The Legacy of Sitar Craft and Technique
Exploring the roots of my sound, from the family workshop in Gole Market to the rigorous training under my Guruji, Pandit Ravi Shankar.
A tribute to my Guruji, Pandit Ravi Shankar. This video shows a precious moment from my childhood receiving his wisdom. His teachings are the soul of my music, a light that guides every note I play.
A photo from my first stage performance, introduced by my father and first guru, Sanjay Rikhiram. He is one of the best instrument makers in the world, and this moment marks the beginning of my journey.
Standing outside my family's store, Rikhi Ram's Music, in Gole Market, Delhi. This is where our family's legacy of hand-crafting musical instruments since 1920 lives on.
A 3 am soundcheck with my father. He not only makes my instruments but also joins me on tour, ensuring every sitar is perfectly tuned. This dedication to the craft is what we bring to every performance.
Explaining the cultural and personal significance of applying henna before my shows. I call this design 'Weapons of Mass Peace', as it’s a form of decoration, or 'shringaar', that helps me channel peace through my hands.
A video showcasing the 'Dance of Henna Hands' while I play Raga Hameer. The henna designs, often featuring symbols of Lord Shiva, are an integral part of my performance ritual and visual storytelling.
A short tutorial explaining 'Jhaala,' the fast-paced conclusion of a raga. I enjoy sharing the technical aspects of sitar playing to help audiences appreciate the complexity of Indian classical music.
An exploration of Raga Shyam Kalyan on the Surbahar, the 'father of the sitar'. I use this larger, deeper-toned instrument for slow, meditative alaaps that are perfect for deep introspection.
A demonstration of Raga Yaman Kalyan on the Surbahar. This was the first composition my guru taught me, and the instrument's deep, meditative sound is perfect for therapeutic music sessions.
A musical conversation, or 'Sawaal-Jawaab', with fellow musicians on tabla and mridangam in London. This call-and-response improvisation is a thrilling and engaging part of a traditional Indian classical concert.
About My Legacy & The Craft
People ask about the specific resonance of my sitar, and it always leads back to Gole Market. My father hand-crafts every instrument I play, fine-tuning the bridge and sympathetic strings until the tonal quality is exact. When you book a performance, you aren't just getting music; you are getting a piece of a hundred-year-old family tradition that prioritizes sound clarity and technical precision above everything else.
My music is an inheritance. Born into the Rikhiram family of master instrument makers, I grew up surrounded by the smell of aged teak wood and the rhythm of carving tools. My father, Sanjay Rikhiram, didn't just teach me to play; he taught me to listen to the instrument. This deep connection allows me to switch between the traditional Sitar and the Surbahar—the bass-heavy 'father of the sitar'—depending on the energy of the space.
The Lineage of Sound
Being the last disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar wasn't just about learning notes; it was about internalizing a philosophy of sound. Whether I am playing a complex raga for a concert or a meditative session for a wellness retreat, I am guided by the technical discipline instilled by my Guruji.
The Craft Behind the Music
- Instrument Engineering: I don't use stock instruments. Every sitar I touch has been custom-crafted by my family, optimized for high-fidelity output.
- Technical Mastery: I focus on the intricate 'Jhaala'—the fast-paced conclusion of a raga—and the 'Alap' on the Surbahar, which requires specific mic placement and acoustic treatment to capture the deep bass resonance.
- Modern Aesthetics: Tradition doesn't mean staying static. I blend this classical foundation with modern pedalboards and electronic fusion setups to ensure the music lands in contemporary spaces, from corporate galas to modern art festivals.
This isn't just about playing songs. It is about maintaining a bridge between ancient Indian classical music and the modern ear, ensuring the art form stays relevant, powerful, and healing.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
5
Musical Lineage and Inspirations in Sitar Performance
26
Authentic Sitar Training Through the Guru-Shishya Parampara
4
Learning Sitar in the Tradition of Masters
19
My Musical Journey: Learning from Legends
My Musical Lineage and Artistic Inspirations
Handcrafted Indian Classical Instruments and Restoration
Find the perfect musical experience
Tell us what kind of event or atmosphere you are planning.
More from Private & Corporate Event Performances by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma
More services by Rishab Rikhiram Sharma