Padma has been singing since she was a child and now finds it a joy to teach children and young adults. It is an honor for her to pass on her family's musical tradition and educate today's generation in a rare classical style of South Indian music.
Padma was introduced to Bala's style of music when, as a teenager, she met Bala at a close family friend's house. It was there that Bala sang a few songs, Padma became mesmerized and connected strongly with the music. She described it as a sound like no other. Padma initially started studying music at age 7 and later from her teacher, Sri. M.S. Ramadass, at age 16. She is currently studying music under Sri. B.Balasubrahmaniyan, a professor of music at Wesleyan University. Both Sri. Ramadass and Sri. Balasubrahmaniyan maintained the authenticity of the music which goes back to Balasaraswati's grandmother. Padma comes from a musical family. Her grandmother Padmavathi Ammal was a composer and her father, E.R.Desikan, was a graded All India Radio artist. Padma brings a synthesis of her family's and Bala's musical traditions to her teaching.
Balasaraswati influenced Padma by captivating her with the depth and complexity of her music. She developed an inexplicable connection to Bala's music. Balasaraswati, in her singing, followed in the footsteps of her grandmother Veenai Dhanammal, who was an accomplished musician, both on vocals and on the veenai. This music style requires subtlety, breath control and precision.
Padma believes that Bala's musical renditions contain a unique paradox of complexity and simplicity. The songs are sung mostly at slow speeds with a lot of inflections (Gamakas) and are quite difficult to sing. Padma has had to practice some of the songs for several years before perfecting them.
"This style of singing helps children become familiar with South Indian classical music and it is good for memory and focus." - Padma
Padma believes Bala's style preserves the "old school" of the music and she enjoys teaching children and young adults. It is an honor for her to pass on the tradition and educate today's generation in a unique classical style of South Indian music.
Padma comes from a family of musicians. Her grandmother Padmavathi Ammal was a composer and her father E.R.Desikan, was a graded All India Radio artist.