Authentic Sitar Training Through the Guru-Shishya Parampara
Music is a sacred dialogue between master and disciple. This is how I learned from my Guru, the legendary Pt. Ravi Shankar, and how I now pass the lineage of the Maihar Gharana to the next generation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
About The Guru-Shishya Parampara: A Living Tradition
Unlike generic music schools, my private mentorship happens at my personal residence in Padmini Enclave. We do not follow a rigid, one-size-fits-all syllabus. Instead, we focus on Gayaki Ang and the subtle nuances of Raga improvisation that can only be picked up by sitting across from me, listening to the flow of the music, and observing my daily riyaz.
The Guru-Shishya Parampara is not just a teaching method, it is a way of life that demands patience and devotion. When you train with me, you are stepping into a tradition that traces its roots through my father, Pt. N.R. Rama Rao, and back to the great Bharat Ratna Pt. Ravi Shankar. My goal is to equip serious students with the technical precision and the spiritual depth required to play the Sitar with true intent.
My approach to mentorship is grounded in the Maihar Gharana style. We look at everything from proper Meend production and Jhala speed to the emotional weight behind each note. This is a journey of learning with the heart, not just reading notation from a page. I provide access to my handwritten composition notes, share stories from my years of travel and performance, and offer guidance on stagecraft and microphone technique to prepare you for real-world performances.
This training is ideal for advanced students or professionals who own a professional-grade Sitar and are ready to commit to a rigorous path of musical growth. Because this is a personal transmission of knowledge, I work with a limited number of students. If you are serious about refining your craft or correcting specific techniques, we can start with an intensive diagnostic masterclass to assess your current proficiency and build a roadmap for your future study.
Shubhendra Rao
I am a sitarist and a humble servant of the Maihar Gharana, blessed to have been trained by my father and the legendary Pt. Ravi Shankar. My life is dedicated to this music, and I find my greatest joy in sharing the depth of our traditions with dedicated students who are ready to learn from the heart.
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