About

Sangeeta Saarani School of Music: Embracing Our Indian Culture

Bhavya Raj Behata, the Artistic Director of Sangeeta Saarani School of Music​. Wherever life takes me, I strive to live a simple yet elegant life, bot inside and out. My musical journey began with training in veena by my paternal uncle, Hari Haranadh Behata.

My grandfather, Guru Sri Behata Raja Rao, was a renowned Vainika of his time. In pursuit of my passion, I graduated from Andhra University and Potti Sri Raamulu Telugu University, where deepened my understanding of music and culture. Although I have been practicing vocal and veena since childhood, it was not until I began studying under the esteemed Sri Kala Purna Guru Smt. Emani Kalyani Lakshminarayana that I truly immersed myself in the art. Learning from such a legend has been a dream come true.

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A passionate vainika committed to the preservation and propagation of the Emani Baani tradition of veena playing, approaches the instrument with both reverence for its rich heritage and curiosity for its nuanced artistry. Guided by a deep respect for the legacy of the style’s pioneers, she continues to study, interpret, and present the intricate gamakas, tonal purity, and expressive depth that define the Emani Baani, inspiring audiences and students alike.

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Artist & Educator
 

Freelance / Across USA

• Presented the Srirangam Gopalaratnam renditions for the first time in SAPNA’s Chicago series.
   

• Researched and performed several rare Carnatic compositions.
   

• Mentored numerous students across the USA, fostering technical excellence and deep appreciation for the veena.
   

Artistic Director & Founder – Sangeeta Saarani School of Music

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• Established and directed the school for over 14 years, in Naperville/Aurora, Chicago, Illinois teaching and mentoring 250+ students.

• Provided instruction and guidance in both India (Hyderabad) and USA (Naperville/Aurora , Chicago, Illinois).

 

 

Awards & Recognition

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• Sri Kala Purna Award – SAPNA & Sri Foundation , USA

• Mahamahopadhyaya Padmasri Dr. Emani Sankara Sastry Award - Ramavarapu Vijayalakshmi Charitable Trust , Visakhapatnam

• Recognition by CTU Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam – Honored for leadership and contribution to group performances and music education.
   

 

Notable Performances & Projects

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• Featured Artist – Sri Annamacharya Project of North America, Chicago, Illinois.
   

• Presented Srirangam Gopalaratnam renditions for the first time in SAPNA’s Chicago series.
   

• Led and trained a large ensemble of vocalists and guided accompanists on veena, violin, flute, and mridangam for Srirangam Gopalaratnam Annamayya renditions at CTU Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam.
   

• Curated and performed rare repertoire, expanding public access to less-heard compositions.
   

 

Skills 

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• Veena Performance (Concert)

• Music Mentorship & Pedagogy

• Festival & Event Coordination

• Repertoire Research & Preservation

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