Posted on 8 March 2026:

Praveen Karadagi: From Engineering to Curating the Soul of Saregama Classical

Born into a family of ardent music lovers, renowned musician Praveen Karadagi’s journey is a testament to passion reshaping destiny.

His earliest lessons came from his mother at the tender age of five, nurturing a spark that would later blossom into a full-time career in music. Though he began as a Desktop Support Engineer, Praveen’s heart resonated with rhythm and melody, leading him to study Recording Arts and Music Technology and embrace music as his true calling.

Guided first by Smt. Vijayalakshmi Kallurkar and later Shri K.S. Naik, Praveen immersed himself in rigorous Hindustani classical training. His artistry deepened under the tutelage of Pandit Raghavendra Gudi and Pandit Milind Chittal—an eminent Kirana Gharana exponent and “Top Grade” artist of All India Radio—where he mastered Khayal gayan, Thumri, Abhangs and Bhajans.

Beyond performance, Praveen Karadagi has shaped the pedagogy of music. At Octavium Music Academy and during his seven-year tenure as Senior Professor at Shankar Mahadevan Academy, he contributed to curriculum design, training and quality standards. His excellence was recognized with the “Best Teacher” award from Padmashree Shankar Mahadevan and Vidushi Kaushiki Chakraborty, as well as the “Key Contributor” award from Shreya Ghoshal.

Today, as the content curator for the popular music app Saregama Classical, Praveen Karadagi bridges tradition and technology. His journey—from computer engineering to curating timeless ragas—embodies the harmony of discipline and devotion, making him a beacon for aspiring musicians and a custodian of India’s rich classical heritage.

Praveen Karadagi: Founder of Dhun – The School of Music

Praveen Karadagi’s journey continues to resonate through his role as the founder of Dhun – The School of Music in Bangalore, where he nurtures aspiring voices in Hindustani vocal classical music. His vision for Dhun is not merely to teach, but to create a sanctuary where tradition and devotion meet, inspiring students to discover the timeless beauty of ragas.

A graded artist of All India Radio and a Vidwat distinction holder, Praveen’s artistry has graced stages across India. From the cultural heart of New Delhi and Kolkata to the sacred ghats of Varanasi, from the vibrant cities of Mumbai and Pune to the devotional spaces of Pandharpur and Guruvayoor, his performances have carried the essence of Hindustani classical music to diverse audiences. Whether in the serene landscapes of Kerala’s Alakode or the musical strongholds of Dharwad and Miraj, Praveen’s voice has become a bridge between heritage and contemporary appreciation.

Through Dhun and his extensive concert repertoire, Praveen Karadagi embodies the spirit of a modern maestro—an artist who honors tradition while expanding its reach.