Our Musical Heritage
Dr. Ballesh Bhajantri, Founder
Shehnai Maestro | Hindustani Vocalist | Playback Singer | Ghazal Singer
Padmashri Pandit Dr. S. Ballesh Bhajantri, an internationally acclaimed Banaras Gharana Shehnai exponent, stands as one of India’s foremost musicians, carrying forward the legacy of his revered guru, Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan. He is also a celebrated Patiala Gharana Hindustani vocalist and an All India Radio & Doordarshan “Top Grade” Shehnai Vidwan. In 2022, the Government of India conferred upon him the prestigious Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian honour, making him only the second Shehnai player in history after Ustad Bismillah Khan to receive this award. This recognition re-established the Shehnai at the centre stage of Indian classical music.
Dr. Shivanand Ballesh,
Co-Founder
Hindustani Vocalist | Sufi & Qawwali Singer | Composer
“Surmani” (Dr.) Shivanand Ballesh Bhajantri is an accomplished Hindustani Classical Vocalist, vocal trainer, Sufi and Qawwali performer, Tabla and Banarasi Dukkad player, and the proud co-founder of Taan Academy of Music, Chennai. As the younger 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.
Meet Our Gurus
Get to know the talented Gurus who inspire and guide our students at Taan Academy. Each Guru brings a unique blend of expertise and passion for music.
Dr. Shivanand Ballesh
Hindustani Vocals
Dr. Shivanand Ballesh is the co-founder of Tansen Academy of Music, organizes and mentors over 500 students in classical vocals, tabla, sitar, flute, and shehnai
Shri. Vishnu Prasad
Bansuri
Shri. Vishnu Prasad is a renowned flautist, with exposure to multiple genres of music. He primarily teaches Bansuri (Indian Flute) and other wind instruments like Saxophone in Indian Classical Genre
Shri. Sudhir Shenoi
Guitar, Keys & Music Production
Shri. Sudhir Shenoi has 40+ years of experience in various genres of Music. He teaches primarily instrumental music for Taan Academy. He also provides guidance to students on Digital Music Production
Shri. Ravi Kumar
Sitar
Shri. Ravi Kumar master is a disciple of renowned Sitar Maestro Ustad Ahmad Hussain Khan Sahab. He has worked for many music composers in India. He has composed music for many Kannada Movies.
“Shivanand Ballesh is a remarkable raga guru whose mastery blends deep technical skill with soulful expression, making his teaching transformative. He imparts not just musical techniques but also instills the living spirit and tradition of Indian classical music in his students”
Luba Evans, USA
