Nistha Raj

Photo by Geeta Raj

Nistha Raj’s initial training in music began with an introduction to western classical violin at the age of nine, which she pursued seriously until graduation from college. She received a B.A. in music with honors from the University of Houston in 2003.  Because of her Indian heritage she was exposed to the classical music of India from childhood and had an intense desire to delve deeper into a study of the music.

To immerse herself in the music and culture of India, in 2004, Nistha traveled to the small town of Vrindavan in India to study the oldest form of Indian classical music, Dhrupad, with Tarun Krishna Das, disciple of Vidur Mallick.  She spent 7 months immersed in the music and instantly discovered a deep connection and affinity for the music and thus began her journey and desire to always be surrounded by this music.

In 2005 Nistha was awarded a scholarship from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations to undergo rigorous, intensive formal training in North Indian Classical violin at the Gandharva Maha Vidyalaya in New Delhi.  She trained under the guidance of Sharat Srivastava, the foremost disciple of his grandfather, Sri Joi Srivastava, belonging to the Senia Gharana to which legendary artists like Ali Akbar Khansahib and Pandit Ravi Shankar belong to. In addition, to further increase her understanding of Hindustani music, she also trained in vocal with Meeta Pandit, who is the sixth in the unbroken lineage of musicians of the legendary Pandit Family of Gwailor. She also had the privilege to receive guidance from Dr. N Rajam, one of the foremost Hindustani violinists.

Upon her return to the US in 2007, Nistha has remained constant in her pursuit of music by continuing to develop her skills and technique.  She is currently receiving training from Smt. Sisirkana Dhar Chowdhury, disciple of Ali Akbar Khansahib.