Founder • Musician • Educator

“Music never asked me for a degree. It simply asked me to play.”

My Story

Like many musicians, my journey didn’t begin in a classroom. It began with curiosity. I picked up the guitar after finishing school and became completely obsessed.

While others saw an instrument… I saw endless possibilities. The guitar rarely left my hands. Within a few months, I was already playing songs. Not long after, solos and riffs that once seemed impossible became part of my daily practice. Looking back, I don’t think I learnt quickly because I was naturally gifted. I learnt because I simply couldn’t stop playing.

Music wasn’t something I did. It became part of who I was.

Music Became My Education

I’m often asked where I studied. The answer surprises people. I left college early. Like many people, I discovered that much of the world judged you by certificates and qualifications.

Music never did. It simply asked one question. Can you play? That question changed my life.

Music gave me opportunities, friendships, stages, experiences and a career that no certificate ever could. It taught me that passion, curiosity and consistency often matter more than titles. That belief still shapes the way I teach today.

Years of Performing

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of performing across Bangalore with several bands and artists. Some projects have focused on classic rock. Others on punk. Metal. Original music. Session work. I’ve played guitar. I’ve played bass. I’ve shared stages with incredible musicians. I’ve opened for bands I admired. I’ve played venues like Hard Rock Cafe and countless festivals, clubs and live events.

One of my original music projects, Ledge 13, is available on streaming platforms, where I performed as the bassist alongside close friends and fellow musicians.

Every performance has taught me something. Some were unforgettable. Some were challenging. All of them made me a better musician.

Teaching Changed Everything

Long before The First Chord existed, I spent years teaching at several music schools across Bangalore. Every school taught me something. But they also showed me what I didn’t want my own school to become. Too often I saw students being encouraged to remain dependent. The goal wasn’t always to create musicians. Sometimes it was simply to retain students for as long as possible.

That never felt right to me. I wanted students to leave. Not because they were unhappy. But because they had become confident enough to continue learning on their own.

That belief eventually became… The First Chord Method™.

What I Love Most About Teaching

People often ask me what my favourite part of teaching is. It’s not explaining theory. It’s not scales. It’s not exercises.

It’s the moment a student suddenly gets it. The moment they hear a mistake before I even point it out. The moment they play a song they never thought they could.

The smile. The confidence. The excitement. Watching someone realize…

“I can actually do this.”

That’s why I teach.

My Musical Influences

Like many guitarists, my taste has evolved over the years. I grew up on punk rock.

Blink-182. Sum 41. Green Day. Avril Lavigne. Eventually I fell in love with classic rock, heavy metal and blues.

Today my biggest influences include:

• Zakk Wylde
• Randy Rhoads
• Dimebag Darrell
• Tony Iommi
• Brian Setzer
• Tesla
• Pantera
• Black Sabbath
• Ozzy Osbourne
• Bullet For My Valentine

If I could jam with anyone… It would probably be Robert Johnson, Randy Rhoads, Dimebag Darrell, Zakk Wylde or Jake E. Lee.

A Few Things About Me

🎸 First song I learnt

Hotel California

🎵 Favourite thing to teach

Helping students become musicians rather than simply learning songs.

🎤 Favourite genres

Rock • Classic Rock • Punk • Blues • Metal

✈ Outside music

Travelling, meeting new people and discovering new music.

🎧 Biggest lesson music taught me

Nobody asks for your degree when you pick up a guitar.

They simply listen.

Why I Started The First Chord

For years I had a dream. One day… I’d build a school that taught music the way I believed it should be taught. Not through endless dependence. Not through memorizing songs. Not through fear of making mistakes.

But through curiosity. Confidence. Creativity. And genuine enjoyment.

COVID unexpectedly gave me the opportunity to finally build that dream. Today…

The First Chord isn’t simply the place where I teach. It’s the place I always hoped would exist.

A Personal Note

If you ever learn with me… I hope you don’t remember me because I played fast. Or because I performed on big stages.

I hope you remember me because I helped you discover something you didn’t think you were capable of.

For me…

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 ankit rao 
 
 
 
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The first chord Academy does just teach you music like everyone else. It looks at your personal style and guides you accordingly. I can say that I have seen an improvement here after going to multiple schools in and around Banaswadi.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sandhya Gullu 
 
 
 
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One of the best places to learn music! The teachers are very talented, patient, and supportive. The classes are well-structured and make learning enjoyable. A great place for both beginners and those looking to improve their skills. Highly recommended! 🎶✨
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 madhura govindaiah 
 
 
 
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If you’re thinking about learning keyboard—whether you’re a complete beginner or have some musical experience—I highly recommend Eric and the First chord institute .It’s the perfect balance of professional, nurturing instruction combined with genuine encouragement and support. Eric creates an atmosphere where learning feels natural and enjoyable.
This has been one of the best learning experiences for my daughter.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kannan Raghupathi 
 
 
 
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First Chord Academy is a wonderful place for learning music. My son is taking guitar lessons with Eric sir and has shown impressive improvement in his technique and confidence. I highly recommend them for Western instruments like guitar and keyboard.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Meenakshi Narayanan 
 
 
 
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I am so happy to share that First chord is an excellent place for music and art. Because my daughter is learning guitar and arts last one and half years. There teachers are really excellent and they have a clear systamatic approach of teaching and conducting exams as once the levels are completed. Giving opportunity to the kids to remove the stage fear and to show their performance to the parents, frequently they are conducting small programs . Even they have halloween party, christmas and New year celebration everything,in that they prepare the children to give their best performance.I surely recommend First' chord to anyone for music and art. My sincere and special thanks to Eric sir and Gurav sir to bring out my daughter's excellent skills to the Forum
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Joe All 
 
 
 
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I'm really happy and satisfied by the way my son improved his keyboard skills. All my appreciation to Mr Eric. Adrian's music teacher.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Rohith 
 
 
 
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As a parent I'm very happy with the first chord.my child enjoys every class and has shown great improvement
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Deeksha Naik 
 
 
 
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The first chord is a great music school with friendly teachers and a positive learning environment. Highly recommended
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
 

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