RK Sriramkumar: A Guru like no other

My guru RK Sriramkumar is that rare musician who is a crowd pleaser. He is defined not only by his scholarship and virtue, but also by his grace, simplicity and warmth. His music is a unique blend of age-old tradition and beauty that is clearly his own. His art exemplifies a delicate balance between tradition and exploration; Ancient, yet free of formulaic presentation, and mesmerizing commoners and connoisseurs alike.

He not only taught the nuances of music to his disciples. His view is that music is not an art that demands conquest, but a living entity with which the individual has a beautiful relationship – it is partly reverence, partly interpretation. He taught through example that it has to be internalized and made our own. Having learned a lot from the music of the greats, no class goes by without remembering their artistry or their learning under them.

RK Sriramkumar with Amrita Murali. , Photo Courtesy: Srinath M

As both a violinist and singer, he is a real alchemist on stage. Having played for practically every renowned Carnatic musician, he is a perfect team player who supports and inspires in equal measure. Following the Gayaki Bani of playing the violin, he believes in shaping every phrase the way one would sing it. Thus, his violin blends seamlessly into a concert like a second voice, turning the music into a surreal experience. Even when accompanying his disciples, he treats them as artists in their own right. He also believes that commitment in presentation should not vary depending on the location or the size of the audience.

His skill in composing, setting a song to tune, conceiving a raga or highlighting the subtleties of a lyrical idea is remarkable. When you just suggest a raga, a pallavi or a complete taana varnam will emerge spontaneously! I have had the privilege of witnessing countless such compositions and tunes.

An avid reader of music, spirituality and other subjects, he brings remarkable depth to his lectures. This breadth of knowledge makes his presentations and lecture demonstrations holistic with a practical approach. Being multilingual, he greatly enjoys literature in all languages, traditional and contemporary.

As a man who takes extraordinary care of his instruments, he spends hours perfecting their tone and resonance. He shares almost an emotional bond with each of them!

His sense of aesthetics and keen eye for detail is reflected in everything, including his choice of attire, his fascinating collection of paintings, or the way he decorates the deities with flowers in his puja room at home. His talents also extend to mimicry and storytelling.

His devotion, love and humility towards his gurus is heart-touching and exemplary.

I would fail to do justice if I described him only as a musician. As a teacher, he dedicates himself to each student unconditionally. He is always accessible, a good friend, a compassionate listener, and a wonderful guide. Like his music, he also makes the people he meets his own. His conduct is such that he accepts a child and a centenarian as his own with equal ease. Their innate joy and love for life make them everyone’s friend. For me, his guidance has been and will be one of the greatest blessings of life.