Dr. Shivanand Ballesh
Co-Founder
Taan Academy of Music
Hindustani Vocalist | Sufi & Qawwali Singer
Composer | Multi-Instrumentalist
“Surmani” (Dr.) Shivanand Ballesh Bhajantri is an accomplished Hindustani Classical Vocalist, voice trainer, Gazal, Sufi & Qawwali performer, Tabla and Banarasi Dukkad player. As the youngest son and disciple of Padmashri Pandit Dr. S. Ballesh Bhajantri, Shivanand is dedicated to carrying forward the rich musical legacy of his family and gurus.
Training & Academic Achievements
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Began early musical training under his grandfather Pandit Sanna Bharamanna and received foundational lessons in Kirana Gharana from the Late Pandit Dr. D.P. Hiremath.
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Further honed his craft with Pandit Kodhand Salunke (Patiala Gharana) and learned Patiala Gharana Khayal Gayaki under his father, Padmashri S. Ballesh.
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Holds Sangit Visharad (Akhila Bharatha Gandharva Mahavidyalaya), Vidwath Anthim (Karnataka State Govt Music Exam), and B. Music from Karnataka University.
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Recipient of the Honorary Doctorate from Mother Theresa University, Chennai (2022) for his contributions to Indian classical music.
Professional Accomplishments
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Guru to nearly 250 students globally, imparting Hindustani music fundamentals and advanced techniques. His students also include those who are Specially Abled.
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He has composed music for popular TV Fiction Dramas/Serials and Collaborated with Music Directors for Film Music Compositions
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Proficient in Shehnai, Harmonium, Tabla, and Dukkad
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Trained under Tabla Nawaz Ustad Nazim Hussain, son of Ustad Bismillah Khan.
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Has performed vocals and instrumentals at premier Indian classical music festivals, including Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav (Pune), Delhi Classical Music Festival, Ganga Mahotsav (Benares), Tansen Sangeet Samaroh (Bhopal), and more.
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Accompanied and collaborated with senior artists on national and international stages.
Promoting Hindustani Classical Music & Culture
As co-founder of Tansen Academy of Music, organizes various cultural festivals and also mentors over 500 musicians in classical vocals, tabla, sitar, flute, and shehnai, propagating the legacy of Ustad Bismillah Khan and Pt. Puttaraja Gawai.