Her mother Kamakshi and father Soundararaja Iyengar were not legally married, and Brinda grew up in Dhanammal's extended family.
Additionally, Brinda trained for a substantial length of time under Shri Kanchipuram Naina Pillai, whose style of music was marked by agility and robustness in laya (rhythm).
She rendered ragas that featured complex patterns and subtle gamakas, such as Begada, Mukhari, Sahana, Suruti, Varali and Yadukulakambhoji.
[7] Many talented and popular musicians were attracted by Brinda's musical scholarship and expertise, and trained under her.
She taught music to other disciples like Sakuntala Narasimhan, R K Srikanthan, Dr Ritha Rajan, and Alamelu Mani.