Mridangam is one of the oldest and foremost percussion instruments of the world. It serves as the primary rhythmic anchor for Carnatic Music, a glorious classical music tradition from South India.

In this beginner class, students will learn how to recite and play the syllables, phrases and rhythmic patterns that provide the foundation of the mridangam vocabulary. Students will also learn the basics of Thala, being able to keep time with thala and to recite and play to thala.

Age: 7+

When: Sundays, 2-3 PM

Venue: UPF Cal Center, 5369 Camden Ave, Ste 280, San Jose CA 95124

Classes begin Sunday, September 13th, 2026. Complimentary trial class available. Book Trial →

About Nandi Laya Vidyalaya:

Nandi Laya Vidyalaya is a San Francisco Bay Area school dedicated to the study of Mridangam and Carnatic Layam, founded in 2015 by Guru Shri Natarajan Srinivasan, a respected mridangam artist, performer, and teacher. The school’s mission is to foster disciplined learning while nurturing an enduring passion for mridangam and the rich rhythmic traditions of Carnatic music.

Students of Nandi Laya Vidyalaya have participated and won recognition at prestigious events including the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana, Papanasam Sivan Festival, University of Silicon Andhra Festival, and OSAAT. They regularly accompany vocal and instrumental performances at Bay Area organizations and venues including CCC, LOTUS, SR Fine Arts, Rasamanjari, and Tri-Valley Music Circle. Several students have completed their mridangam arangetrams and continue to grow as active young musicians.

The UPF Cal classes at San Jose are led by Niranjan, a rising young mridangam artist and devoted disciple of Guru Shri Natarajan Srinivasan for the past 11 years. Niranjan completed his mridangam arangetram in May 2023 and regularly performs at music and cultural organizations throughout the Bay Area. He also serves as a teaching assistant at Nandi Laya Vidyalaya, training young students under the guidance of his Guru.

Through this collaboration, students at UPF Cal have the opportunity to build a strong foundation in mridangam, rhythm, technique, and Carnatic layam within the teaching tradition of Nandi Laya Vidyalaya.

FAQ

How long will each class be?

Each class will be 1 hour long. 


How frequent will classes be?

Classes will be held once every week.


Will the class be 1:1?

No, all classes will be in a group setting with 4-5 students per batch.


Will I need to bring my own mridangam?

Yes. However, if the student does not have a mridangam of their own, Nandi Laya Vidyalaya will arrange for a beginner mridangam. The student should procure their own within about 6 months from the start of the class.


What else should I bring to the class?  

Every student should bring a notebook and pencil/pen. They will be asked to write down lessons in their notebook.

Will there be learning materials provided?

Yes, all students will receive access to lessons and recordings, shared on Google Drive.

Explore More at UPF Cal

Interested in discovering more opportunities for you or your family? Explore UPF Cal programs in Yoga, Meditation, Bhagavad Gita, Kalari Payattu, Kathak, Slokas & Mantra chanting, Hindustani Music, Mridangam, and more for children, youth, and adults.

Explore All Programs →

2026-27 Holidays:

Sep 7 : Labor day 

Nov 23-29 :  Thanksgiving break

Dec 21-Jan 4 : Christmas/ New Year break 

Feb 13-19: Winter break

Apr 10-16 : Spring break

May 30 : Memorial Day

Policies:

Class cancellation: If UPF cancels the class a makeup class will be determined by the student’s instructor.

Makeup class: UPF may offer an online makeup class but it is not guaranteed due to limited class schedules.

Enrollment Cancellation Policy: At UPF, we understand that plans can change. We accept cancellation, but kindly ask that parents notify us via email at [email protected] at least 30 days in advance.

Vacation Pause Policy: Memberships may be paused for extended vacations with at least 30 days notice. A $15/month maintenance fee applies during the pause period. The remaining balance will be refunded to the card on file. To request a pause, contact via emai [email protected] or text 408-638-6743

Please note that our payments are processed through third party merchant services. Therefore, it is crucial to provide us with sufficient notice to ensure we can stop your recurring payment. If we do not receive your cancellation request 30 days prior, your card may still be charged for the next billing cycle.

Registration Form

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PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGMENT, ASSUMPTION OF RISK & RELEASE OF LIABILITY I understand and acknowledge that participation in Yoga, Meditation, Kalaripayattu, Kathak, Music, Bhagavad Gita, Mantra chanting, and other cultural, educational, wellness, or physical activities offered by Universal Peace Foundation California (“UPF Cal”) may involve physical movement and other activities that carry inherent risks, including the possibility of physical injury.I voluntarily choose to participate, or authorize my child to participate, and knowingly assume the risks ordinarily associated with such participation.I represent that I, or my child, am reasonably able to participate in the selected program. I agree to disclose to UPF Cal any known medical condition, injury, physical limitation, or other circumstance that may reasonably affect safe participation. I understand that it is my responsibility to consult an appropriate healthcare professional regarding any concerns about participation.In consideration of being permitted to participate in programs offered or sponsored by UPF Cal, I hereby release and discharge Universal Peace Foundation California and its directors, officers, instructors, employees, volunteers, and authorized representatives from claims arising from the ordinary risks of participation or ordinary negligence, to the fullest extent permitted by California law.This release does not apply to gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any other liability that cannot legally be waived.If I am signing on behalf of a minor child, I represent that I am the child's parent or legal guardian and have authority to provide this consent and authorization for the child's participation. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PROGRAM PURPOSE I understand that UPF Cal's yoga, meditation, spiritual, cultural, and educational programs are offered for purposes including physical and mental well-being, self-awareness, inner peace, personal development, and the cultivation of Santhosam — inner contentment and well-being.I understand that these programs are educational and spiritual in nature and are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, psychotherapy, or other professional healthcare. CONFIDENTIALITY OF DESIGNATED PRACTICES & MATERIALS I understand that certain meditation practices, spiritual techniques, instructional methods, course materials, recordings, and teachings provided by UPF Cal may be designated as being for the participant's personal practice and learning.I agree not to teach, reproduce, record, distribute, publish, or disclose any technique or instructional material specifically identified by UPF Cal as confidential or restricted, without prior written authorization from UPF Cal.  ACKNOWLEDGMENT  I confirm that I have read and understood this Participant Acknowledgment, Assumption of Risk, Release of Liability, and Confidentiality Agreement. I have had the opportunity to ask questions before agreeing to its terms, and I voluntarily consent to participation for myself and/or my child.
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