Can You Really Play Carnatic Music on a Keyboard?

Can a keyboard truly reproduce the beauty of Carnatic music? In this episode of Built by Grit, renowned keyboard artist and educator VK Vijayakumar shares his remarkable journey from learning music by ear on an old harmonium to becoming one of the leading Carnatic keyboard educators. We discuss: Growing up surrounded by music Learning Carnatic music from multiple gurus How keyboard technology evolved to support gamakas Pitch bend, portamento, and MIDI explained simply Why listening matters more than practicing Building the Bay Area music group Pallavi Transitioning from a successful IT career to full-time music Balancing family responsibilities with personal passion Advice for aspiring musicians Whether you're a Carnatic musician, keyboard player, music teacher, technology enthusiast, or someone considering a career change, this conversation offers practical insights and timeless wisdom. Subscribe for more conversations with musicians, dancers, artists, and creators who built extraordinary lives through grit. #BuiltByGrit #CarnaticMusic #Keyboard #MusicTechnology #indianclassicalmusic 00:00 Intro & Mahaganapatim Performance 03:45 How Music Began at Home 08:00 Formal Carnatic Training 11:10 College, Ragging & Performing Carnatic Music 16:20 Discovering Keyboard Technology 18:45 Building Music Groups & Learning MIDI 21:00 Starting Pallavi in the Bay Area 25:15 Is All Music Divine? 27:10 Can Keyboard Play Carnatic Gamakas? 31:30 Learning Gamakas Through Technology 39:30 Can Keyboard Match Voice or Violin? 43:15 Pitch Bend Explained 49:45 Portamento Demonstration 54:20 Leaving IT for Full-Time Music