T S Nandakumar: Revolutionizing Percussive Arts in New Jersey with TSNPAC
In the heart of New Jersey, a unique musical institution thrives, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Indian Carnatic music and the art of percussion. T S Nandakumar’s Percussive Arts Centre, Inc. (TSNPAC), founded by the maestro himself, T. Shankaranarayanan Nandakumar, has become a beacon for enthusiasts of Indian classical music, particularly those passionate about percussive instruments.
A Legacy of Musical Excellence
T S Nandakumar, born into the prestigious lineage of the Ambalappuzha Brothers, renowned nadaswaram exponents, has carved a niche for himself in the world of Carnatic music. His journey began in Ambalappuzha, Kerala, where he was born to Shri Balakrishna Panicker and Shrimati Saraswati. A child prodigy, Nandakumar’s talent in playing the mridangam was evident from an early age. Under the tutelage of Shri Kaithavana Madhavdas, he honed his skills in the gurukula sampradaya tradition, becoming a Laya Vidwan and earning the admiration of both peers and legends in the Carnatic music scene.
Nandakumar’s illustrious career as an accompanist has seen him share the stage with stalwarts like Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, M. Balamuralikrishna, and K. J. Yesudas, to name a few. His dedication to teaching and promoting Carnatic percussion music led to the establishment of TSNPAC in Mumbai in 1998, and later its incorporation in New Jersey, United States, to cater to the growing interest in Indian percussive arts abroad.
TSNPAC: A Centre for Musical Mastery
TSNPAC is not just an institution but a sanctuary for those devoted to mastering the art of percussion. Nandakumar’s vision was to create a platform for higher learning in Carnatic music, and over the years, TSNPAC has become synonymous with excellence in this field. The centre offers specialized classes in instruments like mridangam, ghatam, kanjira, morsing, thavil, and konnakol. Nandakumar’s innovative teaching methods have attracted students from various backgrounds, many of whom have gone on to become full-time musicians and graded artists by All India Radio.
The annual events and workshops organized by TSNPAC have become milestones in the cultural calendar of New Jersey, featuring performances by celebrated artists and providing students with invaluable opportunities to accompany maestros on stage. One of the highlights of TSNPAC’s calendar is the arangetram or graduation concerts, where students showcase their mastery by accompanying renowned artists without prior rehearsal, a testament to their skill and understanding of Carnatic music.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Innovation
Under Nandakumar’s leadership, TSNPAC has also ventured into the Western music scene, bridging cultural gaps and introducing Indian percussive arts to a global audience. His efforts have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from Shanti Foundation, Chennai, and the Best Teacher Award from the Cleveland Tyagaraja group.
TSNPAC’s contribution to the cultural landscape of New Jersey and beyond is immeasurable. Through concerts, workshops, and teaching, T S Nandakumar and his institution have become custodians of Carnatic music, ensuring that this ancient art form continues to thrive and inspire future generations.
In a world where traditional music faces challenges from modern entertainment forms, TSNPAC stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with dedication and passion, the rhythm of the past can resonate well into the future.