Smt. Sowmya D R

Carnatic, Folk & Light Music Sowmya D R is a Bangalore-based Carnatic vocalist and educator with over two decades of experience in music performance, teaching, and research. Trained in the classical Carnatic tradition and versed in folk and light music, she brings both technical depth and a deep devotional sensibility to every performance and classroom she leads. Training & Education Sowmya holds a Master’s degree in Carnatic Music from Jain University, Bangalore (2018), and a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Acharya Pathashala College of Arts, where she graduated as a Gold Medallist, securing the first rank in B.A. Music from Bangalore University (2006). Her musical grounding began under the guidance of Vidushi Vijaya Subramanyam and Vidushi Shashikala at the Vani Kalavidaru Institute of Music, and has continued to deepen through advanced study with some of Carnatic music’s most respected teachers. She is currently learning advanced Carnatic lessons under Padmashri awardee Vid. Sri R N Thyagarajan, and has previously trained under Vidushi Dhanyashri Kanchana and Dr. Meera Rajaram Pranesh, with whom she undertook a focused study of the Chamundeshwari Ashtottara Shatakritis. She has also completed specialized coursework in music therapy, including its applications for the development of special children and as a therapeutic tool for depression. Recognition In 2024, Sowmya was graded a “B” grade artist by All India Radio (AIR) in the devotional singing category — a recognition of her command over bhakti-based repertoire. Teaching Experience A dedicated music educator, Sowmya has taught Carnatic vocal, folk, and light music to students across all levels — from Juniors to Vidwat — for over twenty years. Performances Sowmya has performed extensively at prominent temples, mutts, and cultural venues in India and abroad, including: Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Mantralayam, Harihara, and Devagiri (Banashankari 2nd Stage) Sri Purandara Ashrama, Ananda Nilaya Kshetra, Adoni Sri Kalyana Varaprada Srinivasa Swamy Temple, Magadi SVCC Temple, Fremont & Livermore, California Workshops Conducted 2022 — Workshop on Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar Kritis & Haridasara Padas 2014 — Workshop on Suladis of Haridasas (under Prof. T Sharadha) 2010 — Workshop on Navavarana Kritigalu & documentary on Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar (under Prof. T Sharadha, Vanamala Art Foundation) Recordings 2021 — Documentary on Dashamahavidya – The Ten Cosmic Powers 2018 — Kannada Suladis of Haridasas 2009 — BhakthiYaana — a themed CD series on Sri Lakshmi Narayana 2009 — Participated in Sri Chakra Darshana, a DVD of Navavarana Kritis of Dikshitar