Inspired by the work of his first violin teacher, Lynn Oakley at the Villa Sinfonia Foundation, Narain has built his career around the belief that every student has the right to high-quality music education regardless of socioeconomic class, race, gender, sexuality, or disability. As a String Teaching Artist at the Victoria’s Dream Project (VDP), Narain taught group and private string classes to students in Title I schools in Pawtucket RI. Narain worked alongside his colleagues to provide scholarships to over 75 students each year which enabled them access to free instruments, group classes, and private lessons. VDP students have performed at venues such as the VET’s Auditorium, Pawtucket City Hall, and Slater Memorial Park. To this day, VDP students and alums have maintained a 100% acceptance rate into the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. In recognition of this work, Narain and his student, Adam Nazoliny, were featured in the Papitto Opportunity Connection’s media spotlight on VDP (see video).
If it weren't for this program, my life would be way more different. I probably wouldn't be playing the violin - Adam (Grade 5)
In his current role as the music teacher at Meeting Street, Narain is committed to providing high-quality music education within special education and inclusive classrooms. He worked with speech therapists to introduce new adaptive technologies into Meeting Street’s music program to help students meet their therapeutic and musical goals. Continuing VDP's mission to improve access to string education, Narain designed an adaptive violin that could be played by any student regardless of physical or mental disability and created an entirely tuition-free string program at Meeting Street.