The illustrious Professor T. N. Krishnan's name is synonymous with the South Indian violin. He is a living legend in the field of classical South Indian music, and is considered the Yehudi Menuhin of the East. These are all the adjectives my father would use to introduce my teacher. All of the above are completely true and are not new to the general audience who listens to South Indian music. However, there is another side to this wonderful person, which only a few have had the privilege to observe, experience and cherish. I met my teacher when I was barely 3 years old. He and his wonderful wife Kamala (aunty) came to visit us. I was a very energetic and outgoing 3 year old. This visit stands out as I spilled coffee all over this wonderful lady's blue sari. At the end of the visit Mr. Krishnan said he would teach me the violin, if I gave him a kiss. I most certainly obliged. Following this time there began an association that has gotten me to understand this man, his music, his dedication to teaching, and most importantly his love, affection and sincerity for his art. My father tells me that I am the third generation in our family learning music from my teacher. I have been learning for the last four years, about six months in a year. Each week on Tuesday's and Thursday's I meet my teacher from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm for a rigorous hour of instruction. There are days when tears just role down my eyes when the going gets tough. My teacher, a strict disciplinarian, although gentle, allows no room for compromise when it comes to bowing technique or quality of sound. "Arathi Vashi" (meaning play hard) in the tamil language rings in my ear at all times during the lesson. The hardest composition thus far that I have learnt is Viribhoni varnam in Bhairavi ragam. This varnam helped me understand the greatness of my teacher, the fluidity and ease with which he taught me this complex piece and why he is the greatest Indian violinist. Of course, a hard day's work does have its dividends. It comes in the form of Kamala aunty and her delicious Indian sweets. Oh, the joy of eating them. They are unparalleled and by far the best sweets ever. And, if my class falls on an auspicious festive day, then, the joy of sweets is almost tripled. My teacher (born Trippunitura Narayana Krishnan) hails from the princely state of Kerala, India and has been teaching and playing the South Indian violin for the last six decades. A child prodigy, he gave his first concert at age eight and has been enthralling audiences the world over ever since. My teacher has been honored by the Government of India with numerous awards. It is my extreme privilege to be his youngest disciple and I sincerely hope to continue his musical legacy in the years to come.