I.V. Mudra: A Journey of Passion, Discipline, and Musical Mastery

I.V. Mudra was an Absolute First Prize Winner in the Junior (Age 8-10) Category, at the 2025 Season 2 Beethoven International Music Competition UK

Can you introduce yourself and share how you got into music?

Music found its way into my life through the curious eyes and eager fingers. At the tender age of five, I developed a natural inclination toward music—something my parents noticed right away. I wasn’t just playing around with sound; I was deeply engaged, often spending long stretches of time at the piano, undistracted and completely in tune with what I was creating.

My parents enrolled me in a nearby music school to see where this interest might lead. To their surprise, my teachers were astonished—not just by my raw talent, but by the dedication and focus I displayed, far beyond my years. That was a pivotal moment for us as a family. We realized this wasn’t just a hobby—it was a calling.

Driven by my passion and commitment, I turned to the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai. It was here that I found my true mentors: Dr. Surojeet Chatterji and Mr. Niteen Dongare. Their nurturing, discipline, and belief in my potential helped shape not just my technique, but my musical soul.

When I first stepped into KM, I knew I was entering a new chapter. It was no longer about just learning music—it was about living it. That’s when my parents fully committed to building my career in music, knowing that this path, though demanding, would be the most fulfilling for me.

"Watching Mudra grow under such remarkable mentorship has been a joy beyond words," said my father. "I feel honoured to walk alongside her on this extraordinary journey."

Could you tell us more about your award-winning work? For instance, how did you prepare it, bring it to life, or any interesting stories behind the scenes?

If there’s one piece of music that truly captures my journey, it’s Beethoven’s Für Elise. It was the very first song I played—at the age of five—on a simple music learning app, Simply Piano. I got all three stars on my first try, and that moment became the spark. It didn’t stop there—soon after, I played the full piece and remarkably hit 294 out of 294 notes with perfect precision.

When I joined the KM Music Conservatory, Für Elise came full circle. After a round of foundational exercises and technique-building, for years my teacher, Dr. Surojeet Chatterji, reintroduced the piece to me—not as a beginner’s tune this time, but as a challenge in emotional depth, dynamics, and expression. Under his and Mr. Niteen Dongare’s guidance, I learned not just how to play the song, but how to live it.

My mentors gave me a strong musical ear and the technical foundation to explore the piece in new ways. As I matured, I went on to master many other compositions, but Für Elise and a few others remain close to my heart—anchored in love, discipline.

I’ve now performed this piece on several prestigious platforms, and every time, it stirs something deep in the audience. Sometimes, my parents jokingly wonder if Beethoven's spirit is walking with me—my teacher even teases me, saying, “I think Beethoven wrote this piece for you—you are his Für Elise.”

What do you believe defines a great pianist, and how do you incorporate your unique style into your music?

When asked what defines a great pianist, my answer isn’t about speed, showmanship, or complexity. It all comes down to three words my mentor instilled in her: discipline, dedication, and devotion.

My teacher often tells me, “You must love the piano the way a man carries 100 kilos on his shoulders and walks across a field all day.” It’s a vivid image—one that speaks to the kind of endurance and love required to truly live this art. For me, practice isn’t a task—it’s a spiritual commitment. A way to connect, reflect, and express.

As for my style, it is deeply rooted in the teachings of her mentors. They taught me that a pianist must be more than a musician—they must be a storyteller, even a dancer. “Play like a ballerina,” my teacher says, “graceful yet powerful, carrying every emotion in your fingertips.” This idea of performance as a dance—fluid, expressive, and emotional—shaped how I approach the piano.

My goal in every performance is not just to play the notes, but to take the audience somewhere else—to help them forget where they are and step into a different world, a state of nirvana, if only for a few moments. That emotional transport is what makes a pianist truly great. And it’s what I strive to bring into every note she plays.

Can you recall a memorable moment from your career that had a significant impact on you?

Of all the experiences in my musical journey, one moment stands above the rest—a moment etched into my heart forever. It was the day I performed at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President’s House of India.

To stand in that grand hall, surrounded by ambassadors from across the world, dignitaries, and luminaries, was not just an honour—it was a moment of transformation. For me, it wasn’t about fame or applause. It was about the gravity of the space, the energy of history, and the profound realization that music can transcend boundaries. As I played, there was a stillness in the room—one that felt like the entire world was listening, breathing with me. And in that silence between the notes, I could feel something larger than life unfolding. "For a young girl to perform in such a space, at such a young age, it was nothing short of spiritual," said my father.

We often talk about "impactful moments" in life. This was more than impactful—it was soul-stirring. And it reaffirmed my belief that my path is one led not by ambition, but by purpose A huge hugs to Dr. A R Rahman, Fathima mam, Joti Nair mam who made this event happen.

Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank?

First and foremost it is GOD, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my tutors—as you’ve seen throughout my story, they are the guiding lights behind every note I play. Without their wisdom, patience, and belief in me, I wouldn’t be the musician I am today. I also want to thank God, who has given me the gift of music and the strength to pursue it every day.

This competition means so much to me and my family. There were times when my parents couldn’t take me to far-off places to showcase my talent—but being a part of the Beethoven Music Competition has been a truly emotional experience. It has given us a platform to reach out to the world, to share the music that lives in my heart.

I’m deeply thankful to every single member of the Beethoven Music Competition team—your effort, your vision, and your love for music have created something truly special. You've made young artists like me feel seen, heard, and inspired.

This journey is not just mine—it belongs to everyone who has believed in me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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