Meet Indu Ramasubramaniyan of Thousand Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Indu Ramasubramaniyan.

Hi indu, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Madurai, a small town in southern India where classical music and dance were part of everyday life. Growing up in that environment, I didn’t realize how much the traditional way of learning art and culture would influence my future.

Alongside my sister, I performed Carnatic music while completing my bachelor’s degree in engineering. After marriage, I moved to the United States, a new country where I didn’t know anyone. Instead of following the usual path of finding an engineering job, I chose to teach music. I believed that sharing our rich tradition could benefit families here, and I strongly felt that music helps shape better individuals, which in turn builds stronger communities.

In 2010, I started my music school, Swaramanjari, with just five students. Today, we have grown to 75 students between the ages of 6 and 25. Over time, I introduced performance opportunities by collaborating with instrumentalists from India. Since 2011, I have organized annual concerts where children showcase their progress, it is deeply fulfilling to watch their growth year after year.

I also ventured into dance productions, composing and training students to sing for storytelling performances. These productions are based on stories of Hindu gods, which not only teach Indian culture and music but also share timeless life lessons from ancient heroes.

Apart from my school, I run a nonprofit organization called Hamsadhwani, which features renowned musicians from around the world. We host ten concerts every year with the goal of promoting Indian classical music in the community. This helps the younger generation appreciate the richness of our art form, engage with great artists, and learn directly from musical stalwarts.

For me, classical art is not just about performing, it teaches perseverance, teamwork, and consistency. Music brings people together, builds healthy communities, and creates space to share, care, and grow. My journey with music has given me the chance to meet wonderful people, learn humility from masters, and understand that continuous learning makes us better human beings. That is the lesson I want to pass on to my students.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I grew up in an environment where music was around me 24/7, but that was not the case for children born and raised in the United States. One of my biggest challenges was introducing music into their daily lives, helping them understand the importance of regular practice, the science behind the art, and the way it has been shaped by countless composers over hundreds of years. It has definitely been a journey, but one that I am happily riding, and every step has been rewarding.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Carnatic musician, teacher, and cultural organizer. My work centers on teaching Indian classical music to children and young adults in the United States, while also creating opportunities for them to perform and grow as artists. Through my school, Swaramanjari, which I started in 2010 with just five students and has now grown to 75, I specialize in training students not only in the technical aspects of music but also in understanding its deeper meaning: discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.

I am known for blending tradition with accessibility. I organize annual concerts where my students perform alongside instrumentalists from India, and I also compose and train them for dance productions that tell stories of Hindu gods, weaving together music, culture, and timeless life lessons. Beyond teaching, I run Hamsadhwani, a nonprofit organization that brings renowned musicians from around the world to perform for our community. We host ten concerts each year to promote Indian classical music and inspire the younger generation to engage with great artists and appreciate the richness of this art form.

Whatever I learn through my musical journey, I try to apply to every aspect of my life, whether it is in my professional career, community service, or simply in the way I live as an individual. Music has truly shaped me into a better human being. I only wish more people could recognize the profound impact that music can have in their own lives.

What I am most proud of is seeing my students grow, not just as musicians, but as individuals who learn humility, consistency, and the joy of community through music. What sets me apart is my commitment to making classical music a living, breathing part of everyday life here in the U.S., and my belief that music is not only about performance but about building better people and stronger communities.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Lessons Learned:
1.Lessons in every note: I learn not only from my teachers and great musical stalwarts but also from my youngest six‑year‑old student. Every class teaches me something new, keeping me young and energetic.
2.Growth Beyond Performance :Some of my best learning moments have come not just from performing, but from observing fellow musicians around the world. Shared learning allows us to exchange ideas, inspire one another, and gain fresh perspectives that spark innovation.
3.The Humility of Learning: The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know. This sustainable drive to keep learning is what fuels me. Humility and curiosity are the true starting points for growth.
4.Continuous Self‑Reflection: I seek an environment where I can reflect on myself, improve continuously, and create meaningful impact within the community through music.

Image Credits
Color Shadow Studios