Meet your teacher!
Ms. Akshara Sundar, BM Jazz Studies
Vocalist, Music Educator, & Founder
Specialties: Jazz, pop, musical theatre, & more!
Languages: English, French, Kannada, & Tamizh (Tamil)
Akshara is an accomplished musician and music educator with nearly a decade of teaching expertise and more than 12 years of performance experience. With a broad repertoire spanning Jazz, R&B, and Indian Carnatic music, she has graced stages across vibrant cultural hubs including the Greater Boston Area in Massachusetts, the San Francisco Bay Area in California, and now Phoenix, Arizona.
She currently serves as a teaching artist at the Phoenix Conservatory of Music and as an instructor for Jazz at Lincoln Center’s WeBop program — an early childhood jazz education initiative.
Akshara's teaching philosophy centers on guiding students through a personalized and holistic musical journey. Understanding that each learner has unique styles and needs, she designs custom lesson plans aligned with SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Her instruction weaves together music theory, vocal and instrumental technique, stage presence, and ensemble etiquette to nurture well-rounded musicianship. More than just developing artistic skills, Akshara strives to empower her students with confidence and resilience that extends beyond music into all areas of life.
Balancing her passion for education with an active performance career, Akshara has shared the stage with luminaries such as Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, collaborated with the acclaimed vocal ensemble The Real Group, and performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. She is also the resident vocalist for San Jose’s 7th Street Big Band, having appeared at events including San Jose Jazz’s Summer Fest in 2021 and 2022. In early 2022, she composed and recorded "Downpour" for the band’s sophomore album Post Hang.