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Tradition Reimagined
Sandeep Narayan’s story is proof that music knows no borders. Born and raised in Cerritos, California, Sandeep grew up surrounded by melody. His father KS Narayan was the founding president of the South Indian Music Academy, Los Angeles, one of the earliest Carnatic Organizations in the United States. His mother Shubha Narayan is the founding director of the Sampradaya School of Music, one of Southern California’s first Carnatic Music schools. And Sandeep’s two older brothers Nikhil and Nirmal are talented musicians in their own right. Needless to say, music was the heartbeat of their home.
Even as a child, Sandeep was picking up songs by ear, humming tunes he was never formally taught. By age eleven he was already performing publicly, guided by his mother’s training.
Soon after this, a defining moment arrived when he and his mother made the life-changing move from Los Angeles to Chennai. Leaving behind school and everything familiar, Sandeep immersed himself as a disciple of maestro K.S. Krishnamurthy. The discipline and fiery passion of those early years shaped his musical soul, even after he returned to the US and balanced his academic studies. Following his guru's passing, Sandeep continued his training for over a decade under the renowned Sanjay Subrahmanyan, a period that ultimately helped him carve his own unique path.
The turning point came in 2006. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Law & Society, Sandeep chose the path few dared: he returned to Chennai for good, dedicating himself entirely to Carnatic Music. It felt like a radical step to many, but to Sandeep, it just made sense.
What sets Sandeep apart is his blend of tradition and adventure. While he’s anchored in the depth of the pure classical form, he’s also fearless in exploring. Sandeep has collaborated with artistes of both the Carnatic and Hindustani classical traditions, film composers, folk and jazz musicians, and has even recorded with Hip-Hop and Lo-Fi producers. In 2024, Sandeep co-created the EP Arul with Canadian artiste Yanchan Produced. “Arul” featured a unique combination of Carnatic with Hip-hop, R&B, and Afro-beats, and earned a 2025 Juno Award nomination, Canada's highest musical recognition. Following this, Sandeep was invited in 2025 to become a GRAMMY®️ Voting Member of The Recording Academy.
At home, creativity is a family affair. His wife, leading Bharatanatyam artiste Radhe Jaggi, serves as both his most discerning critic and his most trusted muse.
Sandeep's artistry extends far beyond performance; he is a passionate educator, mentor, and cultural ambassador dedicated to preserving and sharing Carnatic music. Drawing on his distinct background - upbringing in the U.S. and rigorous training in India, he connects students and audiences around the world with the art form's emotional depth and rich heritage. Sandeep nurtures the next generation through private classes, workshops, and engaging lecture-demonstrations.
This commitment to preservation is exemplified by his work with the Sampradaya School of Music in California and his guidance of Project Samskriti at the Isha Yoga Centre in India, where he guides advanced and aspiring classical artists. Sandeep's expertise is also highly regarded in academia, evidenced by his guest lectures at institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, University of California at Santa Barbara, California State University at Sacramento, and for the International Baccalaureate program.
Sandeep Narayan stands today as a bridge-builder: delivering tradition with a fresh voice to audiences across the world. His journey - from Southern California living rooms to globally recognized concert halls and festivals - is proof that heritage, when truly lived, can reach hearts anywhere.