Learning Sitar in the Tradition of Masters
Music runs deeper than the notes on a page. These moments with icons of Indian classical music are where I find the standard for my own riyaaz and the lessons I share with my students.
It was a true honour to have the legendary sitar maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez ji attend one of our private concerts. His presence and encouragement were incredibly inspiring for both my brother and me.
Seeking blessings from Padmashree Ustad Shahid Parvez khan ji after one of his electrifying performances. Learning from the masters is a lifelong process, and I share these insights with my advanced students.
A fan moment with another sitar legend, Padmabhushan Pt. Budhaditya Mukherjee. Meeting my idols reaffirms the depth and beauty of the musical tradition I am privileged to teach.
I was fortunate to meet Shri. Amitabh Bachchan ji and was touched by his humility and genuine interest in the sitar. It is always wonderful to see our traditional arts appreciated by cultural icons.
About In the Company of Masters
Being around masters like Ustad Shahid Parvez ji or Pt. Budhaditya Mukherjee is not just about the memories. It is about absorbing their approach to Gayaki Ang and the discipline they bring to their craft. When you join my sessions, you get that same focus. We are not just hitting notes; we are learning how to listen and build a sound that is authentically yours.
Meeting legends like Ustad Shahid Parvez ji or Pt. Budhaditya Mukherjee is a constant reminder of why we dedicate our lives to the sitar. This lineage is the bedrock of my teaching.
When you learn in the Guru-Shishya parampara style that I practice, you are stepping into a traditional way of transferring knowledge. It is not about rushing through a syllabus. It is about watching, listening, and developing the ear for Gayaki Ang—that vocal style of playing that gives the sitar its human voice.
In my Mumbai studio sessions, we work on these nuances. We cover the foundational Bhatkhande notation for structure, but we balance it with the listening discipline I picked up while sitting with masters. Whether you are a beginner picking up the instrument for the first time or a student refining advanced taans and improvisation, my goal is to help you build a sound that is your own.
We keep the environment focused but open. You will find that the discipline of the classical tradition does not mean the sessions are rigid. We build technique through regular riyaaz, understand taal and laya through group interaction, and prepare for the stage during our annual Gurupoornima showcases. It is a space for those who respect the tradition but want to find their own expression within it.
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