Introduction:

Welcome to another engaging episode of our talk show, where we dive into the inspiring stories of talented individuals balancing art, passion, and life’s complexities. Today, we had the pleasure of hosting Nayana Prasad, a budding flutist and vocalist, who seamlessly blends her love for music with an ambitious pursuit of a medical career. Let’s unravel her journey, her inspirations, and her unique perspective on balancing two demanding worlds.

A Musical Beginning:

Nayana’s love for music blossomed at an early age, growing up in a household that resonated with melodies. Her mother, a trained Carnatic vocalist, and her family’s fondness for Kannada songs created an environment brimming with musical influences. At the tender age of five, Nayana began her formal training in Carnatic vocal music in California under Hema Sista, laying the foundation for her lifelong love of music.

When she moved to Mysore, India, her journey took an exciting turn as she started learning from Vidwan C.A. Nagraj, renowned for his disciplined teaching style. It was during this period that Nayana’s foray into flute playing began, encouraged by her mother. From those early days, her journey has been a testament to persistence and passion.

A Kaleidoscope of Teachers and Styles:

One of the most intriguing aspects of Nayana’s story is her experience with multiple gurus across continents. Each mentor contributed a unique dimension to her musical skills:

• Vidwan H.S. Venugopal in Bangalore emphasized the importance of improvisation and interaction, enriching her understanding of ragas through Alapana and Swara Kalpana.

• Vidwan A.P. Krishna Prasad, her current teacher, adds a layer of finesse to her flute playing, focusing on nuances that highlight the instrument’s unique charm.

These diverse teaching styles have given Nayana a rich repository of techniques and insights, allowing her to craft performances filled with intricate details and dynamic expressions.

Balancing Academics and Art:

Currently in her final year of high school, Nayana plans to embark on a challenging pre-medical track in college. When asked how she intends to balance medicine and music, she shared a profound insight:

“You make time for what you are passionate about. Music will always be my solace during stressful times.”

Nayana views music not as a competing priority but as a complementary force in her life. Her advice to peers facing similar crossroads is to ensure that their pursuits remain genuine passions and to embrace sacrifices for what truly matters.

Beyond Practice: Performing and Collaborating:

Nayana’s artistry extends beyond her practice sessions. She has performed at various prestigious platforms like IFAA, BYOM, AIKYA, and Saptami, showcasing her skills in youth concerts. She was also part of a Kannada light music band, Nisarga, where she performed in a tribute to the late actor Puneeth Rajkumar.

While she dabbles in light music, her heart remains firmly rooted in Carnatic traditions. She dreams of performing professionally as a vocalist, while her flute playing continues to captivate audiences.

The Iconic Pink Transparent Flute:

Among the many highlights of our conversation was Nayana’s unique pink acrylic flute. This striking instrument, gifted by her guru Vidwan H.S. Venugopal, stands out for its aesthetic appeal and tonal quality. “It sounds just like a wooden flute,” she explained, “but it looks so cool, and pink happens to be one of my favorite colors!”

Closing Notes:

Nayana Prasad’s story is a reminder of how passion can fuel perseverance. Her ability to navigate the demands of academics and art, her dedication to learning from diverse mentors, and her deep connection to music make her a role model for aspiring artists and scholars alike.

As Nayana embarks on her journey toward becoming a doctor while nurturing her musical dreams, we wish her all the success. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to bring you the stories of inspiring individuals like Nayana.

Thank you, Nayana, for sharing your journey, music, and wisdom.

Do you have a story of balancing passion and profession? We’d love to hear it! Share your thoughts in the comments below.