Profile:
Mahesh Pathmakumara’s academic journey intertwines innovative research with a profound creative flair. He studied the sitar in the traditional method under the guidance of eminent gurus, including Pt. Birendra Nath Mishra (Varanasi), Dr. Nirmala Kumari (Colombo), and through workshops with Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan in India. As a PhD research scholar, he conceived a unique children’s sitar fashioned from Sri Lankan bottle gourd, showcasing his inventive approach to traditional instruments.
His academic prowess extends to a series of groundbreaking compositions and performances, garnering over a million views on YouTube. These include classical music and dance collaborations, such as Pulse of Raag Kirwani and Sitar Classical Orchestra Performance, demonstrating his mastery of diverse artistic forms.
Pathmakumara’s creative odyssey extends beyond digital platforms, with numerous television appearances showcasing his sitar prowess on esteemed networks like Derana TV, ITN, and Rupavahini. He furthered his artistic endeavors on public stages, captivating audiences with his soulful renditions of Indian classical raagas. Notably, his performances in Varanasi, India, exemplify his global reach and acclaim, where he presented mesmerizing sitar solos and collaborated with renowned musicians.
His research journey is equally impressive, as reflected in his innovative approaches to instrument design and performance. Beyond traditional academia, Pathmakumara’s freelance collaborations span the globe, recording professional sitar tracks for musicians worldwide. Through his multidimensional contributions, Pathmakumara emerges as a pioneering figure, seamlessly blending academic rigor with boundless creativity and global impact.
Academic Qualifications:
- PhD in Instrumental Music (Sitar) – Banaras Hindu University, India
- Master of Music (Sitar) – Banaras Hindu University, India
- Bachelor of Performing Arts in North Indian Music (Instrumental – Sitar) – University of the Visual & Performing Arts, Sri Lanka
Research Interests:
- Sitar Performance & Pedagogy
- Acoustic Analysis of Sitar
- Digital Signal Processing in Indian Classical Music
- Music Production & Modern Applications of North Indian Classical Music
- Internet of Musical Things (IoMusT) and its Applications in Classical and Contemporary Music
- AI & Smart Technologies in Music Education
- Social Media & Music Propagation
Supervision Interests:
- Artificial Intelligence in Music Composition
- Digital Platforms and Music Consumption
- Music Therapy and Mental Health
- Internet of Musical Things (IoMusT)
- Music and Cultural Identity
- Mental Health Challenges in the Music Industry
- Music Education and Cognitive Development
Teaching Experience:
- Senior Lecturer, Department of North Indian Music, University of Visual & Performing Arts, Sri Lanka. (2023 to present)
- Visiting Lecturer, Department of North Indian Music, University of Visual & Performing Arts (2016 – 2018, 2022-2023).
- Visiting Lecturer, Ethnomusicology Department, Faculty of Music, University of Visual & Performing Arts, Sri Lanka.
- Honorary Lecturer, Banaras Hindu University, India (2017–2019).
- Visiting Lecturer, Department of Fine Arts, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. (2022-2024)
Research and Publications:
Books
- Sinhala Geethaya Ha Ragadhari Sangeethaya (2015)
- Publisher: S. Godage & Brothers Pvt Ltd.
- Language: Sinhala
- ISMN: 979-0-0710000-52-0
Research Papers
- Hindustani Music in Sitar on Live Stage to Uplift the Sound Using Modern Techniques: A Study
- Published in Shodh Drishti (UGC Approved), December 2021, Vol. 12, No. 12.2
- ISSN: 0976-6650
- The Advantage of Technical Aids in Practicing Hindustani Music in Sitar
- Published in Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research (UGC Approved), September 2021
- ISSN: 2393-8358
- Propensity and Utility of Sitar Sound in the Field of Applied Music in Sri Lanka: A Case Study
- Presented at the International Conference on the Humanities (ICH), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (2017).
- The Setār (Sehtār), a Stringed Instrument Used in Sufi Music
- Presented at the International Seminar on Sufism and Sufi Music, University of Allahabad, India (2018).
Ongoing Research
- Development of child-friendly teaching methods for sitar.
- Design and production of a miniature sitar for children using Sri Lankan materials.
Awards and Achievements:
- 1st Place – North Indian Classical Music Instrumental (Sitar)
- Lionel Edirisinghe Music Festival, University of Visual & Performing Arts, 2010, 2011.
- 1st Place – Fusion Music Group Performance
- Lionel Edirisinghe Music Festival, 2010.
- 1st Place – All-Island Classical Music Instrumental (Sitar)
- National Youth Services Council, 2011.
- Multiple Awards in Bihidora Abiyasa Competitions – University of Kelaniya (2004–2007).
- National Recognition for Music Arrangements in the W.B. Makuloluwa & C. De S. Kulathilaka Competitions.
Creative Works:
Innovations
- Designed and developed a miniature sitar for children using locally available materials.
Performance Highlights
- International Performances:
- Classical Sitar Recitals at Subah-e-Banaras, India.
- Collaborative performances with global artists from over 20 countries.
- Sri Lankan Contributions:
- Featured in leading TV programs (ITN, Rupavahini, Hiru TV).
- Performed with notable local artists like Nanda Malini and Rookantha Gunathilake.
- Key performer in Kuweni the Musical and Hamuwee Live in Concert.
- YouTube Classical Series:
- Pulse of Raag Kirwani – Sitar, Tabla, and Kathak Dance (Over 1 million views).
- Raag Hansadhwani Orchestra Performance with sitar students.
- Traditional North Indian Classical Music and Kathak Dance projects.
Music Production and Collaborations
- Produced original sitar tracks for over 128 projects across 20+ countries.
- Released the audio album Mind Relaxation with Sitar on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
- Collaborated with international musicians, including Earl Thomas (USA) on global music projects.