Dhwani Academy was founded in Southern California on July 2004 by Abhijit Banerjee and his culture loving friends with the aim of researching and promoting traditional music of India with special emphasis on Indian classical, folk percussion music and cross cultural activities with other communities. Dhwani Academy also intends to spread eventually to cater not in the music and percussion but in any kind of traditional performing art form such as Dance , Drama etc.
Teaching and promotions: The institute teaches Tabla and Percussion, South Indian Rhythm in Southern and Northern California, mainly of Asian descent. It has been doing promotional activities of traditional Indian percussion art and music by teaching many students exposing them to the tradition and giving them stage to perform in communities and up lift the talents by giving the opportunities to perform in big festival sharing stage with established musicians.
Outreach Programs: Since its inception the academy has taught numerous students. A few are already performing in local and international events. The academy has organized many outreach programs with Whittier College, La Jolla Country Day School.
Organizing Community Events: Conducted community events like Musical Institute Museum, Phoenix Library, World Drum Festival, Earth Day, Pasadena Music Conservatory, Ektaa Fest and Music Circle. The organization continues to participate in different community activities to promote its talented students and give them exposure.
Organizing Exchange programs and festivals: Organizes regular workshops with established professional artists from India and the US, opened its wings in New York and Phoenix, hosts concerts with artists like Grammy Winner Viswa Mohan Bhatt and many others and also crossed community barriers by collaborating with artists from other genres of music like Kenny Endo (Hawaii, Taiko), Dewa Barata (Balinese Drummer), John Santos (Cuban Drummer, Oakland), Jim Owen (percussionist from San Berkely).