Inside the Guru Shishya Parampara and Musical Heritage
Music is a swar yatra, a continuous journey of discovery. This collection reflects the teachings of my Gurus, the traditions that shape my sitar, and the path I share with my students.
A collage of my Gurus who have shaped me. The Skanda Purana says there are many forms of a Guru, from the one who inspires to the one who awakens knowledge. I am forever grateful to all my guides.
On Guru Purnima, I share my heartfelt gratitude to all my teachers. This collage represents the lineage and tradition that I am a humble part of.
Remembering my father and my first Guru, Pt. Prabhakar Chari, on his Birth Anniversary. A renowned Tabla player in Goa, he is the reason I am what I am today.
Remembering my Guru, Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan Saheb, on his birth anniversary. A visionary sitar maestro, his teachings on the 'Jafferkhani Baaj' continue to inspire my music every day.
A legendary frame from a gathering of musical titans. Can you guess who is in this throwback picture? It was a blessing to share these moments with such great artists.
A precious memory from my Gandabandhan ceremony with my guru, Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, fondly known as Shahid bhai. This picture captures a room full of legendary artists who came to bless us.
The poster for a memorial concert we organized in tribute to the late Pt. Prabhakar Chari and Pt. Yograj Naik. It is our duty to honor the legacy of the great musicians who dedicated their lives to the art.
About My Musical Journey & Parampara
When you join my classes at Swar Sanskruti, you are not just signing up for lessons; you are entering a lineage. We follow the traditional guru-disciple method, focusing on foundational techniques like sur and laya before moving into advanced Jafferkhani Baaj concepts. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your gamak taan, I ensure you receive the same personalized correction I received from my masters.
Learning the sitar is about more than just hitting the right notes; it is about understanding the language of the raag. In my sessions at Kandivali and Bandra, I prioritize the 'guru-shishya parampara'—a method where the teacher and student work closely to preserve the nuance of Hindustani classical music. We avoid generic, copy-paste tutorials.
The Technical Foundation
Every student begins by building a strong core in melody, rhythm, and tempo. This is essential for those aiming to clear Gandharva exam syllabi or simply for those who want to play with confidence. For advanced players, we dedicate time to the intricacies of the Etawah Gharana and the distinctive Jafferkhani Baaj. We focus heavily on ornamentations like krintan, meend, and gamak to give your playing the depth it requires.
Learning in Practice
- Baithak Style: Classes are held in a traditional floor-seating setup to keep the environment grounded and focused.
- Performance Focus: I believe in sharing music, not just practicing it in a room. Eligible students are invited to perform at our annual Guruvandan festival, and top students have the opportunity to join the Ravi Chary Sitar Symphony troupe.
- Masterclasses: We frequently host legends like Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan and Pt. Suresh Talwalkar, ensuring my students have access to the same breadth of knowledge that I gained throughout my own musical journey.
Whether you are looking for group classes or private one-on-one sessions, the goal remains the same: to help you connect with your own music story through the sitar.
Ravi Chary
Music has been my life since I was a child in Goa, learning from my father. I believe teaching is about passing the torch, which is why I stay true to the traditional methods passed to me by Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan and Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan.
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