Kavitha Jayaraman: The Art of Enduring Traditions in Carnatic Music

In this episode of Stalwarts Of Music with Aditya Veera, Kavitha Jayaraman, a renowned vocalist, and Vainika discusses her multifaceted life as an artist, educator, and philanthropist.

The interview begins with an exploration of Kavitha's journey into social media. She discussed her initial reservations about self-promotion, rooted in the traditional training of Carnatic musicians to focus on the art itself rather than self-projection.

She delved into the historical roots of Carnatic music, distinguishing it from Hindustani music and emphasising the unique characteristics that have been preserved over centuries. She attributed the limited reach of Carnatic music in the past to the absence of mediums like radio, which now allows artists to showcase their music to a broader audience. She also acknowledged the role of contemporary musicians in adapting to modern trends while preserving the core principles of Carnatic music.

The interview shed light on Kavitha's efforts to promote inclusivity in Carnatic music. She shared her experiences of reintroducing the Veena to audiences in the U.S., where it was often confused with the sitar. Her initiatives included performing at unconventional venues and offering Veena lessons to enhance appreciation for this traditional instrument.

Kavitha, despite identifying as an atheist, expressed her view of music as a medium to connect with a higher power. She described how singing Kritis makes her feel a profound connection, akin to meditation.

Acknowledging the challenges in the Carnatic music industry, particularly for female Veena players, She shared her experiences. While she personally did not encounter discrimination, she acknowledged the need to address gender biases and ensure equal opportunities for all musicians.

She provided insights into different types of Veena, such as the Saraswathi Veena and the Rudra Veena, highlighting their construction materials and tonal characteristics. She also discussed the challenges of maintaining the Veena in different climates and expressed concerns about the diminishing art of crafting these traditional instruments.

Addressing the economic challenges faced by Carnatic musicians, Kavitha emphasised the importance of creating new opportunities and including Carnatic music in mainstream festivals. She advocated for supporting local artists and expressed concern about talented musicians turning to teaching due to a lack of recognition and opportunities.

She shared insights into the role of music festival curators, emphasising the need for a balance between preserving traditions and introducing new talent. She highlighted the importance of career management alongside talent development, drawing from her experiences at Berklee College of Music.

The interview touched upon Kavitha's foray into fusion music, where she explored genres like blues on the Veena. She explained how her classical training provided a solid foundation for experimenting with different genres. Additionally, her pursuit of a master's in music business at Berklee showcased her commitment to understanding industry trends and leveraging that knowledge for her career.

Kavitha's philanthropic initiatives through Kaladanam, an institution she founded, were discussed in detail. Her approach of providing free classes and encouraging students to contribute to NGOs demonstrated her commitment to Seva through Vidhya (Teach to Reach). She highlighted her efforts in raising funds for various social agencies, impacting the lives of special kids.

In the concluding segment, Kavitha shared her ambitions for the future. She expressed a desire to create a global platform for Carnatic musicians, ensuring the accessibility and appreciation of classical music in an era dominated by short-format content.