College of Music

Poovalur Sriji a prolific composer, performer, educator, an 'A' top grade artist recognized by All India Radio (Indian Government through their Radio network grade the Artiste and "A" Top is the highest ranking), studied South Indian Classical music from his father P.A. Venkataraman. For over four decades Poovalur has performed with the leading artist from both South and North Indian Classical traditions. Since his move to the United States Poovalur has performed and recorded with artists such as Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Bela Fleck, Mark O’ Connor, John Bergamo, Glen Velez to name a few. Poovalur has composed several pieces portraying the South Indian idioms. Poovalur has received several awards from leading institutions, and the album Tabula Rasa, where he has composed and performed with Bela Fleck, V. M. Bhatt and J.P. Chen was nominated for a Grammy. He is the founding member of the group 'Brahmah'. He found and directed the 'SNEW' and the 'South Indian Cross Cultural Ensemble at California Institute Of the Arts.(1990-1998). Prior to that he taught at San Diego State University. (1986-1990). Currently at the University of North Texas, a multi-cultural ensemble "The Bridge" is directed by Sriji.