Hindustani Vocal

Hindustani Vocal music is the classical music of Northern India. It’s a joyful and complex form of singing that embraces everything from Indian classical and semi-classical music, to devotional songs, Bhajans, and Bollywood film songs. As with all other kinds of music, it takes passion and perseverance to learn but, as you develop and become more confident, you’ll be amazed by how easily you start to glide through the octaves. Whether you want to learn Hindustani Vocal for your own solitary enjoyment, or you want to wow audiences with the sweetness and flexibility of your musical range, Hindustani Vocal is wonderful to perform and exquisite to listen to.

I’ll begin with the basics: vocal exercises and musical notation. After that, I’ll introduce you to ragas, which have been called “more than a tune, more than a melody” and are the melodic framework from which you can improvise your song. As part of that, you’ll also learn other important concepts like speed and rhythm (tala and laya) and the importance of ras in giving your song mood and emotion. In hardly any time at all, you’ll be able to perform simple ragas in Chhota khayal (‘small thought’) form and have a full understanding of Hindustani Vocal music.

I offer private face-to-face or online Hindustani Vocal 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

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
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
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
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.
55
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 […]
55
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
“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
I regularly attend the weekly online Riyaz group class, and I have seen a huge improvement in my learning and understanding of various techniques
55
Product manager, London
My 10-year-old daughter and I have been learning Sitar from Pandit Vijay Jagtap since November last year. From the very first lesson, we both came away feeling very peaceful.  He’s kind, tolerant, patient, cultured, expert in his field and enjoys what he teaches. As for myself, have learnt a lot more in the last few […]
55
London
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
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
Thank you, Guruji, for continuing to teach the children via Zoom during this pandemic. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed your Tabla lessons
55
UK
“I highly recommend Guruji to any parent keen on introducing Hindustani music to their child”.
55
Software engineer, Bushey England
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
Vijay is a committed artist who infuses sheer magic in his performance and mesmerises listeners with his beautiful compositions
55
England
“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.”
55
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
55
London
” Why I love having harmonium lessons with Guruji (Vijay) is that he is so calm, patient, soft-spoken, and thorough, and you can feel the immense passion and enthusiasm he has for music. I feel great during and after every lesson and have already learnt so much in just a few lessons”
55
Jatin London
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
55
Medical Professional, Cambridge, England
Vijay is an excellent teacher and great artist, and I was impressed by his style of teaching
55
Ipswich, Suffolk, England
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

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.

 

 

15 + 12 =