Sitar Music Instruction with A-Grade Artist Chintan Katti
Step into the world of Indian classical music. Here is a look at my teaching approach, my personal practice, and the community of students we nurture.
This is the moment all the practice leads to. My students, some as young as eight, are seen here performing at our annual Gurupoornima concert, accompanied by professional tabla players. This event is a core part of my teaching, providing a platform for every student to build confidence and experience the joy of a live recital.
Here is a short demonstration of Raag Bhimpalas, one of the classic raags we explore in our lessons. My focus is on helping you understand the mood and structure of each raag, so you can eventually improvise and express your own musical ideas through the sitar.
I was honoured to be invited to give a TEDx talk, where I spoke about the depth and relevance of Indian classical music today. This image captures a moment from my performance, where I demonstrated how the sitar can communicate complex emotions and stories.
The love for music runs deep in my family. Here is my Baba, my first Guru, sharing a moment with my nephew and his own small sitar. This image perfectly captures my belief that music education is a gift to be passed down through generations, starting from a young age.
This is my wonderful group of students after our Gurupoornima concert. We foster a supportive and friendly environment where students of all ages, from young children to teenagers, learn and grow together as musicians.
A quiet moment with my sitar. For me, playing is a source of immense joy and peace, and this is the feeling I hope to share with all my students, whether they are picking up the instrument for the first time or are advanced learners.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet the legendary Shri. Amitabh Bachchan ji and discuss the beauty of the sitar and Indian classical music. It was a memorable experience to connect with someone so deeply appreciative of our country's artistic traditions.
I am happy to share that I have been awarded an 'A' Grade by the All India Radio Central Audition Board. This official recognition is a milestone in my musical journey and a testament to the training I received from my own Gurus.
About Featured
I teach in a traditional Guru-Shishya baithak style, keeping batch sizes small at 4-8 students to ensure personal attention for every learner. This approach allows us to focus on the nuances of fingering and raag fundamentals in a supportive environment, rather than just lecture-based learning.
My instruction is grounded in the tradition passed down by my father and gurus. We operate out of my Mumbai studio, which is acoustically treated to provide a focused space for learning. Whether you are a child picking up the instrument for the first time or an advanced musician looking to refine your technique, we follow a curriculum that balances discipline with creativity.
What to Expect
Students begin with the basics of how to hold the sitar and understand rhythm, moving quickly into fundamental raags like Yaman and Bhupali. For advanced learners, I offer private mentorship that covers complex elements like Gayaki Ang, improvisation techniques such as Taan and Jhala, and stagecraft. We also make use of electronic Tanpura and Tabla accompaniment in our sessions, ensuring that you build a strong sense of laya and taal from day one.
Beyond the Classroom
Performance is a key part of how we learn. Every year, I host a Gurupoornima concert where students get the opportunity to perform solo or in groups alongside professional tabla players. This event helps build the confidence necessary to perform in front of a live audience. As an A-Grade artist recognized by the All India Radio Central Audition Board, I bring the same rigor and passion to my classes that I apply to my own riyaaz and stage performances. My goal is not to have you copy my style, but to help you discover your own unique sound on the sitar.
Looking for specific music instruction?
You can search for sitar classes, classical music workshops, or private music mentoring.
More from Sitar Training by Chintan Katti
More services by Chintan Katti