--- title: "Music Education Programs & Indian Classical Music Lessons by a Master - mytribe" description: "Discover holistic Music Education Programs by sitar maestro Shubhendra Rao. Our unique Indian music curriculum, Sangeet4All, and engaging workshops for schools make learning authentic and joyful. Nurture a lifelong love for music. Inquire today!" canonical: https://mytribe.in/shubsitar/music-education-programs last_updated: 2025-09-22 --- # Music Education Programs in Delhi Ncr By [Shubhendra Rao](https://mytribe.in/shubsitar) · I teach Indian music in schools through a step-by-step curriculum that connects kids to their culture, adapts to local languages, and supports learning from nursery to masterclasses. ## Locations Conducts programs at schools and colleges across India ### Travels to - Travels to schools and colleges across India (India, India) ## Pricing guide (estimates) These are indicative prices based on provider's past work. Enquire now to find out final quote. ### One-on-One Technique Masterclass Single 60-minute intensive diagnostic session for skill assessment or specific technique correction. Typically ₹8-12K per session (estimate) #### **Session Format** * **Duration:** 60 minutes intensive. * **Type:** Standalone diagnostic and consultation. * **Focus:** Correction of specific techniques (Meend production, Jhala speed) or repertoire assessment. #### **Facilities & Value** * **Equipment:** Use of high-quality studio Sitar provided for traveling students. * **Takeaway:** Immediate audit of current proficiency and a roadmap for self-study. ### Sangeet4All Foundation Course (Children) 3-month term with 12 weekly group sessions covering Indian classical vocals and rhythm for ages 4-7. Typically ₹12-16K per quarter (estimate) #### **Core Schedule** * **Frequency:** 12 classes per quarter (1 session per week). * **Duration:** 45 to 60 minutes per class. * **Location:** Hauz Khas Enclave center. * **Format:** Small group batches (Mini Maestros or Sargam Masters). #### **Curriculum & Materials** * **Methodology:** Proprietary Sangeet4All curriculum co-developed by Saskia Rao de Haas. * **Courseware:** Includes hard copy of 'Dhwani' or 'Sargam' textbook and digital audio tracks for practice. * **Topics:** Foundations of Raga, Tala, and Indian heritage appreciation. #### **Progression** * **Showcase:** Participation in end-of-term class presentation. * **Certification:** Eligibility for Level 1 & 2 certificates requires completion of 4 consecutive quarters. ### Advanced Private Sitar Mentorship Weekly one-on-one Guru-Shishya style training at the Maestro's residence for serious practitioners. Typically ₹14-25K per month (estimate) #### **Session Logistics** * **Frequency:** 4 private sessions per month. * **Duration:** Flexible 60 to 90 minutes depending on Raga flow. * **Location:** In-person at Padmini Enclave (Guru's residence). * **Availability:** Schedules may shift based on Maestro's touring dates. #### **Pedagogy & Access** * **Style:** Traditional Maihar Gharana training focusing on Gayaki Ang and improvisation. * **Resources:** Access to handwritten composition notes and direct observation of Guru's Riyaz. * **Mentorship:** Career guidance, stagecraft, and microphone technique feedback. #### **Prerequisites** * **Instrument:** Student must own a professional-grade Sitar. * **Level:** Designed for advanced students or professionals. ## About Music Education Programs I see music as much more than performance. For me, it’s a way to connect kids to their roots and give them something truly valuable for life. The dream? Every child gets to experience music, no matter if they become a professional or just carry the joy with them. ### Why Sangeet4All Stands Out - First-ever structured Indian music curriculum for schools, right from nursery to high school - Simple, stepwise lessons that keep the fun alive while actually learning - Tried and tested in schools like Goenka, Blue Bells, and even in UNESCO and government-aided schools - We adapt - in Odisha, for example, we blended local tribal songs right into the classes (bachchon ko apni bhasha mein gaane ka maza hi alag hai - there’s a special joy in singing in your own language) - The whole idea is to bring holistic child development through music, not just rote learning tunes ### What I Do in Schools and Colleges - Special classroom music workshops in India - I use sitar performances, stories, and a bit of history to make Indian classical music click with students - These aren’t boring lectures - I mix in lecdems, where kids can actually see how music is played, ask questions, and even try a hand themselves ### Teaching, From Babies to Masterclasses - Started with lullabies for my own son - by age two he knew 20+ ragas! - For young musicians, I offer deep-dive masterclasses rooted in the Guru-Shishya Parampara (think: learning with heart, not just notes on a page) - Passing on the Maihar parampara is personal for me, and every student is part of that journey ### The Foundation - All my work runs through our foundation, supporting scholarships and awards for budding and senior artists so this tradition keeps going strong If you want kids to know more than just textbook music, this is where it starts. ## Highlights Browse through Shubhendra Rao's best work. ### [Featured](https://mytribe.in/shubsitar/music-education-programs/featured) - [Video: It all began with composing raga-based lullabies for my son, Ishaan. This session, recording those same lullabies with him now as a brilliant 20-year-old musician, is a dream come true and shows how music can be a lifelong gift, a foundation I hope to build for every child.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b565bd6b-87ac-40f6-8b52-75e4eeb83de0) - [Video: This is the joy of Sangeet4All in action. Our structured curriculum brings festivals like Diwali to life through music, making learning an exciting and culturally rich experience for young students.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4111983b-5206-4fe9-9f54-7f31df1c9a5c) - ![My goal is to bring authentic classical music to young minds. Here I am with the staff at a school after an interactive concert and lecture-demonstration, part of my ongoing outreach efforts to make our heritage accessible to the next generation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5765fd05-edc6-4eea-a88e-d80f33b35b47) - [Video: Music transcends all barriers. It was an honour to work with the amazing Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir, blending their powerful, raw voices with the principles of Indian music to create something truly unique and beautiful.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6ce4b351-4921-47eb-a390-583b075cd122) - ![My music is a humble offering to my Guru, Pandit Ravi Shankar. In moments like these, I feel his presence guiding me, a connection that is the very soul of the Guru-Shishya tradition I pass on to my own students.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5fa28b40-ee81-4510-a5da-48cb0a60cd38) - ![Our Sangeet4All program is built on a solid foundation. This is the cover of our "Swara Sangam" newsletter, which details our curriculum, philosophy, and the real-world impact of bringing structured music education to schools.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9c18547d-fbbe-463d-afa5-1666832fe878) - [Video: Music is a universal conversation. It was an incredible experience to share the stage and exchange musical ideas with legends like Herbie Hancock and Dianne Reeves, a testament to the global language we all speak.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/707453f8-763f-4961-a070-d0517e5c219c) - [Video: My daily practice is a creative sanctuary. Here, I am improvising on a loop within the framework of Raga Kausi Bhairav, exploring the endless possibilities that lie within our classical traditions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7b835621-e28a-45ba-a5c4-b0260aac5970) ### [Sangeet4All: Music for Every Child](https://mytribe.in/shubsitar/music-education-programs/sangeet4all-music-for-every-child) - ![The spirit of music is universal. Here are our Sangeet4All students enjoying a Christmas celebration, where we incorporate carols and festive songs into our playful, educational music sessions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/955d3fc9-e5ac-4976-b0be-98334386b0cc) - ![We are proud to take our Sangeet4All program global. Here, we are presenting our curriculum book, "Shastra," to H.E. DC Manjunath ji in Houston, marking our collaboration to bring structured Indian music education to students in the US.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/79964a60-122b-4f20-8c3e-5c24c1cd31ce) - ![The connection with young students is the most rewarding part of my work. Posing with this bright group of children after a school concert reminds me why it is so important to make our classical arts accessible and inspiring for them.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ca58d1a7-b995-4d27-9397-42d35af7bc62) - [Video: This conversation perfectly explains why music education is essential for every child's development. Our Sangeet4All program is built on this very principle, aiming to provide a nurturing sonic environment for children to grow.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3a90d806-d05a-4a51-b87e-1c7be5e5c4f7) - ![Our "Sa Re Gaayein" project in Odisha is a perfect example of how we adapt our curriculum. This page from our newsletter shows our work with TATA Steel's Residential Bridge Centres, where we integrated local tribal songs to make learning more relevant and joyful.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/92b56de5-0dea-4c1f-b396-167618aca921) - ![We believe in sharing knowledge widely. This is the second edition of our "Swara Sangam" newsletter, featuring an interview with Maestro Tom Cohen of the Jerusalem East West Orchestra, exploring the bridges music can build across cultures.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d2340f7b-1a78-47cd-bec1-a084e482614f) - ![Our newsletter highlights the journeys of musicians, including my own son, Ishaan. His path from a child learning ragas through lullabies to a prodigious pianist shows the power of early and sustained musical exposure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1249b456-d242-4711-8cd7-3109c6c609e5) ### [Workshops & Masterclasses](https://mytribe.in/shubsitar/music-education-programs/workshops-masterclasses) - ![Teaching is about sharing a tradition that is larger than any one of us. Here I am during a masterclass in Niigata, Japan, guiding a dedicated student through the nuances of the sitar and the Maihar parampara.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2cea1f25-ab49-4410-b166-9f2a7d23c5ad) - ![I was deeply touched by the devotion of these students in Brazil, many of whom traveled for hours to attend this masterclass. Their hunger to learn our music reaffirms its global appeal and the responsibility we have to share it.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/77f32069-38ee-40f5-af28-2ae3bd623de8) - ![A wonderful memory from a workshop in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Here, I am explaining the structure of a raga to an engaged group of students, surrounded by beautiful Gamelan instruments, showing how different musical cultures can connect.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0b100b47-512d-4274-addb-7d4e6350bfb8) - ![The wonderful group of students from my masterclass at the university in Guayaquil. It is always a joy to connect with young, curious minds and share the depth and beauty of Indian classical music with them.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5f79217b-d598-4bc3-a66a-b167f6045721) - ![It was an honour to be invited as a keynote speaker at the International Performing Arts Conference in New Delhi. Sharing my thoughts on music education and cultural entrepreneurship is a vital part of my mission.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6bc3697a-0689-4bc5-8aa1-931da4f930e5) - ![A poster for my performance at KLE Society's School in my hometown of Bengaluru. I am always happy to connect with young students through the wonderful outreach programs organized by SPIC MACAY.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3b5c7489-08e3-45e7-99e8-e053e36d050d) - ![This poster announces a performance at the Management Development Institute in Gurgaon. It is always interesting to present our classical music to students of different disciplines, like management, and show its universal principles.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6b5ca545-37de-4ee9-ae74-819e596ab94d) - ![A poster for a sitar recital at Acharya Narendra Dev College, part of the University of Delhi. These college concerts are a great way to introduce the depth of classical music to young adults.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a2987ed9-3ef1-477c-be59-6fc8bfb845cc) - ![This poster is for a lecture-demonstration at the Shiv Nadar School. These "lec-dems" are highly interactive, allowing students to ask questions and get a closer look at the sitar and the art of improvisation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fca66288-83e8-4d84-a113-51c48adc8e47) - ![Announcing an upcoming concert at IIIT Delhi. Performing at premier technology and engineering institutes like IIT helps bridge the gap between the arts and sciences, showing how creativity is essential in all fields.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/27366fea-68a5-45a7-b106-48c29253cb9c) - ![A poster for another sitar concert at IIT Delhi. Consistent engagement with institutions like this is key to building a lasting appreciation for our cultural heritage among the youth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/60022306-b714-4603-8f49-6e621acca2ad) - ![Here is a schedule for a lecture-demonstration series in Patna, Bihar. Taking these sessions to different cities ensures that students beyond the major metros also get a chance to experience live classical music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/116c63f3-252b-4545-896c-89ffb830749f) - ![Off to Jammu to perform at IIT. SPIC MACAY's incredible network allows us to reach students in every corner of the country, from Jammu to the southern states.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2adc8a70-79eb-434c-b983-135c3b610438) - ![A poster for a performance at Amrit Paul Arya Shishu Shala as part of the SPIC MACAY classical series. Reaching children at a young age is crucial for planting the seeds of musical appreciation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1244ebb6-c477-4688-b42f-bedc4f7fbeed) - ![This poster is for a performance at Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi. It's fascinating to perform for medical students and discuss the healing and meditative aspects of our music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8f1c8d02-289d-49ca-994d-d30a74dc38d0) - ![Announcing the start of a tour for SPIC MACAY with a performance at Quantum University in Roorkee. These tours involve multiple concerts in various educational institutions over several days.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a585f03f-3c2e-4a20-9107-36f9480e9377) - ![Another stop on the SPIC MACAY Saharanpur tour, this time performing for the students at Rashtriya Sparsh Drastibadhit Balika Madhyamik Vidyalaya. Music is for everyone, and it's a privilege to share it here.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/98ca3ee2-4035-41d5-80e4-990f08031235) - ![A poster for a concert at the Navy Children School in Delhi. It has been my mission for nearly four decades to support SPIC MACAY's work in bringing our classical arts to young minds.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fc04b9da-5368-43f9-afe1-32fd4fb079aa) ### [The Guru-Shishya Parampara: A Living Tradition](https://mytribe.in/shubsitar/music-education-programs/the-guru-shishya-parampara-a-living-tradition) - ![It is a blessing to pay homage to my Guru, Pandit Ravi Shankar, on his birth anniversary. This poster is from a tribute concert where I performed his compositions, continuing the legacy he so generously passed on to me.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cdc40153-823b-4d30-8e5e-2adcc2b7a70e) - ![Celebrating Guru Purnima is a humbling experience. This altar, with pictures of my Gurus, is a reminder of the knowledge and wisdom they bestowed upon me, for which I am eternally grateful.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6c319878-92b1-4a55-a17d-a8eef64a5227) - ![A beautiful sketch of my Guru, Pandit Ravi Shankar. On Guru Purnima, we celebrate the guiding light who shows us the path, and for me, he remains a constant source of divine inspiration.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7348950f-9192-4a77-a711-6cabdbe84536) - [Video: During my morning practice, I often feel my Guru's presence. Here I am playing Raga Bairagi Todi, a beautiful pentatonic raga he composed, with his photograph watching over me.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fa5e5bd7-6182-4f73-b3ea-26c598559661) - [Video: The Sitar Ramarao Utsav was a 20-year dream come true, a tribute to my father and first Guru. This video captures my feelings after the event, filled with gratitude for the disciples, artists, and audience who made it a huge success.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e3314f68-18af-4328-9975-7f4f7b1fc811) - ![The Sitar Ramarao Utsav received wonderful media coverage, including this feature in The New Indian Express. It was heartening to see my father's immense contribution to music being celebrated as a "monumental celebration."](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/849d89d4-6f7d-4b7f-9b36-3e0a4a8002b2) - ![Another lovely preview of the Sitar Ramarao Utsav, this time in The Hindu. This article discusses the "Strings of Tradition" and the importance of continuing the legacy of my father and his Guru.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7f1549b4-52fe-4b58-bce7-e260f04fd886) - [Video: I was deeply moved and honoured to receive this video testimonial from the legendary flute maestro, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, for my father's festival. His blessings and kind words about my family mean the world to me.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4963ae14-540e-4544-bb1f-28e405afbbc5) - [Video: Receiving blessings from Smt. Sukanya Ravishankar ji, wife of my Guru, for the Sitar Ramarao Utsav was incredibly special. Her good wishes are a direct connection to the blessings of my Guruji himself.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/088228c9-9e44-45b6-aa69-4973133b84de) - [Video: A testimonial from Smt. Suma Talithaya, a student of my father since 1988. Her words about how the music, stories, and even the "agarbathi scent in class" shaped her childhood show the deep impact of a true Guru.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a4094fe1-f55a-49d0-889c-461189b4edb6) - [Video: This testimonial from Manu Prasad, another disciple of my father, highlights the dedication and kindness with which my father taught, personally writing out lessons to make a challenging instrument a rewarding experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/345519b8-d47f-42e1-a26f-978c25236ce3) - [Video: Dr. Prithvi S Balepur, a senior disciple, speaks about how my father not only taught him music but also helped him grow musically and spiritually. This is the essence of the Guru-Shishya relationship.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4884898d-dd0e-418a-94c2-3c1e1ca506aa) - [Video: Pt. Radhakrishna T shares his memories of my father as a Guru who was also a father figure to him. This deep, personal connection is what makes the Guru-Shishya parampara so unique and powerful.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a62289ee-22e9-4ac5-a5c7-4ddbbe8e0b48) - [Video: A testimonial from Sri Srinivas in California, who learned from my father from 1988 to 1995. He speaks of my father as a "storehouse of knowledge" who was a wonderful and professional teacher.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a89c6de1-9232-4db2-948c-1b4d1269d285) - [Video: Sri Mohan Bhadbhade from Sydney shares his treasured memories of learning from my father. He beautifully describes the atmosphere of the class and the valuable life lessons he learned beyond just music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/84503d85-cdcc-4da1-bc0c-833f0b347ef5) - [Video: Smt. Saritha Nagendra describes how my father helped her transform "raw potential into a refined art form." Her memories of practice sessions filled with discipline, joy, and warmth capture the spirit of our home.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4b877db5-a813-4690-87dd-cd132e4d2df6) - [Video: Smt. Pramila Lochan, another disciple, speaks of the "magical reality" of learning from my father and the invaluable handwritten notes that continue to teach her even today.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da5d1cb4-340d-4cc7-a8ee-02f543edf02c) - [Video: Smt. Usha Shrivastav, who learned from my father for over a decade starting in 1972, shares how he brought the "divine world of music" into her life with love, sincerity, and great humility.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/616e0b97-1722-4245-a84e-609f2fa9825c) - [Video: A moving testimonial from my sister, Sadhana Jayaram, who is also a disciple of our father. She shares how he was both a father and a Guru, and how music was a part of his very being until his last breath.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e54ac5c5-13fd-4537-9248-38c623606f2d) - [Video: These photos show the sheer devotion my father, Pt. N. R. Rama Rao, had for his Guru, Pt. Ravi Shankar. This reverence and surrender is a lesson in itself and the foundation of our musical tradition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b5a74bd6-8a03-4db4-b1c8-298c60ec502f) - [Video: A historic meeting of great minds. Here is Kannada cinema icon Dr. Rajkumar with Bharat Ratna Pt. Ravi Shankar and my father, his close friend, Pt. N. R. Rama Rao, exchanging creative ideas.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a24edbb5-7efc-4513-942a-756ba4caf606) - [Video: History repeats itself, and the legacy continues. These archival photos show my father with his Guru, and the blessings Pt. Ravi Shankar bestowed upon him, which I now strive to carry forward.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4ba2754e-3bc3-449d-8488-3463c5bf700c) - [Video: A proud moment for our family when my father was honoured with the Sangeeta Ratna Mysore T Chowdiah Memorial State Award in 1994-95. This is a testament to his lifelong service to Indian classical music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a4e22174-7224-452b-8922-11c107744384) - [Video: This is a very rare, 100-year-old Surbahar, gifted to my family by the legendary Kannada film star Dr. Raj Kumar. Playing it in front of the Goddess Saraswati on Vasant Panchami was a deeply emotional and divine experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/44631cd2-7dac-48fa-b011-b08d0fc2154a) - ![The divine presence of Goddess Saraswati guides us in our music room. She is the source of all knowledge and art, and her blessings are essential for any musician's journey.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8f2ad044-0e3a-424e-9aed-2648192e6dfd) - [Video: It was a joy to host a Saraswati Puja at our home, celebrating Basant Panchami with fellow musicians, students, and music lovers. The positive and vibrant energy in the room was a blessing for all of us.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7ba3a51f-8f9d-4af1-865c-e500e6e6f441) ### [Family & Collaborations](https://mytribe.in/shubsitar/music-education-programs/family-collaborations) - [Video: I feel truly blessed to share my music with the two people dearest to me, my wife Saskia and son Ishaan. This is a snippet from our first official recording as a Family Trio, a moment of pure joy and collaboration.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/91f4b1c9-5b39-4b7c-bcc4-662bbf8d46e5) - ![Performing with my wife, Saskia Rao-de Haas, at the beautiful Rajarani Music Festival in Bhuvaneshwar. Our musical dialogue, blending the sitar and her Indian Cello, is a journey we have shared for many years.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3aac80b7-6f05-467a-a4fe-51113c7be852) - ![A poster from our concert in Guadalajara, Mexico. It is always a special experience to travel and perform with Saskia, sharing our unique blend of sitar and Indian cello with audiences around the world.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/66bbbd26-9565-47a3-b76e-6cc77e8fc52a) - [Video: I am so proud of my wife, Saskia, for being honoured with the "Driver of Change" award by the India Today and Mahindra groups. Her contribution to music, from creating the Indian Cello to her work with Sangeet4All, is truly historic.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/11e312b3-19e6-496c-ac67-b408ff21f42b) - ![A beautiful evening spent with the living legend, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia. It was very touching to see the love and blessings he showered upon my son, Ishaan, continuing the tradition of elders nurturing the next generation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1a0df7b7-7e00-4e06-aaa8-d1854805e4be) - ![It is a privilege to perform with great artists like the legendary Herbie Hancock and multi-Grammy winner Dianne Reeves. These collaborations are a reminder that music has no boundaries.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5b1d9795-9e44-455b-b1db-7e52a9b3c1d7) ### [Awards & Media Recognition](https://mytribe.in/shubsitar/music-education-programs/awards-media-recognition) - ![I am truly honoured to be invited by my peers to join the Recording Academy's Class of 2025 as a Professional Member. It is a humbling recognition from the institution that hosts the Grammy Awards.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/da83308f-7984-4ccf-b104-fe366066e2c2) - ![This was a very nice interview that appeared in The Pioneer newspaper. I was impressed by the journalist's thoughtful questions, which led to a deep conversation about my musical journey and philosophy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/03f5f37e-a409-4bd9-8b84-845757527d76) - ![A lovely photograph taken by my dear friend and photo editor of India Today, Bandeep Singh, during the India-Japan conclave. It's always a pleasure to be captured by such a talented artist.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e535fb09-7142-4f3f-afe1-2426928c946a) - ![An excerpt from my interview with India Today, where I speak about the spiritual connection between Indian and Japanese classical music. Music is a universal language that allows us to converse beyond words.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6d6a6228-2b66-4893-bcb3-091a442408a5) ### [The Sitarist's Practice](https://mytribe.in/shubsitar/music-education-programs/the-sitarist-s-practice) - [Video: A practice session in Raga Bihaag. I created some basic loops to improvise on, showing how one can be creative and explore the beautiful notes of the raga while maintaining its purity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cd611f49-ce7f-457f-921e-b4d056f86bc6) - [Video: The monsoon season in Delhi always inspires me to practice Raga Malhar. This is an old composition I learned from my Guru decades ago, and it's a great practice for the "krintan" and "zamzama" techniques of the Maihar Gharana.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/36955fb5-cbce-493f-84e7-63949c4b0e57) - [Video: Remembering and playing a beautiful song in Raga Yaman Manj, written and composed by my Guru. I have vivid memories of him teaching this composition in the late 1970s.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d8be8db3-93a9-476b-ac04-b663da42102b) - [Video: The first practice of Miyan ki Malhar for the season. I was inspired to spontaneously compose a piece in the rare Saadra Tala of 10 beats, letting nature guide my music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/90a1e0ee-a750-4ca1-8359-8aebe8880088) - [Video: While teaching a young disciple, I was inspired to create this new composition in the beautiful Raga Jhinjoti. My Guru taught me many such pieces that help in understanding both the raga and the complexity of rhythms.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7313b39c-c138-4754-a042-e2796fc0e6b8) - [Video: I often remember watching my Guru's fingers dance on the strings. It was magical. This is a short excerpt from my practice of Raga Gangeshwari, one of the beautiful ragas he composed.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/75b0a73d-446e-4c3e-a052-4104d1017748) - [Video: This wonderful bandish in Raga Bihag was taught to me by my senior Guru bhai, Pandit Deepak Chowdhury. The beauty of these compositions is their deceptive simplicity, which requires years of practice to master.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8a5b5f91-f7a9-49af-8035-d979cec7ea78) ## Meet your expert [Shubhendra Rao](https://mytribe.in/shubsitar) ### My story Guruji Pt. Ravi Shankar shaped everything for me. Since the 70s, his music, his world, I just tried to step in. Saskia, my wife, plays Indian Cello - together, we make music, raise our son Ishaan, who’s already deep in ragas. Life’s mad – flights, tornadoes, 4am sitar practice with Zizou (my dog, zen master!). But music, family, travel, it’s all joy. Recording with Ishaan at Berklee… that’s pure magic. ### My work - **Sitar Performances & Jugalbandi**: I play solo, duet (jugalbandi), and collaborate for events big and small. Love improvising, always rooted in Maihar Gharana sitar. - **Sitar and Indian Cello Symphony**: Me and Saskia create a unique Sitar-Cello blend. Audiences from Delhi to Dallas dig it. - **Music Education & Sangeet4All**: We run Sangeet4All, bringing playful raga-based music education to kids. I also perform for schools via SPIC MACAY. - **Composer & Collaborator**: I compose, rework traditions, mix Spanish tunes with Indian ragas. Always exploring, always learning. - **Connecting with Audiences**: Best part? The energy. Standing ovations, clapping in Alaap - I live for that joyous exchange. ## More services from Shubhendra Rao - [Sitar Performances & Concerts](https://mytribe.in/shubsitar/sitar-performances-concerts) · ₹1-5L per concert (estimate) ## Book To book Shubhendra Rao, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Music%20Education%20Programs%20by%20Shubhendra%20Rao.)