Varsha Appaji

2015 Singing Scholarship Recipient

Varsha's passion for Indian Classical music is described as a strong and uncontrollable emotion. Singing holds deep meaning for her, and every sound and note evokes unique and memorable experiences. Over the past five years, she has dedicated herself to developing her skills in both Carnatic and Hindustani vocal styles, with a recent focus on improvisation.

Improvisation, known as Manodharma in classical terms, requires a profound understanding of scales, meters, and personal expression. Varsha aims to bridge the gap into professional performance and improvisation, and she sees the Chinmaya Naada Bindu Institute Monsoon Intensive as a vital opportunity to learn from renowned Hindustani vocalist Pramodini Rao. Attending this institute would not only provide invaluable guidance but also connect Varsha with fellow musicians from diverse backgrounds, fostering discussions on the commonalities and differences between various music traditions.

Through rigorous training and practice, she aims to enhance the flexibility of her voice and explore different forms of music while deepening her expertise in Indian Classical singing. Additionally, Varsha's passion for writing and communication fuels her excitement for the intensive focus on discourse and connecting cultures through music. She aspires to have a comfortable command of improvisational aspects and a comprehensive understanding of melodic scales, and the support from the Quinn Foundation will help her to pursue her musical journey.