (percussion syllables).
Smt. Vidya is a B high Graded of ALL INDIA RADIO, and is an empanelled artist of the ICCR and has received a Government of India Scholarship in Music.
Shreeya Suresh is currently a freshman at Oakton High School located in Virginia, USA. She started her initial music training at the age of 5, and is currently under the tutelage of Smt. Vidya Harikrishna. She also learns Carnatic violin from Shri. Subhash Vinjamuri. She also volunteers in the area of graphic design, and participates in business related activities in school.
Shrutika Suresh is currently a 7th grader at Rachel Carson Middle School located in Virginia, USA. She started her initial music training at the age of 5 from a local teacher. She is currently under the tutelage of Smt. Vidya Harikrishna. She is also learning Carnatic violin from Shri. Subhash Vinjamuri. She also participates in STEM related activities at school.
There are different levels as part of the curriculum in Carnatic vocal music along with theoretical knowledge. Classes are conducted twice a week in a one-on-one personalized format.
Sarali varisai, Janta varisai, upper stayi varisai, Daattu varisai, and 7 Sapta Tala Alankarams with akara sadhakam.
Structured foundational study from the Sangeeta Bala Padam text including Geethams, Swarajathis, and fundamental ragas.
Mastery of 6 prominent Adi & Ata tala varnams, alongside sacred keerthanams of the Carnatic Trinity and saint composers.
Advanced manodharma improvisation comprising Raga Alapana delineations, Niraval phrasing on sahitya, and Kalpana Swaram permutations.
Authentic moments captured live from Mumbai's iconic cultural celebrations, heritage sabhas, and classical festival platforms. Slide through each gallery below.
Cross Maidan Stage • Mumbai Heritage Art District
Premier Carnatic Winter Festival • Mumbai Sabhas
Two decades of sacred Guru-Shishya Parampara celebrated with grand ensemble choral recitals and solo performances.
A musical exploration of the Mystic Nine at the prestigious Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), Mumbai.
Intimate classical mehfil exploring the subtle ragas and compositions curated by Prachi Sathi.
“Vidya miss has been my guru since 2005 (From her very first batch of students). Since then, until now (and still counting), the experience has been divine. She is an all-in-one, one stop go to Guru, who adapts her teaching to the potential of the student... whatever drop of music I am able to practice today, is owed to her.”
“Finally at the age of 45 I took the plunge and requested Ms. Vidhya Harikrishna to accept me as a student. And I must say that I am glad she consented as I don’t think I would have found a more patient teacher who coaxes the right notes out of these ageing voice boxes. Her ability to transcend boundaries & reach out to beginners is what sets her apart.”
“My learning experience with Vidya Aunty has been nothing but positive over the last few years, and I am sure I will treasure her style of teaching for the rest of my life. Vidya Aunty encourages me to try new things every class, as she guides me through various techniques and challenges so as to maximize my vocal potential.”
Classes are conducted twice a week and its one on one class, one hour duration each. Please fill the details below:
