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

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
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
Thank you very much for the lesson – it was great and I learned loads.
55
UK
“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
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.
55
London
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
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
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 a committed artist who infuses sheer magic in his performance and mesmerises listeners with his beautiful compositions
55
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”
55
Medical professional, 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
It was an amazing performance leaving an everlasting impression over our minds.
55
Medical Specialist, Reading England
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 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
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
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
55
Lawyer/Writer, London
I found Vijay’s style of teaching very clear, his manner very encouraging, and the atmosphere totally comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed it
55
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
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
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.
55
Sound Engineer UK
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
“I highly recommend Guruji to any parent keen on introducing Hindustani music to their child”.
55
Software engineer, Bushey England

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