Sitar Lessons

The Sitar is the instrument I first fell in love with, and if you have ever heard it or seen it being played you’ll know exactly why! It is a stringed instrument from the lute family that is incredibly popular in northern India. Over the last half a century it has also become very well known and popular in the western world, thanks to wonderful musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, his daughter Anoushka Shankar (who has been nominated six times for Grammy awards), George Harrison, and Prem Joshua.

Before you even pluck a note, you’ll discover the Sitar is a wonderful instrument to hold. It typically measures about 4 feet in length, with a deep pear-shaped body made from seasoned gourd. It has a long, wide, hollow wooden neck and two layers of metal strings on two separate bridges, which is what creates the Sitar’s distinctive, melodious sound.

For an absolute beginner, just the idea of learning the Sitar can feel quite intimidating. It isn’t. The Sitar is a tremendously enjoyable and rewarding instrument to learn, and although you’ll find some of the lessons challenging, my method ensures you’ll also have a lot of fun. For many of my students, learning the Sitar has been a life-changing experience.

I offer private face-to-face or online Sitar lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced level. 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

“I highly recommend Guruji to any parent keen on introducing Hindustani music to their child”.
55
Software engineer, Bushey England
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
It was an amazing performance leaving an everlasting impression over our minds.
55
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!”
55
London
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
55
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”
55
Medical professional, 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 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
05
Vijay is an excellent teacher and great artist, and I was impressed by his style of teaching
55
Ipswich, Suffolk, England
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
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
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
Vijay is a committed artist who infuses sheer magic in his performance and mesmerises listeners with his beautiful compositions
55
England
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
“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

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