Ragavan Manian is a seasoned musician who began learning Carnatic Music at the tender age of seven. Trained under legendary gurus, including the iconic Dr. Bala Murali Krishna, With deep roots in Carnatic music, Ragavan blends classical traditions with modern influences, creating a unique sound that resonates with diverse audiences. A versatile performer, composer, and educator, Ragavan's music speaks across generations. His innovative approach bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary sensibilities, making him a sought-after artist for a wide range of events.
Ragavan Manian is a technologist turned musician. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from IIT Madras and a Master’s degree from the University of Virginia in Electrical Engineering. He later earned an MBA from the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad.
After nearly two decades working in Fortune 500 companies and startups, Ragavan embarked on a new journey, focusing on music performance, composition, and education. His musical journey reflects his dedication to exploring new creative horizons and sharing his expertise through both performance and teaching.
Sound is Good Edu company
zedu, zemuria Inc.
A global education company
(2015-18)
A prime disciple of the late great Carnatic music doyen, Padma Vibushan Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, Ragavan performs and teaches voice in a wide range of institutional and musical contexts—from engaging school children in creativity through his “Sound is Good - Musical Connections” school program, to working with avant- garde artistes/bands; from performing in orthodox Carnatic music forums to exploring crossovers via his fusion venture Raga Mania Experience.
Ragavan is the winner of the inaugural Bala Murali krishna puraskar from Vishaka cultural academy and Vipanchee arts academy. He is an Asthana Vidwan of Kanchi Kamakoti Shankara Mutt and an A-grade artiste at All India Radio, Chennai Kendra.
Padma Vibushan Dr. Balamurali Krishna
Pallavi Shri T. Narasimha Chari
Tenkasi P.K. Rajammal
At Age 10 (1985)
Sri Seetha Rama Bhakta Samaj, Selayur, Madras
Outstanding Young Musician from Bharath Kalachar,
Best Pallavi Singer from Krishna Gana Sabha
Government of India Junior & Senior National Talent Scholar
First Place in Music Academy's Junior Vocal Competition
Many other honororiums and prizes.
In India include: Krishna Gana Sabha, Music Academy, Bharat Kalachar, Indian Fine Arts Society, Karthik Fine Arts, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, YACM, IIT Madras, All-India Radio & Doordarshan. In the US: Pittsburgh Venkateswara Temple, SPIC-MACAY Virginia, Tyagaraja Aradhana Cleveland, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Utah, San Francisco Bay Area (live & radio programs). Vocal accompanist to Dr. Balamurali Krishna for concerts in India and the USA.
Violin (studied under Kanchi Janardanan)
Bansuri & Western flute
Alto & Soprano saxophone
Electronic Wind Instrument
Blues & chromatic Harmonica
Khanjira & Mohrsing
Composed Krithis, Varnams, Thillanas & Ragam-Tanam-Pallavis
Tuned songs from ancient & modern tamil literature
(Kamba Ramayanam, Tevaram, Silappathikaaram, Manimekalai)
Set music for dances, documentaries and plays
My disciple Ragavan has an uncanny knack of grasping everything that I teach him
Ragavan is a true disciple of Dr. Balamurali Krishna. He is an ardent traditionalist, and yet an innovator
The rigor and diligence of his training with the maestro has ensured that he is a much sought-after vocalist in the USA
Be it strumming the guitar strings, playing a note on his flute, or getting the rhythm right on his Cajon, he can do it all
