Ishara Rajapaksha

About the instructor

Ishara Akalanka Rajapaksha Ishara Akalanka Rajapaksha is a Sri Lankan percussion artist and visiting lecturer with extensive experience in performance, education, and contemporary music. With years of experience in the field of percussion, he has established himself as a versatile musician, exploring a wide range of musical traditions and performance styles. Specializing in instruments such as the Darbuka, Bongo, Tabla, and Dholak, Ishara combines traditional techniques with modern musical approaches. His work spans across live performances, studio recordings, academic instruction, and collaborations within the Sri Lankan music industry. As an educator, Ishara is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of percussionists through a structured curriculum that emphasizes rhythm fundamentals, time signatures, instrumental techniques, performance skills, and cultural understanding. His classes provide students with both practical and theoretical knowledge, helping them develop confidence and musical expression. Through his percussion program, students gain hands-on experience with various rhythmic traditions while exploring the role of percussion in contemporary Sri Lankan music and global musical cultures.

Education & Qualifications

• Graduated from University of The Visual & Performing Arts with a 2nd Class upper division