Mana credits her vocal foundation to the generous mentorship she’s received over the years—training that has helped her shape a voice that is as technically grounded as it is creatively expansive. Having had access to world-class instruction in both Hindustani classical music and Western theory—including jazz and contemporary forms—Mana became acutely aware of how rare that opportunity was, especially growing up in India.

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In 2015, driven by a desire to share that access and give back, she co-founded The Mela Centre for Learning, a Bangalore-based music school focused on cultivating cross-genre musical education. There, she taught jazz and contemporary vocals to students across age groups, developing a hybrid approach that drew on both Indian pedagogical frameworks and Western vocal techniques.

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Now based in Oakland, California, Mana continues to teach private voice lessons to students of all ages and experience levels—from beginners discovering their voice to advanced artists refining their craft.

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Mana views the voice not just as a means of singing, but as a rich and versatile instrument—one that can be shaped, stretched, and played with to express the full range of human emotion. Her teaching emphasizes this expressive potential, encouraging students to explore tone, timbre, and phrasing with curiosity and freedom. The voice, to her, is a sculptural and improvisational tool with endless creative possibilities.

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Her one-on-one lessons are personalized to each student’s vocal strengths, artistic goals, and learning style. Drawing from her background in Indian classical music, Western technique, and contemporary performance, Mana helps singers develop expressive, healthy, and innovative vocal practices.

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She also offers training in microphone technique, helping students adapt their sound for amplified settings—whether on stage or in the studio. Lessons include breath control, dynamic range, mic placement, and the subtleties of live vs. recorded vocal delivery.

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In addition, Mana teaches the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)—an invaluable tool for singers working in multiple languages. She believes IPA opens up a world of clarity, authenticity, and connection for vocalists of all styles.

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Whether mentoring a child learning their first scale or guiding a seasoned vocalist through advanced repertoire, Mana creates a collaborative, inclusive space where every voice is welcomed—and empowered to grow.