Seema Kasthuri

Seema Kasthuri is a world music practitioner, performer, and educator based in St. Louis, with over two decades of active contribution to the music field as a vocalist, teacher, collaborator, and bandleader.

Trained from age 10 in Carnatic music, one of India’s most technically demanding classical traditions, she studied under esteemed gurus including Vid Venkatesh, Sri Chintalapalli Ramesh and pursued advanced Manodharma (improvisational raga exploration) under Prof Nagamani Srinath, and Madurai Balasubramayam. She also trained in Hindustani music under Ustad Imrat Khan.

After relocating to the United States in the early 2000s, Seema became an active educator, training students in Indian vocal music and preparing them for performances and community concerts. She has maintained a consistent performance career for over 20 years, appearing at events such as the St. Louis Indian Music Festival and at venues in Bengaluru and Chennai such as Rajarajeshwari Sangeetha Sabha, Sri Maha Periyava Sharanalayam, Shantala Arts trust. She has also served as a lead vocalist for Indian dance productions across the U.S., including in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Kansas City.

Expanding her artistic scope, Seema embraced jazz and country influences and co-founded the American Raga Band, dedicated to blending Indian classical traditions with global genres.

She has released multiple recordings across classical, devotional, chant, and world music styles on major digital platforms.

Creating aesthetic and meaningful music videos is an extension of her artistic vision. In her collaboration with rapper Zach Harrison on “Janivara – Higher Power,” she explores the constant noise and social media pressures that cloud modern life. The video draws a compelling parallel between external chaos and inner stillness, illustrating how grounding oneself in spirituality can quiet confusion and lead to clarity, strength, and lasting peace.

Through performance, teaching, recording, and collaboration, Seema continues to build bridges between Indian classical traditions and global music audiences.

Seema believes that a delicate thread connects all of humanity, and in the midst of life’s chaos, turning to spirituality brings a sense of deep inner peace.

Collaborating with the renowned award-winning, innovative American guitarist, composer Todd Mosby, Grammy nominated musician Premik Russel Tubbs, Jazz drummer Steve Davis, and drummer Prasanna Kasthuri, has taken Seema over the horizon regarding her experiences in world music. The band of six musicians called "The American Raga" performs traditional North and South Indian music along with Indo-Jazz improvs and classical Beatles!

Audience who came to hear the band said “Excellence Personified. Great music to the soul”

“Loved the sound! Haven’t heard anything like it elsewhere. Awesome musicians and great variety”

“Beautiful selections and so uplifting !!”

“I would have listened to the ragas and pieces for hours!!”

“Very unique genre of music”

“Marquis Who’s Who” has honored Seema Murthy Kasthuri for Expertise in Music, Music Management and Technology in 2024.

Seema is also a recognized master of the “2024 Traditional Apprenticeship program” (TAAP) in the state of Missouri

Seema finds her inspiration in her husband Prasanna Kasthuri who is a well-known classical dancer and Indian drummer and her amazing dancer daughter Samanvita, who is a classically trained dancer with broad exposure to contemporary dances!