Rajam accompanied her father in violin while he sang. At the age of ten she won a gold medal in the competition conducted by the Music Academy. Rajam formally became a disciple of Musiri Subramania Iyer and learnt the nuances of Carnatic music from him.
At 13, she had the great opportunity of accompanying the music legend MS Subbulakshmi (popularly known throughout the country as MS) to every nook and corner of the country and accompanying her on the violin. On her frequent trips to Benaras or Vaaranasi, as it was called then, Rajam was bitten by the academic bug. Along with her violin recitals, she pooled in all her efforts to obtain a formal degree and to also learnb Hindustani music. Narayana Iyer, her father, who was already a scholar in Carnatic music, encouraged her in her quest.
For this,Ms Rajam went to Pandit Sangeetha Marthanda ("Musical sun") Omkar Nath Tagore, a great exponent of Hindustani music and a disciple of Vishnu Thigambar Paluskar, who a legend, and learnt the intricacies of Hindustani Music. She became adept in Gwalior Kharana (an exotic style of Hindustani music). Ms Rajam became a pioneer in rendering Hindustani music Gayak Angk in her violin.
Besides her music achievements, Ms Rajam got her MA in Sanskrit language followed by a doctorate. The Banares Hindu University appointed her as a lecturer in Music in 1959. She became a professor and later she was elevated to the office of the Head of the Department. Rajam has recently retired from service and she is keen on dedicating her time and energy to the fulfillment of music.
Sangeetha, the only daughter of Ms Rajam is also an expert in Hindustani music, specialising in violin. The performances of both mother and daughter have received accolades of music lovers. Again the third generation--her granddaughters Rahini and Nandini are also learning the violin at the tender age of three. Both Rajam and her daughter are keen in upholding the music tradition. Rajam is ably supported by her her husband, T.S.Subramanian who himself hails from a family dedicated to music. He is also a keen photographer.
Ms Rajam is of the opinion that Jugal Bandis should be encouraged (Jugal Bandis are common platforms where artistes of Carnatic and Hindustani systems participate simultaneously) and she adds that if proper artistes are selected and encouraged to do so it will be welcomed by the most ardent of music lovers.
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