17 Sep GMI Students Speak: Nandini Sharma
The student community at GMI cuts across age groups, musical backgrounds, and interests. The Student Speak Series aims to give a platform to their voices and stories, share what drew them to GMI, how they see their artistry maturing, and their path forward.
Nandini Sharma // Voice
Delhi // India
Nandini is a vocalist, and performer who began her music education at GMI in July this year with Artist Diploma Program – shortly after winning the interstate competition Jaipur Idol. Hailing from a non-musical family, she was known as an “all rounder” by teachers and her parents. 
Following the completion of her undergraduate studies in Mathematics at Delhi University, she changed course in pursuit of her musical passion. Encouraged to further her musical talents by classical music virtuoso, Dr Gurinder Harnam Singh – disciple of the late Vidushi Kishori Amonkar – Nandini developed an inclination towards Indian Classical music.
The Berklee India Exchange bootcamp in 2018 brought her to GMI for the first time where she was exposed to, and developed a fondness, for Western music. The following excerpt traces her musical journey from then to now, and her aspirations for the future.
When did you become interested in music?
When I was in 5th standard- it’s been 16-17 years now. My school teachers brought out the best in me. In college, I started learning under the guidance of Dr Gurinder Harnam Singh and she is my Guru. When I started learning from her, I got a different view and learned about Indian Classical music. I was studying Mathematics Honours so it was really difficult to balance college and music.
My Guru, Dr Gurinder, brought out the best in me and whatever I sing now is because of her. Once she said what I have is God’s gift and you should value that. That made me take it more seriously and I decided to pursue music full time.
What drew you to study at GMI?
After attending the Berklee India Exchange bootcamp, I developed an inclination towards Western music. I started learning from the One World College of Music, and decided that I should come to GMI to learn formally. It’s very important that you have the knowledge as well as talent. I have come to GMI to learn. I don’t want to be just a singer, I want to be a music producer and an all-rounded musician.
I want to study at Berklee if I get the scholarship and GMI is the best platform where I can learn and proceed further.
A memorable experience at GMI:
I am loving all the classes and every class is memorable. I love the faculty and really appreciate what the faculty is doing for us. Joao is really sweet, and we think the teachers are more hardworking than us. Since I am inclined towards Indian Classical Music, I am a fan of Ujwal Sir.
How have you managed to stay creative during the pandemic?
I have my band Rooh Unlimited and we somehow managed to meet and jam together during the pandemic and we decided to make our own original songs. Currently, we have an album that we will be releasing soon
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A fun fact about yourself:
I first check the windows and the corners of the ceiling and gates before entering any room since I am terrified of Lizards. I can face a dragon but not lizards.
Your favourite food:
Masala Dosa from Sarvana Bhavan and variations of paneer
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?
Mathematics professor or teacher
An artist that currently inspires you:
EYM trio
A track that currently inspires you:
Namaste- EYM Trio
Your musical idol:
Sunidhi Chauhan
Your dream collaboration:
A R Rahman
How do you spend your free time?
I cook some of my favourite dishes whenever I am free. I also like to sleep- I can sleep all day.
A quote that keeps you going / inspires you:
Dream big and do what scares you the most!
An instrument you wish you could play / want to learn:
Piano
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