--- title: "Sitar Riyaz Sessions by Shubhrodeep Pathak | Rampur Senia Gharana" description: "Explore authentic Sitar riyaz sessions and classical music by Shubhrodeep Pathak. Learn Rampur Senia Gharana style music in Gurgaon or online. Book a class." canonical: https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/sitar-lessons/riyaz-sessions-my-daily-sadhana last_updated: 2025-09-23 --- # Sitar Riyaz Sessions & Classical Music Insights Tribe Verified · Authentic Rampur Senia Gharana Sitar Practice By [Shubhrodeep Pathak](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak) · Online classes available; In-person at Sector 82 studio or across Delhi NCR · ₹800 per session (estimate) Part of [Sitar Lessons](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/sitar-lessons). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/sitar-lessons/gallery) Sangeet is a sadhana, a lifelong spiritual journey. These are glimpses into my daily riyaz, where I connect with my instrument and explore the depths of a raga. ## Photos and videos - [Video: I feel it's a shame that as an Indian Classical musician, I know so little about Carnatic music. This is my humble experiment playing a favorite Carnatic composition, 'Maha Ganapathim', on the sitar after learning from an online tutorial.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/74799971-af7c-4110-b73c-efcda4ac38c2) - [Video: This vilambit gat, a slow composition in Raag Malhar, embodies the essence of a rainy season afternoon for me. I can play this laidback tune endlessly without any improvisation and never get bored.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/03b510fa-4a87-4d0b-91a7-e571133132eb) - [Video: I wanted to play something for the turmoil we were going through, and this gat in Raag Kaunsi Kanhra seemed appropriate. It has elements of Veer rasa (heroism) but also the melancholy of loss. It is a difficult raga, but here is my humble take.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aec9f9ed-98a8-4d31-88d1-b1a6e2f6c758) - [Video: My Gurus say Raag Tilak Kamod is not for Taankari, or fast melodic runs, but a little show-off doesn't hurt, does it? The challenge is to maintain the raga's sweet form while not compromising on the boldness of strokes. It's a long road.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c169567d-aba5-4e92-b891-25c41c689ba5) - [Video: The only yellow thing I had to wear for this Basant Panchami recording was this sweatshirt. Here is a small piece in Raag Basant to mark the occasion of Saraswati Puja.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fef94069-2644-4d3b-9dce-5116564bf113) - [Video: Good morning. I found this old recording of Jor in Raag Ahir Bhairav, a beautiful morning raga. This was recorded a while ago when I was staying in Bhiwadi.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9976da2b-88f6-4449-bfb5-3dd3e66bb722) - [Video: I am trying the taan patterns of my Guru, Vidushi Sahana Banerjee Didi, in Raag Miyan ki Todi. These are fast melodic passages that require a lot of practice and precision.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/31708153-1ec6-48e5-b325-71841e3a903c) - [Video: Sharing music will not be the same again. This was recorded in Sankt Augustin, Germany, during a time of great loss in the music world. When a great banyan tree falls, even small blades of grass like me feel the emptiness.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/475e890e-ee80-4125-a01c-0325edd14e72) - [Video: An apparently easy raga, Nat Bhairav, presents a challenge in balancing both the Nat and Bhairav aspects. I feel my interpretation has a Bhairav bias, so I need to delve more into Nat to bring out its true essence.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1f91b010-e886-4352-b3ea-e7a234665cfa) - [Video: As we approach the birthday of my Guruji, the Late Prof. Santosh Banerjee, here is my humble attempt to play Raag Abhogi, one of his favorite ragas.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/be6d6bea-ef0d-4ba2-8c82-6fc41eaf2aeb) - [Video: After a night of loud sounds, your ears might like something soothing like this. A short alaap in the morning raga, Komal Rishabh Asavari.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1c6b6a6c-a5cf-48b9-97ef-2b751b93bcff) - [Video: I am trying a traditional bandish, or composition, in the Gayaki style, which means playing the sitar as if it were singing. This is in Raag Puriya Dhanashree. Galti Maaf for any mistakes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ce38e6e4-66a1-4253-9b2f-b1f76433dab9) - [Video: Here I am trying my Guru, Vidushi Sahana Banerjee Didi's, baaj (playing style) and her own style of taan in Raag Gurjari Todi.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4ac20f37-5e74-411b-a0d7-9baab0fe29fd) - [Video: Please excuse me for this attempt. This is not my Gharana's baaj, and attempting a composition of the great Pandit Ravi Shankar ji in his own style is an audacity. But I had to get this haunting Alhaiya Bilawal piece out of my system.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cc087294-0217-47f9-a132-ba02e86a2882) - [Video: Because I love Kharaj, the lower octave, and because my Guru Didi loves Kharaj. Here is a Kharaj Vistar, or low-octave exploration, in Raag Multani.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e433483e-3992-46d4-a9b1-6a8c134cb0d1) - [Video: Another rainy day, another rainy raga. This is a drut, or fast-paced, composition in Raag Gaud Malhar.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/61a91d27-fccd-4e50-a5e0-91c1b2daf1be) - [Video: Riyaz in Miyan ki Malhar feels incomplete without exploring the Kharaj. The raga has a natural tendency to go to the lower octaves. This is just a small presentation, as 90 seconds is too short to feel its depth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4733fb67-e11f-4472-87ab-b92d1307634a) - [Video: Sapaat, or straight-scale patterns, in Miyan ki Malhar is a difficult terrain. Here, I am trying other permutations and combinations to navigate this beautiful monsoon raga.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ece54917-3081-4b1e-bb90-e9c34f02a536) - [Video: A childhood memory of a cassette by Ustad Amjad Ali Khan saheb triggered me to play this gat in Vrindavani Sarang. It's a challenging composition that starts on the 8th beat of the cycle.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/44ca5c7b-29e5-4cfc-9d7c-f6e6be13de2d) - [Video: Practicing sapaat taans down to the Kharaj can be a lot of fun, and a lot of sweat with the fan turned off. I especially like the howl of the Kharaj at the end of a speedy run, but it's difficult to pull off cleanly.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f1031e94-e77b-4015-972d-21232eb2d120) - [Video: Galti Maaf. I am still trying to figure my way out through the dense labyrinth called Raag Shree. This is an attempt at a Lari Taan, a type of fast, flowing melodic passage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9980159e-0d11-40ff-b2c9-793cc0c4042f) - [Video: The weather department predicted thunderstorms, and for a Hindustani classical musician, that means it's time for Miyan ki Malhar. Here is an Anāghat, or off-beat composition, in Jhaptaal.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1296ced7-efde-4f7a-bb02-48c2cac6cea1) - [Video: My first Guru, Late Shri Arup Banerjee, used to say he would teach me gats in Raag Kafi with the 'Sam' or first beat on all nine swaras. I was able to learn only four. Here is one of them, set to Deepchandi taal.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bda7165e-24bf-49fa-96f3-24c1eb3f702c) - [Video: Indian classical music is a mystery, a never-ending adventure unfolding at every turn. This rendition of the morning raga, Ahir Bhairav, is just one exploration of its many possibilities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/be7e6250-9677-4f7e-8e49-b2fffbd7e33d) - [Video: Some more exploration of Raag Khammaj. This raga has a light, romantic feel and offers a lot of scope for improvisation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/12a8c994-acbb-44a8-9ddb-5541f98d0acf) - [Video: The perfect Kharaj tone is a moving target. Here I am trying to find that deep, resonant sound for the long winter nights.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/18946447-af28-4edb-9987-33b732e71daf) - [Video: A simple morning riyaz session in Raag Bhatiyar. The early hours are a special time for practice, when the mind is fresh and the world is quiet.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3226d98f-e7a4-4b37-bf62-5f0931092af9) - [Video: My first Guru, Late Shri Arup Banerjee, was a composer par excellence who set many Shyama-Sangeet to tune. This is my humble attempt at one of my favorites, a devotional song from Bengal.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bb7c9297-9011-45ff-a28c-657eeacdcfee) - [Video: In the old days, great importance was given to learning numerous Gats, or compositions. It was believed that the essence of a raga is hidden in them, like clues in a treasure hunt. Here are 5 Gats in Raag Khamaj in one minute.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2652eb98-7d2a-4136-92df-e0533cf1e8ab) - [Video: I should have gone all the way down to the Kharaj. A moment of self-reflection during my riyaz in Raag Yaman. There is always room for improvement.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/037f71a5-4710-48c1-9976-1285ccb5da6e) - [Video: Sapaat riyaz, or practicing straight scales, is essential for building speed and clarity. Here, I am practicing descending scales to reach the Mandra Sa, the tonic note in the lower octave.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/884a8009-0432-4972-bdf7-dba72fb1c023) - [Video: Every time a war breaks out, I feel a sense of irrelevance. But I believe that by playing music, I am playing my small part in making the world a more peaceful place. An alaap for Durga Puja.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/adc7a219-0676-4b1e-aa78-035cf4c1b9f1) - [Video: I have decided to start an exam series, where I will upload renditions based on the Prayag Sangeet Samiti syllabus. This is an alaap in Raag Bhairav, one of the foundational morning ragas.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9b8ef38d-27a6-462a-8afb-306ad06ebf37) - [Video: The romance of Malhar. The fear of waterlogged potholes could not dampen my happy spirit, triggered by the first rains. A short piece in Miyan ki Malhar.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8d9e7fe7-60e0-4474-82f3-0dbac8f5ec28) - [Video: I tried to play a Shyama Sangeet, a Bengali devotional song in praise of Goddess Kali, that I grew up listening to. This one is set in Mishr Kafi.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9991b49a-7d99-48f4-a805-cf79b721c0c5) - [Video: A relaxed Madhyalay Jor, or medium-tempo rhythmic section, is all you need to unwind in the June heat. This is in Raag Miyan ki Malhar.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d4b045c5-1279-456d-a919-b2f3e53fce00) - [Video: I unlocked a personal milestone of 20 Instagram likes in a day. I thought I should celebrate with my dedicated fans with this excerpt of a Jhaala in Bilaskhani Todi. Jokes apart, thank you for your support.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/17acd1a5-3973-4cf0-b210-c8e995ac23d4) - [Video: I am trying a Ri-Rai-Na-Na style Dhrupad lari, or fast alaap, in Raag Bilaskhani Todi. This style uses specific syllables to create a rhythmic and percussive effect on the sitar.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4f311b2c-ed21-4fa1-9fef-093418d57fea) - [Video: Raag Jaijaiwanti haunts me but does not come to me easily. Its seemingly straightforward structure comes with a baggage of aestheticism defined by the great masters. I am trying my best to capture its essence.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/330f5a85-2626-41ef-87df-a1e6cc345451) - [Video: When you love the sound of the Surbahar but only have a Sitar. I wanted to try this Surbahar-style tuning for some time. It gives a deeper, more resonant tone, perfect for playing alaap in ragas like Desh.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d297e60e-369c-4567-8156-0c6e5eeac7b8) - [Video: My humble attempt at a traditional Rampur Senia Gharana gat in Shuddha Bhairavi. This composition has been passed down through at least four generations of the Guru-Shishya parampara.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6b80f588-31ef-4b27-91ba-ff4a7245a3ac) - [Video: I am trying an original composition of the great Acharya Baba Alauddin Khansaheb in his favorite raga, Bhairavi. My Guru taught me this Sarod-ang gat, which is excellent for practicing bols and paltas.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/143c920c-c56a-4b8e-85a8-588e4c981fe4) - [Video: My Ram Navami wishes with this superhit number from the film Swadesh, 'Pal Pal Hai Bhaari'. This beautiful composition is by A. R. Rahman.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8d712f9e-3ecc-4b3b-914c-5360bc77b328) - [Video: Raag Kafi is the all-time favorite for Holi, with countless compositions based on this raga. Here, I am exploring a different flavor of this festive raga.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/04720b90-5232-4275-bac9-a0c50539ef1a) - [Video: A short excerpt of an Alaap in Raag Gurjari Todi. This was recorded on a not-so-cold German morning at my then home in Sankt Augustin.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dc955ba5-407e-4de7-80a4-136a544b3861) - [Video: An exploration of Raag Alhaiya Bilawal across four octaves. The sitar's range allows for a vast canvas, from the deep notes of the kharaj to the high notes of the taar saptak.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/240fe57b-1da8-4c50-b079-6a6af303d70b) - [Video: My first recording after moving back to India from Germany. I am still trying to figure out how I achieved such a clear tone for both the iTablaPro app and my instrument on a simple phone recording.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/718de0b1-ecd0-4831-9a1d-c68138e4d10e) - [Video: Trying some old and some new combinations in the pre-dawn raga, Raag Lalit. This raga has a very unique and mystical feel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2284367d-c636-4f87-ab21-c3825c6f1f1b) - [Video: More explorations in Raag Lalit. The process of improvisation is about combining learned phrases with spontaneous new ideas.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/782557c5-4c74-4027-8fba-b52cb7912356) - [Video: Continuing my sadhana in Raag Lalit. Each practice session reveals a new facet of the raga.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9f82b22d-4f67-4c3c-a823-9c6937ace7e1) - [Video: This was my first post on Instagram. I was trying not to be over-critical of my own music, which is a constant challenge for any artist.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/52510aaa-fd88-458c-9a93-b5e40ab1b551) ## About Riyaz Sessions: My Daily Sadhana Riyaz is not just about technique, it is about connecting with the soul of the raga. When I sit for my daily practice, I focus on the nuances of Gayaki and Kharaj—exploring the lower notes that bring a deep, meditative quality to the sitar. Whether it is a slow Alaap or a complex Taan, these sessions are where I test my boundaries and strive to refine my understanding of the Rampur Senia Gharana. My musical journey is defined by the Rampur Senia Gharana tradition, which emphasizes the Dhrupad baaj and a soulful, meditative approach to playing. For me, the sitar is not merely a performance instrument but a companion in my daily sadhana. When you listen to these sessions, you are hearing the very same processes I use to prepare for performances or to teach my students. ### Why Daily Practice Matters In Hindustani Classical music, the mastery of a raga lies in the details. You will hear me exploring various ragas like Yaman, Malhar, and Kaunsi Kanhra, focusing on the correct meend (gliding notes) and fret alignment. My goal is to balance the technical demand of fast melodic passages with the emotional depth required for a true raga representation. ### My Approach to Learning I believe that anyone can learn to play, provided they have the right guidance. In my classes, I teach using the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara. Whether we are practicing sargam, alankar, or moving on to advanced bandishes, the focus remains on swaron ka gyaan (knowledge of notes). We work on: - **Fundamentals:** Building a strong foundation with sargam and basic exercises. - **Gayaki Style:** Learning to make the sitar sing like a human voice. - **Technique:** Refining posture, holding the tumba, and executing complex taans. If you are interested in exploring this path, I offer both online and in-person sessions in Gurgaon. We can start with a trial session to see if our musical wavelengths match. Galti Maaf, as I am still a student of this art myself, but I am happy to guide those who share this passion. ## About Shubhrodeep Pathak I'm Shubhrodeep. Music is my constant, my way of breathing. When I’m not performing, I’m immersed in my daily riyaz, keeping the Rampur Senia Gharana tradition alive. I’d love to share this musical journey with you, whether you’re looking to learn or just appreciate the craft. [See all of Shubhrodeep Pathak's services](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak) ## More from Sitar Lessons by Shubhrodeep Pathak - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/sitar-lessons/featured) - [My Teaching: The Guru-Shishya Parampara](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/sitar-lessons/my-teaching-the-guru-shishya-parampara) - [On Stage: Live Performances](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/sitar-lessons/on-stage-live-performances) - [Jugalbandi: The Joy of Accompaniment](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/sitar-lessons/jugalbandi-the-joy-of-accompaniment) - [My Gurus & The Rampur Senia Gharana](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/sitar-lessons/my-gurus-the-rampur-senia-gharana) - [The Sitar: Instrument & Care](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/sitar-lessons/the-sitar-instrument-care) ## More services by Shubhrodeep Pathak - [Live Sitar Performance](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/live-sitar-performance) ## Similar work from other experts - [Solo Sitar Renditions and Classical Melodies](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-classes-workshops/solo-sitar-renditions) by Soumitra Thakur · Sitar Classes & Workshops · Online classes & in-person at studio in Greater Kailash II, Delhi - [Sitar and Surbahar Practice Sessions](https://mytribe.in/aniruddhasitar/live-sitar-performance/practice-sessions-riyaaz) by Aniruddha Joshi · Live Sitar Performance · Available online and travels for live performances across India - [Candid Moments with the Sitar](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/candid-moments) by Arjun Anand · Sitar Lessons · Online classes and home tuitions in Bengaluru - [Exploring Indian Ragas: Solo Sitar Recitals](https://mytribe.in/dhruv_bedi/music-education-workshops/exploring-raags-solo-sitar-recitals) by Dhruv Bedi · Music Education & Workshops · Online sessions available; Studio in West Patel Nagar, New Delhi; Travels across India for workshops - [Sitar Riyaaz and Technique Demonstrations](https://mytribe.in/chintankatti/sitar-training/the-art-of-riyaaz-sitar-demonstrations) by Chintan Katti · Sitar Training · Online classes available; In-person training in Mumbai - [My Life in Rhythm: The Tabla Journey](https://mytribe.in/debjitpatitundi/tabla-instruction/my-musical-journey) by Debjit Patitundi · Tabla Instruction · Online classes and in-person sessions in Kolkata ## Book To book Shubhrodeep Pathak, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Shubhrodeep%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20riyaz%20videos%20and%20am%20interested%20in%20your%20Sitar%20classes.%20Could%20you%20tell%20me%20more%20about%20the%20session%20structure%3F)