--- title: "My Musical Roots in Varanasi | Learn Sitar from Hardik Verma" description: "Discover how the classical soul of Varanasi shapes my sitar and zitar music. Learn Indian classical, explore fusion, and book lessons with me, Hardik Verma." canonical: https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa/sitar-zitar-lessons/my-roots-in-varanasi last_updated: 2025-09-30 --- # My Musical Roots in Varanasi Tribe Verified · PhD in Music from BHU, Varanasi By [Hardik Verma](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa) · Online classes globally; In-person classes in Mumbai and Varanasi · ₹3,000 per month (4 sessions) (estimate) Part of [Sitar & Zitar Lessons](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa/sitar-zitar-lessons). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa/sitar-zitar-lessons/gallery) My journey began in the spiritual streets of Varanasi, where every note is shaped by the timeless energy of the Ganga. This is the foundation of my music, bridging traditional Banaras Gharana with modern sounds. ## Photos and videos - [Video: This video captures the feeling of my hometown, Banaras. From the bustling streets to the serene ghats of the Ganga and the divine aura of the Kashi Vishwanath temple, this is where my musical soul was formed.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ae406ffd-0352-4e1d-bd2b-2ace0fa697f3) ## About My Roots in Varanasi The discipline I learned in the narrow lanes of Varanasi is exactly what I bring to every 1-on-1 session. When you train with me, you are not just learning notes, you are absorbing the Banaras Gharana technique that demands precision from day one, which builds the foundation you need for both pure classical ragas and electric fusion. Growing up in Varanasi, music was not just an academic pursuit, it was the rhythm of daily life. The spiritual resonance of the Kashi Vishwanath temple and the flow of the Ganga are deeply woven into my playing style. While I earned my PhD from BHU by mastering the traditional Banaras Gharana, my move to Mumbai pushed me to evolve. I realized that music needs to breathe, so I started blending that deep classical knowledge with the energy of electric zitar. It is why my lessons are not about reciting textbooks. Whether we are practicing the complexities of Raag Kedar or jamming on Bollywood fusion, the goal remains the same: to play with heart and technique. ### Why my background matters for your learning: * **Classical Integrity:** My foundation is in pure classical music. You will learn the correct posture, finger placement, and ragas. * **The Fusion Bridge:** Because I perform commercially in Mumbai, I can teach you how to adapt these traditional skills for modern setups, like playing with a band or recording in a studio. * **Mentorship:** I have toured internationally and played on major platforms. In our sessions, I share those real-world insights, like how to manage stage presence or handle audio gear for electric zitar. Music is a conversation, and I am here to help you find your voice in that dialogue. Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced player looking to refine your technique, we will work at your pace to make sure you are getting the most out of every session. ## About Hardik Verma I am Hardik, a musician whose soul is still in Varanasi, even while my work is based in Mumbai. I teach both acoustic sitar and electric zitar, mixing the strict classical training from my PhD days with the fun of modern fusion. Let's start a conversation about your music. [See all of Hardik Verma's services](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa) ## More from Sitar & Zitar Lessons by Hardik Verma - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa/sitar-zitar-lessons/featured) - [Bollywood & Fusion on Sitar/Zitar](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa/sitar-zitar-lessons/bollywood-fusion-on-sitar-zitar) - [Deep Dive into Classical Raags](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa/sitar-zitar-lessons/deep-dive-into-classical-raags) - [The Art of Collaboration](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa/sitar-zitar-lessons/the-art-of-collaboration) - [In the Studio & On the Stage](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa/sitar-zitar-lessons/in-the-studio-on-the-stage) ## More services by Hardik Verma - [Live Sitar & Zitar for Events](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa/live-sitar-zitar-for-events) - [Studio Recording & Session Work](https://mytribe.in/hardikvermaa/studio-recording-session-work) ## Similar work from other experts - [Learning Sitar in the Tradition of Masters](https://mytribe.in/chintankatti/sitar-training/in-the-company-of-masters) by Chintan Katti · Sitar Training · Online classes available; In-person training in Mumbai - [My Gurus and the Rampur Senia Gharana](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/sitar-lessons/my-gurus-the-rampur-senia-gharana) by Shubhrodeep Pathak · Sitar Lessons · Online classes available; In-person at Sector 82 studio or across Delhi NCR - [Classical & Devotional Sitar Performances](https://mytribe.in/sitar_sumarani/studio-recording-artist-collaboration/devotional-classical-pieces) by Suma Rani · Studio Recording & Artist Collaboration · Remote collaboration available; Travels across Bengaluru & India - [Musical Lineage and Inspirations in Sitar Performance](https://mytribe.in/mehtabaliniazi/world-music-fusion-concerts/legacy-inspirations) by Mehtab Ali Niazi · World Music & Fusion Concerts · Available for concerts across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and pan-India - [My Musical Journey: Learning from Legends](https://mytribe.in/yashwant_vaishnavofficial/tabla-performance-services/with-my-gurus-inspirations) by Yashwant Vaishnav · Tabla Performance Services · Available for performances across India - [My Gurus and Musical Legacy](https://mytribe.in/unmesh_banerjee/studio-session-tabla-recording/my-gurus-my-legacy) by Unmesh Banerjee · Studio & Session Tabla Recording · Remote recording available worldwide; Studio sessions in Mumbai & travels across India ## Book To book Hardik Verma, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Hardik%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20'My%20Roots%20in%20Varanasi'%20cluster%20and%20am%20interested%20in%20your%20music%20lessons.%20Could%20you%20share%20the%20details%3F)