Aparna Balaji has has been training since 1985 primarily from her grandfather Sangeetha Bhushan Shri O.V. Subramaniam. She has received further training for four years from Isai Peroli Neyveli and Shri R. Santanagopalan. Lately, she has been learning from Sitha Lakshmi, daughter of Kittamani Bhagavatar and from her father Shri O.S. Thiyagarajan. Aparna has received in India numerous prizes and recognition for her musical talents. She is a graded artist of All India Radio, Chennai. She has performed extensively in music sessions in Chennai and given many concerts in other cities in India and the USA

It was during Ramanavami season in the year 1996, when I got an opportunity to sing at 'Ayodhya Mandapam Ramanavmi Celebrations'The moment I started singing the song 'Bhavayami Raghuramam'  I got a big round of applause and a standing ovation followed after the song. I was extremely happy and felt so good. That particular concert is evergreen in my memory.

My husband plays a vital role in my carreer. He is the greatest critic I can ever have,as his ears are tuned only to stalwarts in Carnatic Music, and that gives me a lot of scope for improvement and learning more. He has been very supportive for all my classes and concerts in and around US.
My in-laws try to attend all my concerts. They are very interested in
carnatic music and they encourage me in every way possible.  My daughter has been very patient since she was 4 months old. She is now 5 years. She sits quietly and watches me when I give lessons. I owe a lot to my family.