Guitarist Prasanna R Quits Swarnabhoomi Academy Of Music

Prasanna at Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music. Photo: Sam.org.in

The president and founder of Chennai’s Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music [SAM], Prasanna Ramaswamy, announced in an email to ROLLING STONE India that he is “no longer associated” with the institute. Ramaswamy, the jazz fusion guitarist and composer known for playing Carnatic rock and jazz, founded the Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music in July 2010 in Chennai. A statement by SAM and its promoters, Marg Limited, is expected next week.

Ramaswamy, who is currently on a tour performing in the U.S, also included in his email: “I wish to convey my deep appreciation to all of you for being wonderfully supportive of me in my music and in my years as President of the college.” Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music’s faculty has previously included guitarist David Gilmore [who has played with the likes of Joss Stone and Trilok Gurtu], drummer Rodney Holmes [part of guitarist Santana’s band], keyboardist Tom Brislin [from prog rock band Yes] and eclectic guitarist Ed Degenaro, among others. The institute has also hosted workshops by musicians such as bassist Victor Wooten in 2010 and keyboardist Jordan Rudess from prog rock band Dream Theater in 2012. 

SAM’s graduates include the three-member jam rock band The Family Cheese, vocalist-bassist Stuart DaCosta, saxophonist Ryan Sadri, percussionist Aalok Padhye, guitarist Tanmay Bhattacherjee and drummer Jehangir Jehangir RnB group Baycity Lights and singer Alyssa Mendonsa.