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Welcome

Hello! My name is Vijay Jagtap. I am a professional Sitar player, teacher, and composer, based in London. I was born to a family of traditional musicians in Vadodara, India, and I have been involved with music for more than 40 years in a variety of different roles.

In one of my favourite quotes about music, Plato said that music gives life to everything. I truly believe he is right, and that is why I have devoted my life to sharing the gift of music with my students and audiences. It is my sincerest wish that you will allow me to share the same gift with you.

Welcome to my website. I hope you enjoy what you find here, and please come back and visit often. There will always be something new to discover.

 

In my roles as a musician and teacher, I feel a responsibility to share this wisdom with my audiences and students, so that they will experience music in a more profound and joyful way than they have ever known before.

 

Vijay Jagtap

Performance

I have worked with many great artists all over the world, covering a wide range of musical styles from Indian traditional classical to Fusion and much, much more! I have performed on television and radio, and one of my proudest moments was playing Sitar for Her Majesty The Queen at Westminster Abbey.

If you require a professional Sitarist for concerts, tours, recording sessions, live performances or demonstrations, please get in touch. You’ll find more details in the Bookings section of my website.

REQUEST A PERFORMANCE

Teachings

As much as I love performing, I am equally as passionate about teaching. I come from a musical tradition where the bond between teacher and student is incredibly special, and I have been privileged to teach many hundreds of adults and children over the past 35 years.

I offer lessons in Sitar, Tabla, Harmonium/Keyboard, Hindustani Vocal, and Tanpura, both face-to-face and online. My approach isn’t as academic or analytical as many other teachers. Instead, I have developed a very personal form of teaching that engages the heart and the emotions as much as the mind. My method is fun (but still challenging!) and ensures my students achieve their musical goals but always at their own pace. If the student wants to undertake music exams, I offer that too. I can prepare them for Ofqual accredited graded exams up to 8th grade and diploma qualifications in music within the UK’s national curriculum.

You’ll discover much more information in the Lessons section of my website.

REQUEST A PERFORMANCE
REQUEST A LESSON

Testimonial

One of the most highly acclaimed British-based Sitar artists. He is renowned for both his technical excellence and brilliance on strings
55
London, England
Vijay is an excellent teacher and great artist, and I was impressed by his style of teaching
55
Ipswich, Suffolk, England
Tonight, I had my first Sitar lesson with Vijay. It was one of the most amazing hours of my life. I wish more teachers out there could be like him
55
London
Learning the Sitar with Vijay is always a high point of my week. It is a real privilege to have such a talented and committed musician as a teacher
55
London
I have learned a great deal in a short period of time. This has boosted my confidence and I now feel able to develop my skills further with his help.
55
England
There is something very spiritual about Indian classical music and my lessons with Vijay always tap into this spirituality. I finish each lesson feeling calm and revitalized
55
Lawyer/Writer, London
Vijay is a truly wonderful sitar player! He creates a very beautiful sound that was perfect for our event. Our guests were all very complimentary of his music and Vijay was professional and organised to work with.
55
London
Ustad Jagtap-ji is an excellent teacher. His passion and love for music is manifested through his teaching.
55
Medical Professional, London, England
Vijay is patient and takes you through each step. I like the way we sing together following the notation, just like reciting a song. It helps me to play the instrument better”
55
Medical professional, London
Guru Vijay Jagtap-ji’s patient hands-on teaching makes music really accessible. Being able to receive one-to-one instruction over nearly two decades has been a privilege
55
IT company director, London
As an adult beginner, I was rather apprehensive about learning the Harmonium. However, I have found Vijay’s style of teaching to be most empowering. His instructions are always very clear and easy to understand, making the learning process far less daunting and enjoyable than I had expected. Thanks to Vijay Ji’s expertise.
55
UK
Thank you, Guruji, for continuing to teach the children via Zoom during this pandemic. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed your Tabla lessons
55
UK
“Mr. Jagtap is a true diamond! I am SO delighted to have met him. I am taking Sitar lessons and am truly enjoying every session. He is genuinely professional in many Indian instruments including my favorite Sitar. His teaching method is really excellent, I learned the basics in a couple of sessions! I’m so grateful […]
55
Engineer UK
Your music is Mind and Soul music. Awesome performance, and excellent co-ordination and body language between you and the Tabla player on stage. Astounding!”
55
England
Ustaadji’s level of teaching is not only deeply personalised, but rigorous and rewarding. Ustaadji is kind, constructive and patient. Cannot recommend enough!
55
USA
When I had my first lesson with Vijay my intention was to have a one off class, but in that first hour I learned so much and I understood there was so much more to learn that I immediately signed up for 10 classes.
55
Sound Engineer UK
“I highly recommend Guruji to any parent keen on introducing Hindustani music to their child”.
55
Software engineer, Bushey England
Thank you for the invaluable Riyaz session today. I am very happy to have attended as it inspires me to practice and play today. Best wishes.
55
London
Vijay is a committed artist who infuses sheer magic in his performance and mesmerises listeners with his beautiful compositions
55
England
I am very happy that I found Vijayji. Guruji teaches in a way which is clear and understandable for the student. His lessons are very informative and enjoyable.
55
England
Thank you very much for the lesson – it was great and I learned loads.
55
UK
Vijay is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He has a deep-rooted understanding of every aspect of Sitar music which he offers generously to all his students
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Say Hello

 

If there’s anything you’d like to know about my work or the services I offer, please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you, and I’ll do my best to reply to your message as quickly as I can.

 

 

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