Tucked away in the suburban corners of Cranbourne, Melbourne, lies a small school that has quietly but profoundly shaped the landscape of Indian classical music in the city. Dhaan Music School, founded by Jenany Abarnasuthan in 2014, has grown from humble beginnings with just two students into a respected institution. Now celebrating ten years, the school boasts over 75 students and continues to play a vital role in nurturing the ancient art of Carnatic music in Melbourne’s growing multicultural community.
The story of Dhaan Music School is intertwined with the personal journey of its founder, Jenany. “I started with just two students for one year. It wasn’t easy,” she recalls. Despite the challenges, Jenany’s passion for teaching and her vision for the school kept her moving forward. She was determined not to let the slow start discourage her. “In 2015, I had five students by the time Navarathri came around. From there, things began to change,” she says. Her Guru, though living in India, provided her with the moral support she needed to push through those early days. “I couldn’t see her in person often, but we stayed connected online, and that was enough to keep me going.”
Jenany’s decision to establish the school stemmed from her deep respect for her own teacher and her desire to spread the beauty of Carnatic music to future generations. “My Guru is my inspiration,” she explains. “I wanted to keep a steady and healthier cultural life in our community through music.” The first few years were challenging, especially with younger students who were just starting their musical journeys. “They didn’t have a strong idea or love for music yet,” Jenany recalls. But rather than giving up, she embraced the challenge. “I kept trying to prove that I could be a good teacher, a Guru, to those five students.”
Through sheer determination and the belief in her teaching methods, Jenany slowly but steadily grew her student base. Her focus was always on quality, and that has been the key to Dhaan’s success. “Consistency in teaching, showing respect for the art, and being mindful of time—these are the pillars of my teaching,” she says. Over the years, this dedication has paid off, with more and more students joining the school, drawn by Jenany’s reputation and her ability to provide a personalised approach. “I create a free space for my students, where they can reach out to me in any situation,” she says.
Dhaan Music School isn’t just about teaching Carnatic music; it’s about nurturing a holistic understanding of the art. Jenany places a strong emphasis on Bhajans and Manodharma (improvisation), both of which play a crucial role in shaping a student’s musical journey. “These styles help students develop a deeper comprehension of music,” she says. Her goal is to balance the traditional training of Carnatic music with the flexibility that today’s students need. “It’s about explaining things in a way that they can understand. That’s how you reach them,” she says.
For those starting at Dhaan Music School, the journey begins with the basics. Whether a student is entirely new to music or has some prior experience, Jenany ensures that each one is given the proper foundation. “We start with voice training and work on vocal strength,” she explains. The journey can take students all the way to preparing for their Arangetram, the debut on-stage performance in Carnatic tradition, a significant milestone for any aspiring musician. The school offers a structured path that includes vocal grade exams and eventually culminates in this grand performance.
The flexibility of the school’s approach is one of its greatest strengths, especially in the post-pandemic world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dhaan Music School transitioned to online classes without skipping a beat. “We still offer Zoom classes, and it’s been great for parents who find it difficult to do drop-offs and pick-ups,” Jenany explains. The transition to online teaching allowed her to maintain the progress of her students, and today, both online and face-to-face options are available.
Beyond the classroom, Dhaan Music School plays an active role in the community. Students regularly perform at local temples and events, and the school is particularly known for its involvement with the Victoria Tamil Senior Citizens Benevolent Society. These performances aren’t just about showcasing talent—they’re a way for students to connect with their cultural heritage. “Very often, our students perform at temples or for community groups. It’s an important part of their development,” Jenany says.
One of the highlights of the school year is the Navaratri and Diwali seasons, during which the students get the opportunity to perform at major cultural events. “We had lots of performances during Navaratri, and we just had one for Diwali last Saturday,” she shares. These performances are a testament to the dedication of the students and the school’s commitment to keeping cultural traditions alive through music. Preparing students for these important showcases is something Jenany takes seriously. “I select the right participants and the right performance playlist to ensure we are showcasing the best of what we’ve learned.”
The festive season at Dhaan Music School is particularly special. Diwali, the festival of lights, brings its own unique flavour to the school’s activities. Jenany makes sure that the spirit of Diwali is felt in every corner of the classroom. “We usually have class celebrations, where I gather all my students together,” she shares, describing how these celebrations are not only filled with fun but also with lessons about the values of tradition. Music is, of course, a central part of these celebrations. “I teach Bhajan songs and Carnatic kritis specifically for Diwali,” she explains. But that’s not all—Jenany encourages her students to engage more deeply with the festival. “I ask my students to bring their own writing about Diwali, and they do small presentations in front of the class,” she adds, making the celebration a more immersive experience for everyone involved.
Dhaan Music School is rooted in tradition, yet it is also forward-looking. Jenany is clear about not comparing her school to others in the area, like Ragaamrutha or Keerthana. “Each school has its own style. I never compare,” she states firmly. What sets Dhaan apart is its small class sizes and personalised approach. “It’s easier to understand each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests. It makes them more comfortable to seek help when they need it,” she adds. This approach creates a nurturing environment that fosters not only musical growth but also personal development.
As Dhaan Music School marks its tenth anniversary, Jenany is already thinking ahead to the next decade. “I want to conduct at least a few more Arangetrams,” she says, acknowledging that this is no small feat. She’s also working on an album, though it’s still in the early stages. The future of Carnatic music in Melbourne, she believes, will continue to evolve, and Dhaan will play a crucial role in that evolution. “Our goal is to spread the value of music in a way that keeps our tradition strong for future generations,” she says with quiet confidence.
Dhaan Music School’s journey, from a small, hopeful initiative with just two students to a thriving institution, reflects the power of passion, perseverance, and community. It’s a school where students don’t just learn music—they learn to live and breathe it. Through every note sung and every performance given, they become a part of something much bigger than themselves—a tradition that spans centuries, carried forward by each generation with love and respect.
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🎶 Celebrating 10 years, Dhaan Music School, founded by Jenany Abarnasuthan, nurtures Indian classical music in Melbourne with over 75 students. 🌟 Join the journey of passion & perseverance! 💖✨ What do you think? 🤔 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/FfL6L26gMV
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