--- title: "Sitar Lessons & Performances in Bengaluru | Vijay Gonahalu" description: "Explore traditional Sitar classes and Hindustani classical performances in Bengaluru. Learn sitar from Vijay Gonahalu, following the Guru-Shishya tradition." canonical: https://mytribe.in/gonahalu/hindustani-sitar-lessons/featured last_updated: 2025-09-07 --- # The Sitar Journey: Highlights from Alaap Sangeet Sabha Tribe Verified · Traditional Guru-Shishya sitar lessons in Bengaluru By [Vijay Gonahal](https://mytribe.in/gonahalu) · In-person lessons in Bengaluru · ₹1,500 Per Session (estimate) Part of [Hindustani Sitar Lessons](https://mytribe.in/gonahalu/hindustani-sitar-lessons). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/gonahalu/hindustani-sitar-lessons/gallery) A look into the heart of my musical world, from the first notes of my youngest students to the grandeur of our Grand Sitar Symphony. ## Photos and videos - [Video: This is what music is about for me, sharing it in beautiful places. Here I am with my student Arjun, playing by the lake in Munnar. Music is not just for the classroom.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7bafdd69-2c06-464a-b12a-f710cc1917cd) - [Video: It is never too early to start. I am so proud of my youngest student, Sharannya, as she learns to play her first notes on the sitar. Her focus and love for the music is an inspiration.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bbd42e0f-6806-4209-9439-f140eb73a291) - [Video: This is what years of dedication looks like. My senior student, Prateeksha Hugar, performs Raag Lalit on stage. It is my greatest pride to see my students achieve this level of mastery.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/214ba1c6-079d-4228-8dfd-a56e88b6fdce) - ![Welcome. I am Vijay Gonahalu, and I look forward to starting this musical journey with you. Here I am during a performance, ready to share the art of the sitar.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1023f9f0-e65e-4deb-89ce-1f381abbe579) - [Video: We learn together as a community. This is a new batch of students practicing palta exercises for Raag Yaman. There is a special energy when we all play together.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/855f6ebf-3575-4eac-a549-dbbc51d5e482) - [Video: It is never too late to learn. My student Sudha ji is a housewife with many responsibilities, but her passion for sitar is so strong. Here she is after three years of learning, playing a gat in Raag Gujri Todi.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/62021b8d-3d52-4716-801b-340f6c5b2935) - [Video: For grand occasions, I lead the Grand Sitar Symphony. We bring classical and symphonic music to weddings and events, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1594ebad-b894-4845-8e00-5486a631c851) - [Video: The Guru-Shishya Parampara is the heart of my teaching. It was a great honor to play for my dada guru, Pandit Arvind Parikh ji, on his 97th birthday. This tradition of respect and learning is what I pass on to my students.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/359c7bc4-f9e4-45a6-ad51-db61d8889504) ## About Featured We practice in the traditional baithak style on the floor, which helps you truly connect with the instrument. Whether you are learning your first Raag Yaman palta or preparing for a performance, the focus is entirely on your personal growth, not on rushing to finish a syllabus. My approach to teaching sitar is rooted in the Guru-Shishya parampara, a model that values the journey over the destination. When you join my classes in Bengaluru, you enter a community that I call Alaap Sangeet Sabha. This is not just a place to learn technique, but a space to share music. ### The Learning Process We begin with the basics, starting with posture and the right-hand strokes like Da and Ra. We work on Hindustani classical raags, including Yaman and Shuddh Sarang. My sessions range from private 1-on-1 instruction for deep, focused work to group settings where students learn from each other. I keep the pacing strictly individual, ensuring that even if you have a busy work life or family responsibilities, you can progress at a speed that feels right for you. ### Performance and Community Beyond the classroom, I encourage students to step onto the stage. Whether it is a small baithak in a local home or a larger setup with my Grand Sitar Symphony for events, performing is the best way to understand the music. We hold regular events, including our Gurupoornima celebrations, which are open to students of all ages. For those interested in the therapeutic side of music, I also incorporate Svaropachara concepts into my advanced training sessions. If you have the patience to listen and the passion to play, I am happy to guide you. ## About Vijay Gonahal I am Vijay, and to me, teaching sitar is about carrying forward the flame of our tradition. Every student here is like family, and it brings me pure joy to see them find their own unique sound, whether they are five or fifty-five. [See all of Vijay Gonahal's services](https://mytribe.in/gonahalu) ## More from Hindustani Sitar Lessons by Vijay Gonahal - [Student Performances & Progress](https://mytribe.in/gonahalu/hindustani-sitar-lessons/student-performances-progress) - [The Guru-Shishya Parampara: Our Teaching](https://mytribe.in/gonahalu/hindustani-sitar-lessons/the-guru-shishya-parampara-our-teaching) - [Alaap Sangeet Sabha: Our Community](https://mytribe.in/gonahalu/hindustani-sitar-lessons/alaap-sangeet-sabha-our-community) - [My Performances & Collaborations](https://mytribe.in/gonahalu/hindustani-sitar-lessons/my-performances-collaborations) - [Grand Sitar Symphony: Professional Concerts](https://mytribe.in/gonahalu/hindustani-sitar-lessons/grand-sitar-symphony-professional-concerts) - [Concerts, Baithaks & Announcements](https://mytribe.in/gonahalu/hindustani-sitar-lessons/concerts-baithaks-announcements) ## More services by Vijay Gonahal - [Live Sitar Performances](https://mytribe.in/gonahalu/live-sitar-performances) ## Similar work from other experts - [Learn Sitar in Bengaluru with Arjun Anand](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/featured) by Arjun Anand · Sitar Lessons · Online classes and home tuitions in Bengaluru - [Sitar Music Instruction with A-Grade Artist Chintan Katti](https://mytribe.in/chintankatti/sitar-training/featured) by Chintan Katti · Sitar Training · Online classes available; In-person training in Mumbai - [Sitar Classes & Classical Music Performances](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/sitar-lessons/featured) by Shubhrodeep Pathak · Sitar Lessons · Online classes available; In-person at Sector 82 studio or across Delhi NCR - [Indian Classical Music Performances and Student Recitals](https://mytribe.in/khalsamusic/indian-instrumental-music-classes/featured) by Khalsa Music Academy · Indian Instrumental Music Classes · Online classes available; In-person classes in Delhi NCR - [Music Conservatory Classes and Performance Training in Bangalore](https://mytribe.in/wmcbangalore/indian-classical-music-classes/featured) by World Music Conservatory · Indian Classical Music Classes · Online classes, and in-person at centers in Malleshwaram and Basavanagudi - [Professional Sitar Performances and Training in Delhi](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-classes-workshops/featured) by Soumitra Thakur · Sitar Classes & Workshops · Online classes & in-person at studio in Greater Kailash II, Delhi ## Book To book Vijay Gonahal, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Vijay%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20work%20on%20Mytribe%20and%20would%20love%20to%20learn%20more%20about%20your%20sitar%20classes%20and%20availability%20in%20Bengaluru.)