Academician & Knowledge Curator

Erickavu N. Sunil, an A-Grade Mridangam artist accredited by All India Radio and Doordarshan, is a distinguished South Indian percussionist, educator, and author, currently serving as Assistant Professor in Mridangam at Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed to be University for Art and Culture. Renowned for his expertise in Carnatic rhythmology, he represents the pinnacle of academic excellence in traditional Indian percussion arts.

At Kerala Kalamandalam, Sunil is responsible for teaching advanced Mridangam techniques, traditional compositions, and the theoretical aspects of Carnatic music. His teaching methodology combines traditional gurukula principles with modern pedagogical approaches, ensuring that students receive comprehensive training in both practical performance and theoretical understanding.

Academic Contributions at Kerala Kalamandalam

As Assistant Professor in Mridangam at Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed to be University for Art and Culture, Sunil has developed specialized curriculum modules that bridge the gap between traditional Mridangam pedagogy and contemporary musical demands. His innovative teaching methods have been instrumental in preserving the authentic techniques while adapting them to modern performance contexts.

Sunil's academic responsibilities include:

• Teaching advanced Mridangam techniques to undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Conducting workshops on traditional percussion compositions
• Mentoring students in performance practices and stage presentation
• Contributing to curriculum development and academic planning
• Organizing lecture-demonstrations and masterclasses
• Participating in academic committees and evaluation processes
• Supervising research projects in Carnatic rhythmology

Research and Academic Publications

Beyond his teaching role, Sunil actively contributes to academic research in the field of percussion music. His scholarly work focuses on the preservation and documentation of traditional Mridangam techniques, historical performance practices, and the evolution of Carnatic percussion music.

Sunil is the author of the internationally acclaimed English book "Resounding Mridangam" (2021), widely referenced in academic institutions, and the Malayalam work "Mattolikkollunna Mridangam" (2025), published by Kerala Bhasha Institute. These publications have established him as a leading authority in Mridangam literature and pedagogy.

His academic publications include research papers presented at national and international conferences, contributing to the broader discourse on Indian classical music education and performance practices.

International Academic Engagements

Sunil's academic influence extends beyond Kerala Kalamandalam. He regularly conducts seminars, workshops, lecture-demonstrations, and faculty development programs at leading institutions across India, contributing significantly to the global propagation of Indian percussion arts.

He also teaches Mridangam and Konnakkol (vocal percussion) to international students through online platforms, with disciples from Germany, the U.S., the U.K., Italy, and the Middle East. These international engagements have established him as a global ambassador for Indian classical music education.

His international academic activities include:

• Faculty Development Programs (FDP) at various universities
• Guest lectures at music conservatories and cultural institutions
• Collaborative research projects with international scholars
• Cross-cultural music education initiatives
• Online teaching platforms for international students
• Cultural exchange programs and workshops

Training and Guru Parampara

Sunil's academic excellence is rooted in his rigorous training under eminent gurus. He was initially trained by Krishnappa Bhagavathar and M. S. Raju, before receiving advanced training under the legendary Mavelikkara Velukkutty Nair. This traditional gurukula system has provided him with a deep understanding of authentic Mridangam techniques and performance practices.

His extensive performance experience includes accompanying several stalwarts of Indian classical music such as T. V. Sankaranarayanan, Neyyattinkara Vasudevan, Parassala Ponnammal, Mavelikkara Prabhakara Varma, Madhurai G. S. Mani, S. Sowmya, K. Omanakkutty, Thiruvinkad Jayaraman, Sankaran Namboodiri, Sreevalsan J. Menon, and many others.

Academic Accolades and Recognition

Sunil's contributions to academia and the arts have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards and honors:

• Kerala Kalamandalam Kalagrandham Award (2023) - Recognition for outstanding contribution to arts
• Chembai Trust Award (2006) - Excellence in Carnatic music
• Government of India Cultural Fellowship (2021) - For research and cultural preservation
• Government of India Cultural Scholarship (1996) - Early recognition of talent
• Chaithanyashree Puraskar (2019) - Contribution to cultural arts
• Gold Medal at Inter-University National Youth Festival (1995) - National level recognition
• Multiple titles at Kerala University Youth Festivals - Consistent excellence in performance

Educational Philosophy

Sunil's educational philosophy centers on the belief that true mastery of Mridangam requires a holistic approach that encompasses technical proficiency, theoretical understanding, and cultural context. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural significance of each composition and technique.

His teaching approach integrates:

• Traditional gurukula methods with modern educational practices
• Hands-on practical training with theoretical knowledge
• Individual attention with group learning dynamics
• Preservation of authentic techniques with contemporary applications

Knowledge Curation and Dissemination

As an erudite knowledge disseminator, Sunil has always had a keen interest in knowledge curation which resulted in his creating informational short videos hosted on his YouTube channel. He is also adept in conducting workshops and lecture demonstrations, making complex musical concepts accessible to students and enthusiasts worldwide.

Formerly a professional in Information Technology with an Executive MBA, Sunil now dedicates himself full-time to music, encompassing performance, teaching, and knowledge sharing. This unique combination of technical expertise and artistic mastery enables him to approach music education with both traditional authenticity and modern pedagogical methods.

Personal Background

A native of Erickavu near Haripad in Alappuzha district, later settled at Trivandrum, Sunil continues to preserve, perform, and innovate within the classical traditions of Mridangam and South Indian percussion. His journey from a small village in Kerala to becoming an Assistant Professor at Kerala Kalamandalam exemplifies the power of dedication, traditional training, and academic excellence in preserving India's rich cultural heritage.

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