Daily Inspiration: Meet Jassotha Balasubramaniam

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jassotha Balasubramaniam.

Hi Jassotha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My musical journey began as a young child in Sri Lanka, where the sound of the violin became a source of comfort and joy. When the civil war forced my family to flee, we left behind everything familiar, including my violin, and eventually resettled in Canada in 1996. A family friend, seeing my love for music, kindly lent me their violin. That simple act meant the world to me and allowed me to keep playing. In the midst of all the change, music remained a way to stay connected to my culture, my memories, and a sense of home.

While I went on to pursue a degree in Business Administrative Studies at university, the violin was always close to my heart. It was something I carried quietly alongside my academic and personal journey.

After getting married, I moved to Atlanta in 2001, where what had once been a cherished hobby blossomed into something deeper. Teaching violin opened up a new sense of purpose and joy — allowing me to share the beauty of Carnatic music, build a vibrant community, and nurture the next generation of musicians. Along this journey, I’ve been fortunate to receive incredible support from Huthmaker Fine Violins. They were unfamiliar with Carnatic music when we first met in 2003, but through our connection, they came to appreciate the tradition and have been steadfast supporters of my teaching and performances.

As my students grew and reached more advanced levels of training, I recognized the importance of continuing my own musical growth. I reached out to a professional violinist in India and began taking online lessons to refine and expand my skills. This step not only deepened my knowledge but also renewed my own love for learning. I continue to study and grow, so I can offer my students the highest quality of guidance and keep evolving as a musician and teacher.

Exploring creative ideas within the classical tradition has also been a fulfilling part of my journey. Over the years, I’ve produced more than 16 thematic performances that blend storytelling, emotion, and music in unique ways. One of these, Navarasam — centered around the nine emotions — was presented as a fundraiser and helped raise $50,000, a moment that deeply moved me and reinforced the power of music to inspire change.

Today, music continues to be at the heart of my family’s life. Both of my children are learning and performing violin, and it’s incredibly meaningful to see this tradition carried forward through them. Looking back, my journey with the violin has mirrored my life — crossing continents, adapting, growing, and finding strength in creativity and tradition.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey in Carnatic music has been shaped by both tradition and individuality. As a Sri Lankan woman teaching and performing Carnatic violin in the United States, I’ve navigated cultural spaces that are often closely knit and shaped by long-standing networks. Coming from outside these traditional circles was not always easy — it meant finding my place in environments where access and recognition can be shaped by history and community ties. This path has required persistence, adaptability, and a deep commitment to the art form itself.

Being a female Carnatic violin teacher in the U.S. has been both meaningful and challenging. I’ve had to find my place in spaces shaped by long-standing traditions, where it isn’t always easy to be fully recognized as both a teacher and a performer. There have been moments of doubt and quiet persistence, especially while building my own space and voice in the community. Sometimes, as a female teacher, I notice that people don’t always take my expertise as seriously as they might a male counterpart. Performance opportunities and festival slots can sometimes favor male artists, making it harder for women to get equal performance opportunities.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Carnatic violin teacher and performer based in the U.S., specializing in both traditional and innovative approaches to the music. I’m proud of my creativity and determination, which have allowed me to successfully produce over 16 thematic performances, each telling a unique story and engaging audiences in fresh ways. What sets me apart is my ability to honor tradition while bringing imaginative ideas to life, creating meaningful experiences for both students and listeners.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe creativity paired with determination has been the most important to my success. Creativity allows me to imagine fresh ways of presenting and teaching Carnatic music, while determination ensures that these ideas actually come to life, whether it’s producing thematic performances, developing engaging lessons, or finding my place as a female musician in spaces shaped by tradition. Together, they help me turn vision into reality.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carnaticstringsviolinstudio?igsh=bDAxa3dxendoeHd0
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• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@carnaticstringsvs?si=QhBT7p3QQ2AiY-m9