About Swaradhika

Radhika Devrajan

Radhika Devrajan established Swaradhika to provide authentic, high-quality musical education. With over two decades of experience, she has personally trained more than 500 students, building the largest Carnatic violin school in New Jersey.

Radhika Devrajan's musical journey began under Sri. S V Ramachandran in Mumbai. She further honed her artistry with renowned masters like Padmashri A. Kanyakumari and Sri. Vittal Ramamoorthy. Additionally, training with Prof R. Subalaxmi and Smt. Kalyani Ramani has enabled her to cultivate a distinctive and compelling style. She is currently mentored by Smt. Sangeetha Swaminathan.

Radhika Devrajan regularly performs as both a soloist and accompanist at prominent Carnatic music concerts and dance arangetrams in India and the US.

Carnatic Music

Carnatic music is the classical music system of South India, a rich, ancient art form with a devotional core. Carnatic music is built on the intricate framework of ragams (melodic scales) and talams (rhythmic cycles).

Swaradhika honors the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara (teacher-disciple tradition), a time-tested system of learning that prioritizes a deep, personal connection between the student and the teacher. This is not just a classroom— it is a mentorship where knowledge is passed down with meticulous care. The rigorous practice of Carnatic music is a powerful tool for personal growth, instilling life skills that will benefit your child for years to come. Students will develop focus, discipline, confidence and patience.

Music also provides an outlet for relaxation and stress relief. Engaging in musical study offers therapeutic benefits that support a student's overall well-being. The act of playing an instrument can be incredibly calming, providing a productive way for students to de-stress and unwind during challenging or stressful times.

Violin Classes

Swaradhika’s comprehensive approach ensures that every student not only masters the technical aspects of the art, but also becomes a true exponent of the Carnatic tradition. Our structured and traditional teaching methodology emphasizes individualized attention:

  • Holistic Learning— Students first learn to sing each composition, internalizing the melody before applying it to the violin. This reinforces a strong connection to the musical tradition and ensures a deep understanding of the compositions they play.
  • Fundamental Mastery— We place a strong emphasis on the technical elements of music, including talam (rhythm), shruthi (pitch), and sahityam (lyrics), ensuring a solid foundation.
  • Emotion and Expression— Beyond technique, students are guided to bring out the emotion and feeling in every note. We place special importance on understanding the meaning of the lyrics, as this connection is key to conveying the true essence of the composition through the instrument.
  • Active Listening— All students are encouraged to actively listen to music and attend live concerts, a critical part of the traditional learning process which broadens their understanding and appreciation.
  • Advanced Concepts— As students advance, they learn advanced music-theory concepts, improvisation (manodharmam), accompaniment, and concert presentation.

Additionally, experienced students can grow towards:

  • Performance Opportunities— Our students regularly give solo and group performances at music festivals, charitable events, and concerts. They also compete in prestigious competitions like the Cleveland Aradhana and CMANA.
  • Mentorship and Leadership— Senior students are encouraged to complete their arangetram (debut solo recital) and become assistant teachers, mentoring the next generation of musicians.

Youtube Channel

For videos of past performances and arangetrams, visit Swaradhika's Youtube channel here: youtube.com/@radhikadevrajan.