Harmonium

The Harmonium is a wind instrument that resembles a portable piano attached to a bellows, and its mellow accordion-like tone has made it a popular instrument in India and across the Himalayas. The Beatles used it in many of their songs (probably the best-known example is ‘We Can Work It Out’), and so have other legendary Western bands and musicians like Pink Floyd and Queen, Elton John and Tori Amos. Fans of Kate Bush will have heard the Harmonium played on her famous song ‘Hammer Horror’ and, more recently, the Irish musician Lisa Hannigan used the Harmonium extensively on her 2008 album ‘Sea Sew’.

My point in telling you this is; the Harmonium may look like an unfashionable instrument, but learning to play it can open up a world of possibilities!

The French brought the Harmonium to India in the 18th century, where it was quickly adopted by Indian musicians as accompaniment for classical vocalists, Tabla players, Qawwali singers, bhajans, and Kathak performances. The fingering method used on the Harmonium keyboard is very different from the Western style, and the basic notes of the Harmonium are Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Śa and Śa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa.

If you’re interested in learning Harmonium, you don’t have to immediately invest in the instrument. You can use a simple full-size electronic keyboard for the first few months until you’re sure you’re fully committed to buying a Harmonium and learning more.

I offer private face-to-face or online Harmonium lessons for beginners and intermediate students. Each student receives my undivided attention for the entire length of the lesson, and either 30 minute or 1-hour sessions are available. I design the lessons according to the students’ own pace and do everything I can to make the lessons as convenient, enjoyable and satisfying as possible.

Make an Enquiry

Testimonial

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
5
Dr Ondrej Pribyl
IT company director, London
Incredible sitar playing. I love the sensitivity of your playing, and I would love to come and watch you play very much. Please let me know the next time you’re performing
5
Colin Gall, London
London

“Learning under Guru Shri Vijay Jagtap has been truly rewarding. He is a skilled, patient, and thoughtful teacher—his measured approach and encouragement make all the difference. As a therapist, I find that playing the tabla offers a playful, embodied complement to my work. I feel lucky to have found such a great teacher.”

5
Sandeep, Psychotherapist, London

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.

5
Santiago Alegrett
Sound Engineer UK
Vijay Bhai is the most amazing person/guru I have ever known. The way he teaches the Sitar is beautiful, and very calming and easy to understand. Each process is taught so well. I feel so lucky to have him teach me!”
5
Priya
London
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.
5
Dr Ashwin
England

Thank you very much for the lesson - it was great and I learned loads.

5
Mahrey
UK
Vijay is an excellent teacher and great artist, and I was impressed by his style of teaching
5
Prachi
Ipswich, Suffolk, England

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.

5
Anna Beketov
London
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
5
Manish
Lawyer/Writer, 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
5
Jimmy Pitt-Watson
London
"I highly recommend Guruji to any parent keen on introducing Hindustani music to their child".
5
Krish Vasudevan
Software engineer, Bushey England

"I am eternally grateful to Guruji for his patience, dedication, and unwavering support in guiding me on my musical journey.”

5
Krish Vasudevan
Software engineer, Bushey, 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
5
Adam
London
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.
5
Maya
London

"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 for his kindness!"

5
Sarwar Haidari
Engineer 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
0
Vijay is a committed artist who infuses sheer magic in his performance and mesmerises listeners with his beautiful compositions
5
Narendra Kumar
England

Ustaadji's level of teaching is not only deeply personalised, but rigorous and rewarding. Ustaadji is kind, constructive and patient. Cannot recommend enough!

5
Zubair
USA
Learning to play the Sitar from Guruji has been one of the most rewarding aspects in my life. Now my son has also started to learn to play the Sitar from Guruji
5
Bimal
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.
5
Keith C.
England

“Learning to play the harmonium has been a childhood dream of mine, and it is finally coming true after joining Jagtap Sir’s classes. His unique teaching style ignites enthusiasm in me, deepening my passion and willingness to learn. Every session feels like a mindfulness practice, helping me unwind despite my demanding work schedule. I feel truly blessed to have him as my guru.”

5
Dr Pandya, Radiologist, England

Instagram

 

Want to find out what I’m doing? Follow me on Instagram!

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.

 

 

1 + 2 =