Born in a family of musicians, Nagaraju started learning the art of violin under the tutelage of Late D. Janardhanam at the age of ten. His interest in violin under the Gurukula system with Sri R. Subbaraju developed to a greater extent.

At the age of fifteen, he moved to Chennai to pursue lessons in Guru Kula system under
Sri R. Subbaraju, a disciple of Sri Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar who introduced Mandolin to the Carnatic music world.

At the age of twenty three, Nagaraju under went special training in theory of music as well as advanced lessons under the able guidance of
Sri K. Chandramouli, Principal of Govt Sarada Sangeetha Kalasala, Kurnool, AP, who is a disciple of Sri Vinjamuri Varadaraja Iyyangar.

Nagaraju completed his Six year diploma course in violin within a very short period of fifteen months, under Sri Chandramouli in Guru Kula system.

Nagaraju has also completed T.T.C [ Technical Teachers Training]

He has won many awards and prizes. He is the recipient of the special prize, award for the best accompaniment in the year 1989 by Sree Krishna Gana Sabha during the Gokulashtami Series.