Meet Arsh Sood | Musician, Educator and Business Administrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arsh Sood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arsh, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking has played a big role in my life and career. The older I get, I realize that the best in people often comes out when they step into uncharted territory and that has been my personal experience as well. Be it moving half way across the world(India to LA) to pursue my passion and love for music or jumping into the world of education and business operations and administration with After School Music Academy, each step in my adult life has been filled with challenges and risks that have shaped who I am(made for some pretty memorable moments too!)

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am the Head of Program Administration at After School Music Academy. My team and I work together to hire and support talented educators and artists across California and ensure that the kids participating in our classes have a memorable and insightful experience. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with such a diverse pool of artists and create a collaborative and supportive community that helps kids across California.

I am also the Guitar Player and co-composer for my band Malli. We make music that can be best described as a Jazz, RnB and folk soup. I am very proud of what my friends Mana Contractor, Navneet Rao and I have created.

As far as challenges and lessons go there have been many, both with After School Music Academy and Malli. The innovation that comes out of challenges is really what makes something true to itself. I am always reminded of a quote from one of my college professors when I think about this”If it’s not hard to figure out, it’s probably not worth doing”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh the possibilities are endless! I am a big food person so definitely some tacos at Sonoratown, possibly the best pizza in town Elio’s Pizza(Food Truck in Echo Park) and of course the timeless LA classic Porto’s Bakery.

For music I love going to the Friday evening Jazz at LACMA events. An honorable mention to the Blue Whale Jazz Club that closed down during COVID, I hear it’s making a comeback and I cannot wait.

I’m also a fan of Comedy and you can never go wrong with the Comedy Club or the Improv in West Hollywood.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are too many people to mention haha!

I would definitely shoutout David Chiorini and the After School Academy Team. David recognized my passion for music and education and gave me an opportunity to not only make a difference by being an educator but also by working together with him and the rest of our team to build innovative music and performing arts programs. I am really fortunate to be working with like minded people to achieve the common goal of helping kids fall in love with Music and the performing arts.

I would be remiss if I didn’t shout out my parents, my wife Holly and my music teachers over the years. Each one of those people have been mentors and supporters that shaped who I am today.

Website: https://afterschoolmusicacademy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallitheband/

Other: https://linktr.ee/mallitheband