51+
Years of Experience
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About
David Nelson is a distinguished American mridangam artist, scholar, and educator in the field of South Indian classical music. His journey into Carnatic music began in 1970 when he studied mridangam with Sri C. S. Sankarasivam and vocal music with Sri S. Ramanathan in Madurai, South India. He continued his training with Sri Ramanathan and Ramnad Sri V.…
Journey Timeline
1970
Began mridangam studies in Madurai, South India
1972
Graduated from Kalamazoo College with a B.A. in Religion
1975
Earned M.F.A. in music from CalArts
1975
Began performing and teaching South Indian drumming
1977
Entered Ph.D. program at Wesleyan University
1986
Served as Visiting Artist at Wesleyan University
1991
Earned Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University
2000
Named Visiting Artist at Wesleyan University
2001
Became Artist-in-Residence at Wesleyan University
2008
Published "Solkattu Manual"
2010
Spoke at the Music Academy on "Form and Process in the Tani Avartanam"
2013
Promoted to Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music at Wesleyan University
2013
Honored with "Kala Seva Mani" by Cleveland Tyagaraja Festival
2016
Received "Padmashree Palghat Raghu Memorial Award"
2018-2019
Article "Three Generations, Three Directions" published
2019
Published "Konnakkol Manual"
Photo Gallery
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Video Library
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Signature Performances
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Performance Map
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Awards & Honors
- 2013 · Kala Seva Mani — Cleveland Tyagaraja Festival
- 2016 · Padmashree Palghat Raghu Memorial Award — Neelakanta Sivan Cultural Academy
Media Coverage
- Form and Process in the Tani Avartanam – a non-Indian insider's perspective
Madras Heritage and Carnatic Music
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