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.

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Testimonial

“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
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
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.
5
Keith
UK
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
Vijay is an excellent teacher and great artist, and I was impressed by his style of teaching
5
Prachi
Ipswich, Suffolk, 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.”

5
Sandeep, Psychotherapist, 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
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"I highly recommend Guruji to any parent keen on introducing Hindustani music to their child".
5
Krish Vasudevan
Software engineer, Bushey 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

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
" 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"
5
Jatin
Jatin 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.

5
Mike and Lynda
England
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
Vijay is a committed artist who infuses sheer magic in his performance and mesmerises listeners with his beautiful compositions
5
Narendra Kumar
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

"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

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

5
Mahrey
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

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
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 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

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