Sangeet4All: Structured Indian Music Education for Children
Music is a language every child can speak. Through Sangeet4All, I bring Indian classical music into schools and homes with a curriculum that turns learning into play.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About Sangeet4All: Music for Every Child
My approach moves away from rote learning and toward actual musical understanding. For our Hauz Khas group sessions, we work in small batches called Mini Maestros or Sargam Masters, ensuring your child gets individual attention. We use proprietary materials like the Dhwani textbook and digital practice tracks to keep the musical journey active even after the weekly session ends.
Music education is more than just learning to play a tune. It is about cognitive growth, emotional expression, and connecting with our cultural roots. My curriculum, co-developed with my wife Saskia Rao de Haas, is the first structured program for Indian music designed specifically for schools, spanning from nursery to high school. We have tested this methodology in diverse environments, from private schools to government-aided centers, and even in international collaborations.
For younger children, our quarter-based foundation course focuses on rhythmic understanding and vocal basics. We keep these classes group-based to foster peer learning and joy. For older students or those serious about the Sitar, I offer private mentorship at my residence in Padmini Enclave. These sessions are deeply personal, following the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara where we focus on technique, improvisation, and the philosophy of raga.
Whether you are looking for introductory music classes in Delhi or advanced technique correction for your own practice, my goal is the same. I want to share the Maihar Gharana tradition in a way that is accessible, relevant, and deeply fulfilling for the student. If you have questions about which course fits your child's age or your own skill level, please reach out.
Shubhendra Rao
Music has been my life's path since I began my training under my Guru, Pt. Ravi Shankar. Now, I dedicate much of my time to Sangeet4All, ensuring that children can experience the same joy and spiritual connection I feel every time I pick up my sitar.
Looking for a different musical experience?
You can browse my sitar performances, masterclasses, or private mentorship options.
More from Music Education Programs by Shubhendra Rao