Krtin Iyer, a Class XII student of Apeejay School, Noida, was recently felicitated for his exceptional talent in instrumental music. A passionate bassist, he sees the bass guitar as the vital bridge between percussion and melody. Rooted in classical training and driven by rock inspirations, Krtin’s musical journey — from mridangam to lead guitar — reflects dedication, rhythm, and a deep love for sound beyond books.
Read on to know more.
Tell us about yourself and your journey into music.
I’m from Tamil Nadu, and that’s where my musical journey began. I initially started learning the mridangam, a traditional South Indian percussion instrument deeply rooted in the culture. Alongside that, I also began training in vocal music, which I continued until 2024. That year marked a turning point in my musical path — I picked up the guitar and, later that year, started playing the bass guitar. The bass guitar has now become my primary instrument and the one I perform with most often.
Which one is your current favourite instrument?
I have developed a great fondness for guitars.
Would you take music ahead as a future, or is it just your side passion?
I do have some future commitments, but I’m also looking for a more secure career path. So while I love music, I’m keeping my options open. As for balancing music and academics, yes, a good chunk of my time during school hours goes into practice. To manage both, I make it a point to study at home. Whatever syllabus I miss, I usually catch up on my own and prepare for the exams accordingly. And whenever I need help, teachers have been incredibly supportive in guiding me and helping me stay on track with my studies.
Share any memorable performance.
The most recent event was the inter-house competition, where we secured second place — I had the opportunity to play lead guitar for the performance.
Biggest inspiration when it comes to instrumental music.
Even in my family, neither my mother nor my father played any instruments or had a strong inclination toward music. However, they’ve always been very supportive of me pursuing it. As for my biggest influence, it has to be Jimmy Page, the legendary lead guitarist of the band Led Zeppelin. His style and stage presence have deeply inspired me.
One instrument that you still dream of learning?
It would be the violin. It’s such a beautiful and soothing instrument — very melodic and calming to listen to. When played by a true maestro, the violin has the power to move an entire audience. That said, it’s also an incredibly demanding instrument. To truly master it, you need to dedicate a lot of time and consistent effort. It’s not easy, but the result can be magical.