Born in Chennai Tamil Nadu, Nirmala began her performing career at the age of 13. A celebrated composer, Nirmala has written traditional and collaborative music for orchestras, choruses, theatre, and chamber ensembles in Indian and Western classical music. She has been awarded (in Feb 2021) the highest civilian award for the arts by the Government of Tamil Nadu, India, the prestigious ' Kalaimamani Award'. She has received many awards from leading organizations including the esteemed The Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha, and Sri Krishna Gana Sabha. Nirmala has been awarded numerous grants and fellowships by many other leading Arts organizations as well. She is the first Indian musician to receive the Bush Fellowship and the McKnight Fellowship in the USA.

In addition to performing, Nirmala is a leader in initiatives of research in music, social causes, and service. She currently serves as an officer of the Global Carnatic Musicians' Association GCMA (Vice President). In July 2020, she was elected as a Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Composers Forum, a national organization for composers and music creators in the USA. She is the first India born woman to serve in this position.

Nirmala Rajasekar is a passionate educator who believes in passing on the art to the next generation with sincerity and dedication. She is the artistic director of 'Naadha Rasa Center for Music' an organization she created. She has been teaching music for 27 years now. Her students are accomplished veena players, vocalists, and composers. She has conducted residencies and workshops for institutions such SPICMACAY, Princeton University, Young Audiences America, COMPAS, Minnesota State Arts Board and many such institutions across the world.

Learn more about Nirmala in her May 2016 Artist Spotlight interview.

Sample Programs: Customizable To Site’s Needs

Residency

Carnatic Music: The Classical Music of South India

I have been teaching for 25 years now. It is a joy to teach and share this tradition of Carnatic music and be a part of the transfer of its beauty and knowledge to others in the same way I learned it by the oral tradition. I teach in schools, colleges and universities in America, Europe and Asia, and work with about 30 students every week at my studio.

In my classes, students will experience this 2000 year old musical form from South India through the subjects of history, geography and even math. They will get to appreciate the value of something ancient and its relevance in today's world. They will also see and understand that music is a universal language. In a residency model they will be challenged to create their own piece of Indian music. The final performance of the residency will highlight elements of Carnatic music, of its rhythm and power of emotional expression.

Curricular connections:

• Experience some 2-3 languages of India, including the ancient language of Sanskrit in which the music has been composed

• Learn the origin and location of the music in South India

• Math and science elements are taught in the creation of note patterns and lessons on rhythm

Performance

Carnatic Music: The Classical Music of South India

Listen to Nirmala sing and perform classical Carnatic music. Nirmala demonstrates and performs on the Saraswathi veena, a seven-stringed lute from South India. Nirmala explains India’s musical history and concepts such as raga (melody) and tala (rhythm). The performance is accompanied by a percussionist on the tabla drum from North India.

Note: Ideal for grades 2-12

Workshop

Carnatic Music: The Classical Music of South India

Participate in counting patterns, Indian history and geography lessons during this music workshop. Learn some cultural similarities and differences in the arts while experiencing Carnatic music first-hand.

Note: Ideal for grades 2-12