PRAVEEN
NARAYANASWAMY
WORLD PERCUSSIONIST
Welcome to the official website of Praveen Narayanaswamy, a world-renowned tabla maestro, educator, and founder of Percussion Namaha – School of Rhythm. Explore the journey of a rhythm innovator who bridges the worlds of Hindustani, Carnatic, and global percussion traditions, captivating audiences worldwide with his artistry.
About
My Story
Important Concerts and Tours – India and Abroad
Notable Indian Performances
Saint Tyagaraja Festival, Thiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu
Performed for 5 consecutive years, recognized as the only tabla player to participate in the prestigious festival after Pandit Zakir Hussain.
Margazhi Music Season, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Ramaseva Mandali, Bengaluru
Played for 5 years at the prestigious Ramaseva Mandali festival.
Bharatiya Samagana Sabha, Bengaluru
Performed at the renowned Chowdiah Memorial Hall for consecutive years in 2023 and 2024.
Shanmukhananda Hall, Mumbai
Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi
Accompanied Rajhesh Vaidhya in 2023
Music Academy, Chennai
Performed with various artists, cementing his presence in one of India’s most iconic venues for classical music.
International Performances in Sri Lanka
- Performed at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Colombo, with Hariharan in 2023.
- Played at Nelum Pokuna Auditorium, Colombo, alongside Stephen Devassy and Rajhesh Vaidhya in 2023.
Key Performances
Malaysia Highlights
- Malaysian Independent Live Fusion Festival (MILFF), 2019 – Collaborated with Rajhesh Vaidhya in a fusion performance.
- World Trade Center, Kuala Lumpur, 2022 Performed with Rajhesh Vaidhya.
Singapore Highlights
- Srinivasa Perumal Temple, 2018 and 2020 Accompanied Mandolin Rajesh, Rakesh Chaurasia, and Rajhesh
Vaidhya.
United Nations and Europe Tours
- United Nations, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2017 Performed with his Guru Sri Muttu Kumar and Kaviraj Singh, a Santoor maestro from London.
Ozora Festival
and Ordorgkatlan Festival, Hungary,
2018 Represented India as part of the Singas Project.
Markuz Theater,
Hungary, 2018 Performed with Sitar
Sanjeev.
Athens and Santorini,
Greece, 2017 Played alongside
Mandolin U. Rajesh during a Europe tour.
Extensive Europe Tours (2015–2020)
- Performed 14 tours across Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Germany, collaborating with artists like Mandolin U. Rajesh, Anil Srinivasan, and Sitar Sanjeev.
UK and USA Tours
- Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London, 2023 Performed with Rajhesh Vaidhya.
- UK Tour, 2019 Accompanied P. Unnikrishnan and Mandolin Rajesh.
- USA Tour, 2023 Collaborated with Rajhesh Vaidhya in 10 concerts across the United States.
South America and Asia-Pacific Highlights
- Indian Embassy, Lima, Peru, 2024 Performed solo and collaborated with Peruvian musicians.
South Korea Tour,
- 2018 Played in 4 concerts with
Mandolin Rajesh.
Indonesia, Bali Tours
- 2017–2018 Performed 3 times
with Mandolin U. Rajesh.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi Tours
- Performed with Vikku Vinayakram and Selvaganesh in 2018.
- Accompanied Rajhesh Vaidhya in tours spanning 2019, 2021, and 2024.
Guiding Hands, Shaping Rhythms
Education and Mentorship
Early Musical Foundations
- Initiated into tabla at a young age in a musically inclined family, where rhythm and melody were integral to daily life.
- Inspired by the rich traditions of Indian classical music, his passion for tabla blossomed naturally.
Training Under Pandit Suresh Talwalkar
- Mentored by the legendary Pandit Suresh Talwalkar, renowned for his innovative and profound approach to rhythm.
- Mastered the intricacies of Hindustani tabla, including various gharanas (styles) and their distinct rhythmic patterns.
Broadening Horizons with Diverse Gurus
- Learned from other stalwarts in the field, gaining versatile skills and perspectives.
- Integrated teachings from different musical traditions, enriching his repertoire and fostering creativity.
Holistic Understanding of Indian Classical Music
- Studied the intricate interplay of raag (melody) and taal (rhythm), central to Indian classical music.
- Explored global musical genres like jazz, fusion, and world music, blending them with Indian rhythmic traditions.
Workshops and Masterclasses
- Conducted workshops and masterclasses globally, sharing his expertise with aspiring musicians.
- Focused on technical mastery, spiritual connection, and innovation in music.
Personalized Mentorship
- Emphasized personal growth, encouraging students to find their unique musical voice.
- Instilled a deep respect for tradition while inspiring creativity and exploration.
Collaborations in Music Education
- Partnered with schools, universities, and cultural organizations to promote Indian classical music.
- Worked tirelessly to preserve traditional music while adapting it for modern audiences.
Nurturing the Next Generation
- Mentored numerous students who have become skilled musicians, continuing his legacy.
- Actively fosters a love for the tabla, inspiring students to pursue excellence in the art.
Crafting Timeless Melodies,
One Beat at a Time…
Contribution to the Field of Music
Work – Achievements
Early Collaborations
- Accompanied his father, the renowned mridangam maestro N. Narayanaswamy, for numerous Bharatanatyam dance performances, including those of Karnataka Kalashree Guru B. Banumathi.
- Supported his uncle and mentor Sri T. V. Hariharan in vocal bhajan concerts for over a decade, honing his versatility and sensitivity as an accompanist.
Breakthrough in Carnatic Music
Breakthrough in Carnatic Music
His career reached new heights when he began accompanying legendary Carnatic musicians in
Chennai, the hub of Carnatic music.
Notable collaborations include:
- Padmashree Hariharan
- Kalaimamani Veena Vidwan Rajhesh Vaidhya
- Mandolin Maestro U. Rajesh, brother and disciple of the legendary Mandolin U. Srinivas
- Padmashree and Sangeetha Kalanidhi
- Aruna Sairam
- Padmashree Bombay Jayashree
- Vocal duo Ranjani-Gayatri
- Vocalist P. Unnikrishnan
Collaborations with Renowned Percussionists
Accompanied along with legendary mridangam vidwans such as:
- Padmashree Yella Venkateshwar Rao
- Padmashree T. K. Murthy
- Sangeetha Kalanidhi Bakthavatsalam
- Accompanied along with Padmashree Drums Shivamani
- Performed duo concerts with his guru, Pandit Ramdas Palsule.
Collaborated with Grammy awardees and iconic percussionists, including:
- Pandit Rakesh Chaurasia
- Vid. Selva Ganesh
- Padmabhushan T. H. Vikku Vinayakram
- Ganesh Rajagopalan
Global and Cross-Genre Collaborations
Accompanied international musicians, blending his
traditional roots with global music styles:
- Member of the Hungarian band “Singas Project”.
- Collaborated with Greek musicians in Athens.
- Played with world-renowned charango player Chano Diaz and Zapateo Afro Peruano tap dancer Leandro Mendieta.
- Part of New York-based band Umami House, working on fusion projects.
- Collaborated on projects with Spanish Grammy awardees Araceli Poma and Matt Geraghty.
Fusion and Contemporary Works
Accompanied along with legendary mridangam vidwans such as:
- Worked with Pianist Anil Srinivasan, exploring the intersection of classical and contemporary styles.
- Participated in high-profile projects blending classical traditions with global rhythms, showcasing his adaptability and innovative approach to music.
Resonating Souls, Crafting Timeless Melodies
Music Albums
Nada Brahmam
Volume 3, 4, 5 (2010, 2011)
- Recorded for the Satya Sai Organisation, Puttaparthi,
contributing to devotional music projects that celebrate the spiritual and melodic essence of Indian traditions.
Naada Brahma Musical Melodies (2018)
- Collaborated with Mandolin U. Rajesh and Greek pianist Dimitris Lambrianos to create an innovative fusion album that blends Indian classical with European harmony.
Classycal (2023)
- Featured on this album by Rajhesh Vaidhya, which combines traditional Carnatic music with contemporary expressions, enhancing the rhythmical texture with his tabla accompaniment.
Divine Moments – Devotional Music on Periyava (2024)
- Collaborated with Selva Ganesh, creating a meditative
and devotional musical journey dedicated to
Mahaperiyava.
Mahaperiyava Arathi (2022)
- Recorded with
Swaminathan in New Jersey, offering soulful devotional tracks inspired by the teachings of Mahaperiyava
Praveen’s music albums are a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, captivating listeners with their soulful melodies and intricate rhythms.
Praveen’s rhythm techniques through his interactive workshops
Workshops and Master Classes
Laasya Arts Academy, Malaysia (2017)
- Conducted a workshop for dancers, focusing on the interplay between rhythm and movement in Indian classical dance.
Kalavaridhi Center of Performing Arts, Virginia, USA (2023)
- Led two workshops, teaching advanced techniques in tabla playing and its application for traditional and fusion music.
Embassy of India, Seoul, South Korea (2018)
- Conducted a master class, introducing South Korean audiences to the intricacies of Indian percussion and its role in classical music.
Indian Embassy, Lima, Peru (2024)
- Hosted a session for Peruvian musicians, emphasizing the adaptability of Indian percussion in cross-cultural collaborations.
Labonee Mohanta and Lavanya Academy of Indian Arts, California, USA (2023)
- Engaged with students and performers in California, teaching techniques for tabla accompaniment in Kathak dance and Indian music.
Siddhi Dance Academy, California, USA (2023)
- Conducted a workshop tailored for dancers, focusing on enhancing rhythmic precision and synchronization.
Legacy in the Spotlight
Media
Praveen’s journey and artistry have been celebrated across prominent media
and news platforms, inspiring music enthusiasts worldwide.
School of Rhythm
Percussion Namaha
Founded by Guru Praveen Narayan to elevate tabla teaching and performance.
Guru Praveen Narayan trained under Sri Muthu Kumar and Pandit Ramdas Palsule, legendary maestros in the field. The school combines traditional Indian percussion with modern teaching methods, preserving cultural values.
Global Reach: Offers both offline and online classes, catering to students in India, USA, Europe, Dubai, and South America.
Over 200 students trained, with a focus on performance readiness.
Milestone Performances: Major performances organized at Ada Rangamandira Hall (2015, 2016, 2017), featuring 50 students performing together.
December 2024: One student’s Rangamanch Pravesh, a significant achievement marking 10 years of training. Guru Praveen emphasizes discipline, hard work, and dedication as key teaching values.
Future Vision: To integrate stage performance experiences into his teachings, nurturing upcoming tabla performers with both practical and theoretical expertise.
Contact Me
Get In Touch
Address : 4D, Princeton Block, Marutham Neptune, NT Patel Road, Nerkundram, Chennai 600107
Ph Number : +91-9740992142 , +1-5083734783
