My journey as a musician began when I was just three years old—barely able to talk but already learning to play the violin. I studied under Rama Chobhe, who taught using the Suzuki method, where having a parent present in every class was mandatory. From those early days, violin became my thing. Almost every day was dedicated to lessons, with our Suzuki book graduations and performances becoming a routine. School talent shows were my stage, and more often than not, I’d win.

​

A few years later, Ms. Rama introduced me to Indian classical violin, opening the door to an entirely different genre. Everything—from the technique to the feel—was new. Through her, I also met Swapna Datar, or as we fondly called her, Tai. Tai embodied the spirit of a true guru. Her house was a hub of music, with students practicing in every room while Tai cooked, corrected, and cared for everyone all at once. Under her guidance, I learned Indian classical singing, as she believed that a good musician must understand vocal music. My days became a whirlwind of music—Western classical, Indian classical, ABRSM violin exam prep, and performances. Our class even trained with specialized instructors in Pune for music theory and piano accompaniment. Our whole batch scored distinctions in the ABRSM grade 1 exam, and we were all invited to perform at the prestigious NCPA hall. I still am in touch from my friends back then, all of us barely six years old then, but still so passionate and above all - disciplined.

​

When I moved to California, I lost that tight-knit community but soon found something equally enriching. Joining the San Jose Youth Symphony (SJYS) was a turning point. While I knew how to sight-read, playing in an orchestra was an entirely new challenge. I also began studying with Mr. Alishan Merjanian, my mentor for the next five years, who taught me what it meant to truly "study" a piece of music. Under his guidance, I grew as a musician and even prepared for my winning performance at the International Indian Icon competition. I advanced through the levels of SJYS, eventually becoming the Assistant Concertmaster of the Philharmonic Orchestra in 10th grade. Alongside SJYS, I was active in my school bands and choirs, further immersing myself in diverse musical experiences.

​

COVID-19 brought a shift in how I approached music. Lessons with Mr. Alishan paused as he moved to Portland, but SJYS adapted by using JackTrip, a network system that allowed us to rehearse synchronously from home with specialized setups. This was also the first time I began studying music independently. Inspired by Hilary Hahn, I immersed myself in her performances of Sibelius, Mendelssohn, and Bach. I taught myself Czardas and eventually moved on to Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor. It was during this time that I began to feel like a true violinist.

​

Returning to India after 10th grade, I felt lost. Extracurriculars took a backseat as the focus shifted to board exams and entrance prep. Yet, violin remained my escape. I wasn’t performing much but continued practicing and began exploring other instruments, like guitar, and singing. I recorded covers just for myself, rediscovering my love for music in a quieter, more personal way.

In college, joining Dhvani reignited that spark. From auditions to performing in bands and competitions, I found myself immersed in music once again. While I don’t get to perform classical music as much anymore, it remains an inseparable part of who I am. Any chance I get, I practice recitals with pianist friends, reconnecting with my classical roots.

 

Violin isn’t just something I play; it’s a part of me—and always will be.