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

Thank you, Guruji, for continuing to teach the children via Zoom during this pandemic. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed your Tabla lessons

Sai School 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

Dr Ondrej Pribyl

IT company director, 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.

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!

Laxman

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

Gurpreet G

Medical Professional, Cambridge, England

I found Vijay’s style of teaching very clear, his manner very encouraging, and the atmosphere totally comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed it

Karmjit

London

I regularly attend the weekly online Riyaz group class, and I have seen a huge improvement in my learning and understanding of various techniques

Tehreem Atif

Product manager, London

It was an amazing performance leaving an everlasting impression over our minds.

Dr Prakash Kumar

Medical Specialist, Reading 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!”

Sandhya

England

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”

Mohan

Medical professional, London

I highly recommend Guruji to any parent keen on introducing Hindustani music to their child

Krish Vasudevan

Software engineer, Bushey England

Vijay is an excellent teacher and great artist, and I was impressed by his style of teaching

Prachi

Ipswich, Suffolk, England

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

Mahrey

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.

Maya

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

Bimal

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!

Sarwar Haidari

Engineer UK

Vijay is a committed artist who infuses sheer magic in his performance and mesmerises listeners with his beautiful compositions

Narendra Kumar

England

One of the most highly acclaimed British-based Sitar artists. He is renowned for both his technical excellence and brilliance on strings

Swarupam,

London, England

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.

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!”

Priya

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.

Anna Beketov

London

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

Adam

London

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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.