About us

Dhwani Academy

Dhwani Academy of Percussion Music (DAPM) incorporated in California, is founded with noble ideas, aiming to contribute meaningfully towards preservation and promotion of Indian traditional classical music with special emphasis on Percussion & Rhythm through various activities on regular basis. In this endeavor to generate global awareness of the Indian Traditional Music, “Dhwani Academy” takes different measures since its inception, such as collaborative projects with International Music Institutes, arranging student-exchange programs, organizing International Festivals, redeeming and restoring Indian Folk Music to its rightful glory, vocal music and instrumental classes as supportive activities, conducting workshops to give experience and to encourage students. The Academy wants to explore and promote cross-cultural work, coming from different traditions, different communities and genres and has conducted many outreach programs. In a special initiative, Dhwani trains the Visually Challenged and underprivileged music aspirants, not only for recreational purposes but also to enable the talented ones to take up music as a rewarding occupation.

Mission & Vision

Dhwani Academy is committed to nurturing talent and fostering creativity in the fields of arts, culture, with a special emphasis on Indian traditional music and percussion. We strive to provide a dynamic learning environment with an aim of research and to promote awareness and understanding of Indian Arts and culture that empowers individuals to discover their passions, hone their skills, and make meaningful contributions to society.

Our Core Values

Dhwani Academy devotes itself in

Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all endeavors,
Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are respected and valued,
Encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and the pursuit of new ideas and approaches,
Cultivating a sense of responsibility to contribute positively to society and make a difference in the lives of others.

The Path of Our Making

Dhwani Academy started its journey at Kolkata, India in the year 2000 by its founder Abhijit Banerjee, a renowned musician, percussionist, composer, teacher, and a visionary. In the US, the academy started its journey in Southern California in July 2004 with an aim to pursue and promote Indian heritage and culture and collaborate with other cultural heritages with a vision of mutual respect.

The academy started with a very few numbers of students and started teaching where innovation and dedication were the main focus.

Abhijit then brought his student and percussionist JYOTIPRAKAS to run the institute as Abhijit in his musical career had to travel for concerts and other commitments.

Within a few years, the academy grew quite a bit. Starting from Anaheim, it spread its wings to San Diego, Los Angeles, Valley, and the neighboring state Phoenix. In the year 2006, Dhwani started its new location in the New York area.

Concerts, residencies, workshops, and outreach programs became its regular activities besides teaching Indian percussion art and tabla in different locations.

The Academy introduced RAGA AND RHYTHM, a music festival that hosted many high-profile concerts. Students started getting exposure and began to grow to a level where they started performing in different community programs and school orientations.

At present, Dhwani has five locations in Southern California where regular teachings are ongoing along with its location in New York and Bay Area, where similar activities are going in full swing.

Small concerts with community musicians and Dhwani students, festivals of Indian and crossover music, regular outreach programs, residencies with stalwart artistes are some of its regular features that Dhwani is focusing on.

The academy presented music tours with established musicians as well as upcoming talents throughout the country. As part of its Social Activities, Dhwani’s principal donated a tabla set to the Phoenix Museum of Music Instruments.

Dhwani has established its store to provide high-quality art objects including professional musical instruments, paintings, etc.

Now Dhwani Academy has created its own OTT platform, TV DHWANI, for providing high-quality artistic presentations and performances.

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