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.

Testimonial

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

5
Mahrey
UK
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
I highly recommend Guruji to any parent keen on introducing Hindustani music to their child
5
Krish Vasudevan
Software engineer, Bushey England
One of the most highly acclaimed British-based Sitar artists. He is renowned for both his technical excellence and brilliance on strings
5
Swarupam,
London, England

We thank you for the music you played 'for us'. How truly delightful it was and it was a magical moment for us to hear it.

5
Mike and Lynda
England

Ustad Jagtap-ji is an excellent teacher. His passion and love for music is manifested through his teaching.

5
Hamasa/Sienna
Medical Professional, London, England
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
Thank you for all your invaluable lessons. I totally enjoyed learning and performing my Tabla skills in various performances. Thanks for being my favorite music teacher. I will miss you!
5
Laxman
London
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

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
I found the first lesson very relaxed and focused. The teaching style was friendly and I was very pleased to have been able to learn a scale within the first session
5
Gurpreet G
Medical Professional, Cambridge, England
It was an amazing performance leaving an everlasting impression over our minds.
5
Dr Prakash Kumar
Medical Specialist, Reading England
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
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
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”
5
Mohan
Medical professional, London
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
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
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
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, Guruji, for continuing to teach the children via Zoom during this pandemic. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed your Tabla lessons
5
Sai School London
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!”
5
Sandhya
England

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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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