Gouri Sankar Acharya

Music has been an integral part of my life for many years, and I have dedicated myself to both learning and teaching the rich tradition of Hindustani Classical Music. With over 15 years of experience in music education and training, I teach vocal music to students of different age groups and skill levels. My goal is to help every student develop a strong musical foundation while nurturing their individual voice, creativity, and confidence as a performer.

I hold a Bachelor of Music (B.Mus), Master of Music (M.Mus), and M.Phil in Music from Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. My academic journey has allowed me to explore music not only as a performing art but also as a field of research. As part of my M.Phil work, I conducted a research study on the impact of Mantras and Stotras on the human mind through Indian Classical Music. This research deepened my understanding of how music can positively influence mental well-being, emotional balance, concentration, and inner peace.

I have been teaching Hindustani Classical Vocal Music for the past seven years, guiding students in voice culture, raga development, swara accuracy, rhythm training, and performance preparation. In addition to private teaching, I also served as a Lecturer in Hindustani Classical Music at Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar. My teaching experience has helped me work with learners from diverse backgrounds and adapt my methods according to each student's learning pace and goals.

My musical training has been shaped by the guidance of renowned gurus and maestros. I am a disciple of the distinguished Hindustani Classical vocalist Pt. Ganapati Bhatt Hasangi, under whom I received advanced training in classical music. I have also had the opportunity to enhance my knowledge through specialized training under Vidushi Dr. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande. Learning from such eminent artists has strengthened my understanding of the depth, discipline, and beauty of Indian Classical Music, which I strive to pass on to my students.

As a performing artist, I have been fortunate to accompany several legendary musicians as a Tanpura player. These include renowned maestros such as Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ulhas Kashalkar, Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Vyankatesh Kumar, Abdul Rashid Khan, and Sunanda Pattnaik. Performing alongside such accomplished artists has provided me with invaluable stage experience and a deeper appreciation of the nuances of classical music performance.

Throughout my musical journey, I have been honored to receive the National Scholarship in Hindustani Classical Music from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. I have also had the privilege of mentoring numerous students, helping them build strong musical foundations and progress in their artistic pursuits. One of the notable experiences in my teaching career has been contributing to the musical learning journey of Sona Mohapatra during her formative years. These experiences continue to motivate me to share my knowledge with sincerity and dedication.

Along with classical vocal training, I regularly conduct workshops and training programs on Mantra and Stotra Chanting, emphasizing the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of music. My classes are available both online and offline and follow a structured, practical, and student-centered approach. I focus on voice training, raga development, rhythm, expression, and performance skills through systematic learning and regular practice. By combining theory with practical application, I aim to help students develop not only technical proficiency but also a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and depth of Hindustani Classical Music.