Sitar Workshops & Musical Legacy
Music is a bridge between generations. Here, I share the techniques passed down from my father, Ustad Mohsin Ali Khan, and moments from workshops where we explore the depth of Hindustani classical music together.
A black and white portrait of my beloved father and Ustad, Mohsin Ali Khan, tuning his sitar. Words will never be enough to express my gratitude for him.
With my father and brother. My family is the foundation of my music and my life. Happy birthday, Abbu.
A happy, candid moment with my father. He is my first teacher and my constant source of inspiration.
Leading a sitar workshop at The Fine Arts Society in Kuala Lumpur. It was wonderful to see so many dedicated sitar players and share what I have learned from my father.
A group of enthusiastic students at the Kuala Lumpur workshop. It is heartening to see Indian classical music being preserved and promoted so beautifully across the world.
Addressing the students during the workshop. Teaching is a way of giving back and ensuring that this beautiful tradition continues to thrive.
A closer look at the teaching session in Kuala Lumpur. I had a great time sharing some intricacies of our gharana with these beautiful souls.
A candid moment outside the SIFAS building in Singapore with my brother. We were trying to be tourists before our concert.
Posing with my brother outside SIFAS, where our father taught sitar in 1996. It was a nostalgic and meaningful visit for both of us.
About Workshops & Legacy
When I lead workshops, I do not just teach notes. I focus on the 'why' behind the raga, the specific finger placements my father taught me, and how to maintain the correct posture for long hours of practice. Whether it is a one-on-one session or a group masterclass in Kuala Lumpur or back home, the focus remains on personalizing the technique to your comfort and your pace.
The Guru-Shishya Parampara
Learning the sitar is about more than just reading notation; it is about absorbing a lineage. Coming from a family of musicians that spans seven generations, I view teaching as a sacred responsibility. My father, Ustad Mohsin Ali Khan, was my first teacher, and the methodology I use in my workshops is a direct reflection of what I received from him. It is a process of preserving the purity of Hindustani classical music while making it accessible for modern students.
What to Expect in a Workshop
My workshops are designed for those who want to go beyond the basics. We cover:
- Technique & Posture: Understanding the mechanics of the instrument to avoid strain during long practice hours.
- Raga Theory: Learning how to navigate the complex structures of traditional ragas, from the meditative Alaap to the fast-paced Gat.
- The 'Why' of Music: Understanding the time of day (Prahar) for each raga and how the mood of the music shifts with the environment.
Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the fundamentals or an experienced player wanting to refine your style, these sessions are structured to address your specific goals. I have held masterclasses at institutions like the Temple of Fine Arts in Kuala Lumpur, and I enjoy bringing that same level of dedication to private students and small groups anywhere I travel. If you are ready to explore the soul of the sitar, let us start that conversation.
Mehtab Ali Niazi
Music is not just something I perform; it is a language I grew up speaking. As a seventh-generation sitarist, my aim is to demystify the complex techniques of Indian classical music for students who are serious about their craft.
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