Abhinav Seetharaman is a reputed Carnatic performer on the mridangam (South-Indian classical drum). He was introduced to the instrument at the age of six under the tutelage of Sri N. Ganesh Kumar, and proceeded to learn from Sri Vijay Ganesh and Sri Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan. He then commenced advanced training from Sri Kumar Kanthan of New Jersey, and legendary maestro Guru Karaikudi R. Mani.
Abhinav’s playing style is characterized by tonal clarity and manual dexterity, brought out by balancing melodic and mathematical patterns. He has performed internationally since the age of 12, and has accompanied some of the leading artists of Indian classical music: Dr. N. Ramani, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Ganesh & Kumaresh Rajagopalan, P. Unnikrishnan, Pandit Tejendra Narayan Mazumdar, and Ramakrishnan Murthy to name a few.
While Abhinav spent much of his youth immersed in the Carnatic music sphere, his music has also been influenced by his study of Western classical French Horn. As such, he has spearheaded a number of cross-genre collaborations with producers, film score composers, and global musicians.
His debut CD, Aaradhya, was recorded at the age of 15 and his most recent album, Maithri, is available for purchase on iTunes. Additionally, he has been featured in music scores for documentaries and films, such as Frozen Corpses Golden Treasures and Call Me Priya.
Apart from performing and recording, Abhinav has also taken up an active educator’s role, presenting rhythm workshops, seminars, and master classes at universities and institutions across the globe.
Abhinav is a recent graduate of Columbia University in New York, from where he obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He is currently based in Singapore.