Udaipur-based classical musician and educator, Harsh Paliwal has dedicated his life to music since 2008 and given his voice to several short films which were screened at the Dada Saheb Phalke Awards. An Indian Idol Rajasthan Finalist, he nurtures young talent through his Swara Music Institute.

Harsh Paliwal is a Music Teacher at Step By Step School in Udaipur. He has been serving there for the past eight years. Along with his school job, he also runs his own Music Institute named ‘Swara’, which he established in 2014.

At Swara, students are trained in Keyboard, Guitar, and Vocals. The core motive of the institute is to build a strong classical foundation in music so that students, in the future, do not feel restricted or stuck in any particular genre. Paliwal firmly believes that classical training gives musicians versatility and depth, enabling them to explore any musical form with confidence.

Currently, Swara has around 20–25 students. Harsh Paliwal aspires to guide more students towards classical music, as he feels it is the backbone of all musical genres. The institute operates exclusively through offline classes, as his school responsibilities do not spare him the time to conduct online sessions. There is no upper age limit for learning at Swara; however, students are enrolled only if they are five years or older, ensuring they can develop musically in a healthy and structured manner.

The institute runs evening batches from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, which are carefully divided by subject and age group. Typically, the 5:00–6:00 PM batch is for guitar, 6:00–7:00 PM is dedicated to classical vocal training, and 7:00–8:00 PM is allotted to other sessions as required.

In addition to Swara, Paliwal is also associated with a co-venture dance academy named VK Dance Academy, in a long-standing partnership. This collaboration has been running successfully for many years, and both parties wish to continue it in the future as well.

Although Music is now his full-fledged profession, Harsh’s journey was not straightforward. He initially pursued engineering-related courses and worked with several pharmaceutical companies. However, despite holding jobs, he realized within two to three months each time that corporate work was not meant for him. His deep-rooted attachment to music, which he had nurtured since childhood by observing his father and brother, kept pulling him back. Eventually, he made a conscious decision to dedicate his life to music, and his sustained presence in the field stands as proof of that commitment.

Harsh Paliwal formally entered the profession of Music in 2008, and by 2012, he had completely adopted it as his career. During this phase, he co-founded a band named “Rooh.” Under this band, he worked extensively for social awareness, focusing on causes such as children’s education, child labour, and NGO initiatives. The band launched multiple albums, marking a significant turning point in his journey. His love for children and passion for teaching naturally led him towards music education, which he continues to this day.

Born and raised in Udaipur, Harsh Paliwal spent his childhood in the old city, filled with mischief, simplicity, and warmth. He describes his upbringing as normal yet memorable, shaping the grounded personality he still carries.

Regarding his education, Paliwal shares that he completed his studies through a mix of government and private institutions. He holds an M.A. in Classical Vocal Music from MLSU Udaipur.

When recalling childhood memories, he fondly describes childhood as a “box full of memories.” One incident from his school days still makes him smile. While he was in Class 3, he and his friends once tried to scare a teacher after school hours by placing benches near one of the two school gates. However, the workers assigned to Classes 3 and 4 anticipated the prank, and the children were caught. The next day, they were punished during the school assembly.

Speaking about role models, Harsh Paliwal says he considers his father his greatest inspiration. He describes his father as an extremely honest, kind, and respectful individual. Harsh believes that people often see these same qualities reflected in him. From his father, he learned the values of doing good for others without expecting anything in return and always thinking positively about others, regardless of circumstances.

His father was also a skilled musician and singer, which strengthens Harsh’s belief that music runs in his genetics.

Harsh sings a few lines from a self-composed motivational song, written especially for students:

“चलो उड़ चलें , चलो बढ़ चलें, ख़ुद से वादा, एक वादा हम करें। मुश्किल है मंज़िल पाना, राहें तो ख़ुद बनाना, मुट्ठी में क़ैद कर ले सारा, तू ये ज़माना। करें आसमान ये अपने ही नाम, एक दिन हो जाएगा तेरा ही नाम, चलो उड़ चलें, चलो बढ़ चलें।”

Harsh Paliwal also shares that when he began his journey in 2008, he was selected for Indian Idol (Season 10) in 2010 and became one of the Top 4 finalists from Rajasthan. After this, his band Rooh gained significant popularity and was featured regularly in newspapers, almost once a week. However, he laments that bands are often formed with strong energy but eventually fizzle out. When Rooh broke up, he went through a phase of depression. To cope with it, he joined a job, which he genuinely enjoyed and which helped him regain emotional balance.

After about two years, his father suffered a paralysis attack, forcing Harsh to rejoin work for stability. In 2018, he took up his current teaching role, which he continues till date. Despite numerous challenges, he believes that God’s blessings, family support, elders’ guidance, and the goodwill he had earned in Udaipur helped him move forward.

Rooh’s path had actually begun with a charity show titled “प्रभु ही मेरी आशा”. This inaugural show was organized in 2014 at Lok Kala Mandal, Udaipur. The purpose was to raise funds for land allocation for Asha Dham. The response was overwhelming, and the funds collected helped Asha Dham acquire the land. Following this success, Rooh received multiple media partnerships and performed numerous shows before eventually disbanding.

Among his achievements, Harsh Paliwal says he has lent his voice to several Udaipur-based short films, some of which were screened at the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival Awards and won recognition. Notable works include Maktab 1, Maktab 2, and Maktab 3, with Maktab 2 receiving particular acclaim.

For aspiring musicians, Harsh Paliwal emphasizes the importance of finding a true guru. According to him, a guru shows the right path and helps one progress meaningfully. He strongly believes there are no shortcuts to success—hard work is essential, complemented by smart work. He advises not to obsess over results, trusting that sincere effort is always rewarded by God.

Addressing the youth, Music Teacher at Step By Step School Harsh Paliwal encourages them to never fall into depression. Challenges are temporary, but perseverance is permanent. He urges young people to keep moving forward, stay motivated, and make their parents proud. For him, a parent’s respect is the greatest wealth and protecting it is both a duty and a form of devotion.

‘Swara’ Founder Harsh Paliwal also shares that he runs a YouTube channel titled “Harsh Paliwal Topic”, where people can connect with his work. His music institute Swara is located in Sector 14, Udaipur, where students and music enthusiasts can reach out to him directly.