Early in her life, she trained in carnatic music under her father Sri. Narayana Iyer who encouraged her to incorporate vocal music and veena into her playing. This was followed by an intense 15 years of training under the tutelage of the legendary singer Omkarnath Thakur in vocal music. This training inspired her profoundly to undertake an intensive research project to develop the gayaki ang (vocal style) on the violin.
Her explorative research opened up a plethora of new dimensions and directions for playing violin in the Hindustani classical tradition. Rajam has passed on the art to many, including her daughter Sangeeta Shankar, and Sangeeta Shankar’s daughters Ragini Shankar, who is 16, and Nandini Shankar, 12.
Dr.Sangeeta Shankar has performed throughout the world and is very well know in India. Her academic distinctions are in keeping with her illustrious professional career. Besides being distinguished with twin gold medals for bachelors' and masters' degrees, Sangeeta's doctoral thesis from the Banaras Hindu University is the culmination of detailed and dedicated research on the contribution of violin and violinists to Indian music.

Rajam was accompanied by her daughter and granddaughters in this unique concert spanning three generations. They were very ably supported by tabla percussionist Vinayak Netke, a disciple of Arvind Mulgaonkar.

The evening began with a 30 minute performnace by Ragini and Nandini, in raag Yaman Kalyan, the  evening raga. For their young age they showed extreme dexterity in handling the violin and Vinayak Netke  on the tabla rose to a  healthy competition which recieved thunderous applause from the audience.

This was followed with a duet by N Rajam and Sangeeta Shankar accompanied on the tabla by Vinayak Netke.
They played the following items:

Gorakh Kalyan - Thaat Khamaj
Desh - The late evening raga.
Banarsi Dadra and concluded with a
Bhairavi, the late morning raga and traditionally the last raga performed in a session.

In conclusion, it was a rare soul stirring treat for the connoisseurs of Indian classical music  and an evening that integrated three generations of musicians.