नादोपासना · Naadopaasana
Music as the Path to
Self-Realization
Carnatic Classical Music · Vocal · Guru-Shishya Tradition
Carnatic music is not merely for performance — it is a spiritual practice,
a conversation of the singer with the divine, using a raga.
Naadam is the primordial sound — the vibration from which all creation flows. To sing is to get a glimpse of that source.
A Lifelong
Student of Naadam
I began learning Carnatic music at the age of 5 from Guru Shanthi Jayaraman in West Mambalam, Chennai — studying both vocal and veena — and completed the Carnatic Music singing lower exam at the Music College in Chennai at the age of 13. After a few years away focusing on undergraduate and Master's education in engineering, I returned to Carnatic classical music with the guidance of Guru Immaneni Ashok and then Guru Swapna Sundari.
Since 2011 I have been a student of Guru Ragavan Manian, and have given multiple performances in my community alongside my students. From 2008 I have been teaching — helping young children as well as adults learn the art. I have guided 30+ children and adults at various stages to learn the nuances of Carnatic singing, with a focus on Bhakti and Naadopaasana, technique of sound emerging from the naabhi, and Sruti Suddham (श्रुति-शुद्धम्). In 2023 I composed my first varnam in Raagam Revathi in praise of Lord Shiva.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching is rooted in the ancient guru-shishya tradition — where music is not a skill to be acquired, but a sadhana to be lived. Every student learns at their own pace, building not just technique but a living relationship with sound as the path to the divine.
Sruti Suddham
Pure intonation is a foundational principle of Carnatic music. From the very first lesson, students develop a deep sensitivity to sruti — learning to produce sound cleanly from the naabhi (navel), a traditional pedagogical reference to diaphragmatic support and resonance.
Bhakti & Naadopaasana
Carnatic music is inseparable from devotion. I teach students to approach singing not as performance, but as sadhana — as Naadopaasana, the use of music as the path to Self-Realization. This is the tradition of the great saint-composers Tyagaraja and Muthuswami Dikshitar, who sang their way to God. This inner orientation transforms not just the music, but the musician. Individual experiences and outcomes vary.
Strong Foundation
From Sarali Varisai and Alankarams to Geetams, Swarajathis, and Varnams — students build systematically, never moving ahead until the current level is truly internalized. This patience is not just the secret of lasting musical growth — it is the foundation of a true sadhana.
What Parents Say
Jayanthi taught Carnatic vocal music to my twin boys Anirudh and Aprameya, from the age of four to ten. During these formative years, she built a strong foundation in classical music while nurturing their love for the art form. Her patient, structured, and engaging teaching style helped them grasp core concepts such as sruti, tala, and basic compositions with confidence. Jayanthi instilled in them a love for music and the discipline that comes with regular practice. Her dedication, consistency, and genuine care for her students were evident in every class. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, committed and inspiring Carnatic music teacher for young students.
Testimonials reflect individual experiences and are not a guarantee of future results.
Join, Watch & Learn
Weekly Classes
Every Saturday, 2:30 – 4:30 pm
VCC Bellevue Balaji Temple
Bellevue, WA
Watch & Listen
Recordings of my singing — ragas, compositions, and devotional music.
Visit My YouTube Channel →Student Resources
Songs and swara practice lessons shared with enrolled students.
Access Learning Materials →Ready to Learn
Carnatic Music?
Whether you are a complete beginner, returning to music after a break, or drawn to Carnatic music as a spiritual practice — I welcome students of all ages. Reach out and let us find out if we are a good fit.
Inquire About LessonsPrefer email? Write to jayanthi@manovaani.com
Also with Manovaani
Jayanthi also works with leaders and professionals as a coach.
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