Vinay Desai

Vinay Desai is a disciple of the renowned santoor maestro Padma Vibhushan Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. After completing studies in pre-pharmaceutical science and pre-law in Delaware, he pursued advanced training in India, first under senior disciples and later directly with Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. Vinay has performed widely across the United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, The Bahamas, and India, appearing at major festivals and venues including the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Mona Foma in Tasmania, Lollapalooza Argentina, the Jaipur Literature Festival, and SwarZankar in Pune. 

While grounded in Indian classical music, his work spans multiple genres, including Bollywood, theatre, jazz, and Western classical music. He is known for his meditative and dynamic phrasing, as well as his deep commitment to the stylistic legacy of his guru. Vinay has collaborated with leading artists such as Ustad Tari Khan, Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, and Ustad Sukhvinder Singh Pinky. He continues to share this tradition through performance, teaching, and lecture demonstrations.