Meet Mytreyi Shastry Aravind

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mytreyi Shastry Aravind. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mytreyi Shastry, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

As a South Indian Classical vocal music performer and trainer, I deeply believe that discipline and self-belief are rooted in setting meaningful goals and pursuing them with dedication. When a goal is clearly defined and prioritized, confidence naturally follows, fostering greater self-esteem.

In our tradition, confidence in performance is not just about talent—it is built on a rich repertoire, rigorous practice, and a willingness to observe, listen, and continuously learn. While approximately 60% of the art can be taught in a classroom, the rest must be cultivated through extrospection—by engaging actively with the world of music beyond lessons: listening to concerts, watching other performers, and learning from every possible experience.

During my formative years, I was fortunate to be encouraged by my Gurus and parents to participate in a wide range of music competitions, both local and across different regions. These experiences demanded a high level of preparation and discipline, which helped me build the confidence to face judges, answer their questions, and most importantly, to communicate and connect with the audience and fellow artistes on stage with ease while performing concerts.

Today, as a performer and teacher, I strive to instill the same values of practice, observation, and perseverance in my students, helping them grow both as musicians and as individuals.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Mytreyi Shastry Aravind prefers to call herself a lifetime musician rather than a full-time one—emphasizing her unwavering commitment to music as a way of life rather than just a profession.

Introduced to Carnatic vocal music (South Indian Classical music) as an infant, Mytreyi grew up in a musically rich environment. Her father, Ramkrushna Sastri, a trained Carnatic vocalist himself, laid the early foundation. However, it was her mother, Uma, who played the most pivotal role in nurturing and shaping Mytreyi’s talent throughout her formative years.

Mytreyi’s journey through music found a harmonious companion in her husband, Aravind, a passionate connoisseur of music. It is often said that it was music itself that united them in holy matrimony. Together, they are proud parents to two talented daughters, both of whom carry forward the musical legacy with grace and promise.

Mytreyi is the founder of Ganamrutha Academy, which trains students across the USA and Canada. Her students display deep dedication and musical excellence, having performed at various prestigious venues throughout North America and earned accolades in respected music competitions globally. The academy has also actively contributed to fundraising events across the USA, using the power of music to support meaningful causes.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

One must make a clear and conscious choice about what they wish to pursue in life. Once that decision is made, it is essential to create a structured plan—set a goal and pursue it with unwavering focus.

The Thirukkural, the ancient Tamil text of timeless wisdom, beautifully captures the spirit of perseverance in one of its verses:

தெய்வத்தான் ஆகா தெனினும் முயற்சிதன்
மெய்வருத்தக் கூலி தரும்.
Though divine fate should make your labour go vain,
the reward for effort will be the gain.

This profound couplet reminds us that even if fate seems to oppose our efforts, true effort will never go unrewarded. It is effort, combined with dedication and commitment, that brings meaningful progress in any learning journey—especially in the pursuit of an art form.

Effort takes shape in the form of consistent practice, the discipline to continue when results aren’t immediate, and the resilience to overcome setbacks. It’s often said: It’s easier to cut down a large tree than to grow one. Similarly, it’s easier to quit than to push through a challenge. But it is precisely that push, that refusal to give up, which builds character and shapes mastery.

In any meaningful pursuit—be it music, academics, or life itself—the true reward lies not just in the outcome, but in the perseverance it takes to get there.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

When parents decide to enroll their child in a class—especially in a discipline as deep as music—it isn’t just a two-way interaction between teacher and student. Rather, it becomes a three-way street:

The teacher and student build a unique classroom camaraderie,

The parent and child share their own emotional bond,

And the teacher and parent develop a relationship of mutual trust and collaboration.

Growing up, my own parents approached my music education with what I like to call a “waterdrop on a lotus leaf” attitude—deeply involved, yet respectfully distant. They were always present when needed, yet gave me and my Gurus the space to cultivate a sincere learning relationship.

My parents believed—and often said—that “teachers are the second parents, and parents are the first teachers.” This philosophy shaped my early years and instilled in me a profound respect for my teachers, knowing that they were sharing something invaluable: their knowledge, offered with care, effort, and generosity.

One powerful truth my parents shared with me later in life has stayed with me:

“A teacher’s knowledge, once shared, can never be taken back. It only helps the student grow. The fee paid to learn may be earned back over time—but the knowledge is priceless.”

As I grew into a musician and eventually stepped into the role of a teacher, I came to understand just how true—and how challenging—this path is. Explaining complex musical concepts to young minds is no easy task. What might be casually communicated to an adult often demands immense creativity, patience, and clarity when teaching a child.

I consider this not just a profession but a calling, one that teaches me something new every day. I am truly grateful to walk this path—one that transforms lives, nurtures talent, and deepens the cycle of learning and giving.

Contact Info:

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