ACADEMIC & RHYTHMOLOGY RESEARCHER
Advancing the science of rhythm through scholarship and pedagogy
Erickavu N. Sunil is widely recognized as a leading academic and rhythmology researcher, combining rigorous scholarship with innovative pedagogy to advance the study of rhythm in Indian classical music. His work bridges performance, theory, and interdisciplinary exploration, positioning him as a thought leader in the global discourse on rhythmology.
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP & TEACHING
Sunil serves as Assistant Professor of Mridangam at Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed to be University for Arts & Culture, one of India's premier institutions dedicated to classical and traditional arts education. In this capacity, he combines advanced performance training with theoretical depth, mentoring undergraduate, postgraduate, and research scholars in Carnatic percussion and rhythm studies.
He also contributes to institutional development and academic governance through key roles, including:
- Member, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Kerala Kalamandalam
- Member, Expert Committee on Audio-Visual Documentation Infrastructure, Kerala Kalamandalam
- Member, Academic Advisory Committee, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre, Thrissur
- Resource Person, UGC-MMTTC, University of Kerala
Through these engagements, Sunil actively shapes curriculum development, documentation standards, quality assurance frameworks, and pedagogical innovation in classical arts education.
His academic influence extends internationally, mentoring students in Mridangam and Konnakkol through online platforms. These global learners benefit not only from his performance expertise but also from his ability to articulate the theoretical foundations of rhythm, making complex concepts accessible to diverse audiences.
SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS & FACULTY DEVELOPMENT
Recognized as an expert in professional training and academic enrichment, Sunil has conducted Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs), national seminars, lecture-demonstrations, and specialized workshops across leading institutions in India. Notable academic engagements include:
- Faculty Development Programme (FDP) for the Department of Music, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Andhra Pradesh
- Lecture-demonstration at the Kerala Legislative Assembly as part of the Kerala Legislature International Book Festival (KLIBF), Thiruvananthapuram
- National Seminar presentation at Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram
- Interactive seminars at Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan (Kochi), Veenavadhini Sangeetha Vidyapeetam (Kasaragod), and Vailoppilli Samskrithi Bhavan under the Kerala Bhasha Institute (Thiruvananthapuram)
- Seminar presentations for "Vadyaghosham" - Kottarakkara Art Fest, Kottarakkara
- Specialized workshop organized by TechSARIGA Music Academy, Kochi
INTERDISCIPLINARY EXPLORATION: RHYTHM AND WELLNESS
Demonstrating his commitment to interdisciplinary application, Sunil conceptualized and directed "Nadasanjeevani", a pioneering music-therapy-based television series telecast on Asianet Cable Vision. This initiative reflects his broader academic vision, exploring the transformative potential of rhythm in domains such as wellness, cultural communication, and community engagement.
Through his roles as professor, researcher, seminar presenter, academic advisor, and global mentor, Erickavu N. Sunil advances the science of rhythm with intellectual depth and pedagogical clarity. His academic work strengthens the position of Carnatic rhythmology as a globally relevant field of study, ensuring that the art of Indian classical percussion continues to evolve within a framework of scholarly excellence and cultural responsibility.