

About The Founder
Balaji Santhanam
Music is my passion, and sharing the joy of Carnatic music has been my heartfelt mission. Through The Joy of Music, I have dedicated myself to helping others experience and appreciate the depth and beauty of Carnatic music. Over the past decade, I have developed and refined a curriculum designed to cultivate Carnatic listening and a deeper understanding of its nuances.
Music has been a profound source of happiness in my life, and The Joy of Music is my way of sharing that with everyone. Previously, I worked as a software engineer, but I chose to leave that career behind to pursue my love for music full-time. Today, my mission is to bring the richness of Carnatic music to as many people as possible.
I have been learning Veena from Sreevidhya Chandramouli and Chandramouli Narayanan of the Karaikudi Veena tradition. My early years were shaped by training in Mridangam under my grandfather, Sangeetha Bhooshanam M.V. Chandrachudan, and later under Madurai K. Rangarajan.
I also explored the flute under K. Ramnath in Boston, MA, for a couple of years before delving into Carnatic vocal music. My vocal training began with Shyamala Narasimhan in Richmond, VA, and later with Immaneni Ashok in Seattle, WA—who ultimately introduced me to my Veena teachers, shaping my journey towards where it is today.
Music is more than mere entertainment—it is a gateway to profound joy, a window into rich cultural heritage and a path to self-discovery. I am honored to share this experience with others and continue growing alongside my students and fellow music lovers.