Sitar Classes & Workshops
The Pink Lotus Academia- Yoga, Music and Dance
I teach sitar to all levels, online or in-person, focusing on basics, technique, and how regular practice improves focus and sound.
Pricing Guide
Weekend Small Group Classes
Schedule & Batch Details
- Frequency: 4 sessions per month (1 session per week)
- Duration: 60 minutes per session
- Timing: Saturday or Sunday evenings
- Batch Size: Strict cap of 3 to 6 students for quality control
Studio & Environment
- Location: Acoustic treated basement studio in GK II
- Amenities: Air conditioning, floor rugs/mats provided
- Equipment: Access to electronic Tanpura and Tabla for accompaniment
- Hybrid Option: Real time Zoom integration available for remote attendees
Curriculum Focus
- Content: Gayaki Ang (vocal style) and hand positioning
- Practice: Peer jamming opportunities and annual showcase participation
1-on-1 Private Sitar Training
Session Structure
- Format: 1 on 1 private instruction
- Duration: 60 minutes per session
- Scheduling: Flexible timing based on mutual convenience
Customization
- Curriculum: Tailored strictly to student level (Hobby vs Concert Prep)
- Technique: Micro correction of finger placement and stroke angles
- Content: Rare compositions and Tantrakari techniques of Bishnupur/Maihar lineage
Value Additions
- Advisory: Guidance on instrument selection and luthier connections
- Mentorship: Career guidance for AIR grading and competitions
Pre-Recorded Digital Course
Content Specifications
- Access: Lifetime access to the student portal
- Volume: Approximately 10 hours of HD video content
- Structure: 6 detailed lectures per level
Learning Materials
- Visuals: On screen diagrams of fret positions
- Notation: Digital Sargam sheets provided within the portal
- Certification: Digital certificate upon completion
Syllabus Breakdown
- Beginner: Holding posture, basic strokes (Da/Ra)
- Intermediate: Left hand exercises (Paltas), Alankars
- Advanced: Gamak, Meend, and complex improvisation
2-Day Intensive Workshop
Event Logistics
- Duration: 2 Days (Saturday and Sunday)
- Total Hours: 10 hours of instruction (5 hours per day)
- Amenities: Tea and Coffee breaks included during sessions
Core Topics
- Technical: Bio mechanics of right hand weight distribution (Vazan)
- Creative: Logic of Raga improvisation (Alaap, Jod, Jhala)
- Maintenance: Basics of instrument tuning and fret adjustment
Takeaways
- Materials: Printed or digital handouts of compositions
- Support: Dedicated Q&A segment for habit correction
- Access: Limited time access to session recordings for revision
About Sitar Classes & Workshops
My Philosophy
For me, music is pure sadhana - a daily discipline, not just a performance. I don't expect perfection from myself or anyone else. We keep showing up, and that's where real growth happens. If you really enjoy the journey, the hours of riyaz (practice) stop feeling like hard work.
What You’ll Experience
Learning the sitar isn't just about notes and speed. It changes how you see things, helps you focus better, and brings calm. I see this shift in my own life and in my students all the time.
How I Teach
- Classes are for everyone - total beginners to advanced players.
- We start with basics: how to hold and tune the sitar, left and right hand coordination, and easy alankars (melodic patterns).
- Move into riyaz techniques, correcting your strokes, and building real vazan (depth and weight) in your sound.
- Explore advanced ideas like gayaki ang (making your sitar sing like a human voice) and learn new compositions in different raags.
Ways to Learn With Me
- Hybrid Indian classical music classes: join online from anywhere or in-person at my space in Greater Kailash 2, Delhi.
- Regular ongoing classes or short, intense workshops (these are open to other classical instrumentalists too).
- Our studio, The Pink Lotus Academia, has a peaceful vibe and great natural sound that makes practice feel special.
If you’re looking for beginner sitar lessons or just want to explore what this instrument can do for your mind, you’ll find a place here.
Meet your Expert
Soumitra Thakur
138 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Namaskar, I’m Soumitra Thakur. Sitar is in my blood, Delhi is my base, Jharkhand gave me roots. Got the President Award once, still feels unreal. Music isn’t just work for me - it’s how I breathe, how I see the world. Tried Saraswati Veena, got hooked by its naad (sound). My friends, old teachers, even random heroes I meet, they keep me grounded. Life’s tough, but I believe in small steps and never giving up.
My Work
Sitar Performances & Collaborations - Solo classical shows, jugalbandi duet performances, and fusion gigs. Love playing in baithak settings - real connection.
Sitar Workshops & Classes - Offer online sitar classes for beginners, intermediate, advanced. Teaching is all about strong basics and believing in each student.
Riyaz & Technique Training - We work on Riyaz techniques, right-left hand coordination, and putting correct 'vazan' (weight) in strokes for expressive notes.
Raga Improvisation & Foundation - Focus on raga improvisation workshop, Alankars, Gayaki, and Tantrakari. Not just playing, but understanding the music’s soul.