--- title: "Sitar Riyaz Sessions | Learn Classical Sitar with Soumitra Thakur" description: "Explore dedicated Sitar riyaz and practice sessions by Soumitra Thakur. Discover his approach to raaga improvisation and classical music workshops in Delhi." canonical: https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/the-sadhana-practice-riyaz-and-studio-sessions last_updated: 2025-09-22 --- # Sitar Riyaz and Practice Sessions Tribe Verified · President's Award winning Sitar practice sessions. By [Soumitra Thakur](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur) · Travels for performances across Delhi NCR and India · ₹35K Per Session (estimate) Part of [Sitar Performances](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/gallery) Music is a sadhana, a lifelong discipline. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at my daily riyaz, the creative studio process, and the quiet moments where I connect with the sitar. ## Photos and videos - [Video: A little sneak peek into my Riyaz session of Raag Tilak Kamod. The peaceful vibe and natural reverb of a good space really bring the music to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ecafce56-9eb4-4f73-8227-c4b5825e9ce0) - [Video: Raag Jog can be both fun and very serious. This is a small "Jod" portion of this mystical raaga that I recorded during a practice session.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/542f600b-e7a2-45ec-a469-b7c60d050946) - ![Sharing a piece of my heart. This photograph captures the essence of a musical journey filled with passion, dedication, and countless hours of sadhana.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1dfaceb7-9c17-4a48-bf1f-47ea189f6782) - [Video: After a little break, I felt like picking up my Sitar and recording a bit of Raag Bihag for you. This is a new take, but it still holds that old-school tonality that I love.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/008b28e8-6c9f-45d3-b55e-61bc1ab19401) - [Video: I hope this short clip of Raag Maanj Khamaj adds a burst of energy and fills your heart with warmth and joy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/17ea7ab5-d9c6-4b9a-a141-a47e4d70c0c6) - [Video: "Dekhecho ki taake," one of my favorite Bengali melodies of all time by the legendary Subhamita Banerjee. It is a joy to interpret such beautiful songs on the sitar.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bb712731-d1bf-43ba-a036-10151960e407) - [Video: Let the soothing strains of Raag Kedar escort you into a sanctuary of peace. This celestial raaga awakens a profound stillness, depth, and yearning.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ad252901-d184-4244-b7ba-0fc763867743) - [Video: One of my favorite early afternoon melodies, Raag Shudh Sarang. I hope you enjoy this slow tempo composition based on this beautiful raaga.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8f464433-e772-445f-9b10-355ac8716626) - [Video: A couple of years ago, we had the pleasure of recording Raag Bageshree for a special project. Here is a brief snippet from that memorable session, accompanied by the talented Mahavir on tabla.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/57190cb7-e1ee-4983-96ac-07059f32c537) - [Video: A small snippet from a recording session for Namma Music. I had the opportunity to record Raagas Charukeshi, Hemant, and Mishra Kafi for the album.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0a7d96df-b9be-4760-8071-c803b599de3a) - [Video: Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing melodies of Raag Desh, as each note paints a canvas of love and longing. Let the music serenade your soul.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/835a4b7c-fc2d-4f6b-bca5-913c89d462b8) - [Video: A simple practice session at home. Sometimes I like to just play and see what melodies emerge. Can you guess this late morning raaga?](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/542faa20-c044-414a-bc66-6264d25c97ec) - [Video: A short practice clip of Raag Shudh Kalyan, an evening melody that is both serene and majestic.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b414257e-79f8-4cee-98cb-fc6044a0b5cb) - [Video: Let the soulful melodies of a Bhatiyali Dhun serenade you with the timeless beauty of Bengal’s riverine culture. This is my melodic adaptation on the sitar.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8e8c6a64-1d9d-4998-bb2e-a5f342d613c1) - [Video: Some fun with my vintage Rikhi Ram Sitar, exploring the notes of Raag Puriya Kalyan. I hope you enjoy it.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a9031415-878c-484a-b65f-cd150ce82dc2) - ![A close-up of my hands on the sitar during a live show. The connection between the artist and the instrument is where the music is born.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1d94d118-9608-4d15-b44b-547bb27f9bbe) - ![My entire world in a frame. This photo, taken during a soundcheck, captures the quiet moment of tuning and preparing my sitar before a show.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/015cb36b-1584-48a3-a056-94d32b45b245) - [Video: My favorite late morning melody, Raag Jaunpuri. The notes of this raaga are perfect for a bright and thoughtful start to the day.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c9f6f5ea-77f3-46d5-8cab-6c4079970e47) - [Video: A moment of peace, playing Raag Shudh Sarang by the bay in Goa. The sound of the ocean and the melody of the sitar create a perfect harmony.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6d7fb669-f04c-40a5-884c-86130e4c1aac) - ![Close your eyes, inhale deeply, and let the music transport you to a place where time stands still. A quiet moment with my sitar.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/796dee16-10d2-4a44-8d82-2ce617ae970c) - [Video: Playing my 80-year-old vintage Sitar, handcrafted by the legendary Rikhi Ram Sharma Ji. The sound of this instrument is filled with history as I explore Raag Puriya Kalyan.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d62c9b43-b146-44d0-b335-cd88952ce177) - [Video: A short clip from a recording session of Raag Charukesi. The studio environment allows for a different kind of focus and precision.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9aa449f1-d561-468f-b0d8-fbad66daaa12) - ![With my forever trusted companion, my Sitar. This photo was taken during our show at UCLA, a moment of good vibes and great music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f882e01-096a-4b52-8aa1-b3fe69afeba3) - [Video: Sometimes, a hotel room can become a concert hall. This is a small clip of a midnight melody, Raag Jogkauns, recorded at 2 AM in my hotel room in San Francisco, the perfect time for this raaga.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7f5a36a9-c3f1-44ae-92ec-664a9be25248) - [Video: This corner of my room in Houston, filled with melancholic vibes, helped me discover different emotions in Raag Desh. I hope you enjoy this recording from that very same place.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b87c5a51-6b8d-47b0-ba7c-6ec7a50eb742) - [Video: After the relentless demands of a tour, a moment of solitude with my sitar is precious. The gentle low lighting and quiet atmosphere drew me towards Raag Bageshree.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/280ff1f0-3852-471f-a46f-6cb726bd5b65) - [Video: I have always been haunted by a few phrases from Raag Kirwani. Instead of trying to find an explanation, I chose to embrace the flow of the music and let the mystery remain.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5b176245-2f94-4c7a-9516-e726466898f5) - [Video: Raag Madhuvanti, a majestic afternoon melody for you all. I hope you enjoy this short clip from a practice session.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/81fd43bd-d3e9-405b-93ca-535ca88fe10d) - [Video: I was moved by the mesmerizing beauty of Raag Jog, flowing through an 8.5 beat cycle that I came up with while fidgeting with this beautiful raaga.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c6893f5b-15d1-4bbd-8a7e-12c1f9d1c95f) - [Video: Raag Jaijaiwanti is a beautiful and emotive classical raga, often associated with the late night hours. Its unique blend of notes creates a captivating melodic structure that I love to explore.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d91ad851-7b36-4e9d-860d-2882a51195cf) - [Video: I believe in sharing longer videos to capture the true essence of Indian Classical Music. This is a snippet of the alap portion from the magnificent morning Raaga, Nat Bhairav.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4b61492c-31d5-4664-87c9-7b4f29ab3dd7) - [Video: It’s time for one more post of Raaga Yaman. This is an old video, but the composition by my Guruji, Pt. Kushal Das, is a forever favorite.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7534363a-757b-47dd-ad7a-3b1dfef8aeed) - [Video: The mood of Raag Yaman is one of tranquility and introspection. Can you guess the popular composition that I have played in Yaman here?](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cd7cceb3-e3de-41ca-a201-83791a987613) - [Video: My baby is the best audience, forgiving me for all my mistakes. Here I am playing Raag Bhimpalasi, a raaga whose melancholic hues paint the twilight sky.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2950fb1a-335b-446c-873e-21f5a7b81f67) - [Video: Exploring the 'vistar' or expansion in Raag Yaman. There is always so much new to discover in this raaga, an infinite ocean of music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/28fd6847-b4bf-4645-a530-f9a4eaa72393) - [Video: Raag Bageshree has been very close to my heart since childhood. Staying away from home for months made me nostalgic, and I expressed that feeling through this raaga.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4409abc2-4d92-45c7-8d4a-87bc7ba58c40) - [Video: A warmup session just before a show, playing Raag Mishra Piloo. This is the pure, unamplified sound of the sitar, just as I hear it.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f0a3c4c4-ec8e-4ce9-a04f-7502617395c9) - [Video: Wishing everyone a Happy Bengali New Year (Shubho Nobo Borsho) with the festive notes of Raag Manjh Khamaj.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/277aff77-2a86-481d-b45f-36ac139eec9b) - [Video: Today is the 103rd birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar ji. This recording of Raaga Parameshwari, his own creation, is my small tribute to this magnanimous artist.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8749b79f-ee8d-4692-941d-4089735fb212) - [Video: A clip from a recording session of Raag Charukeshi with the dazzling Yashwant Vaishnav on tabla. The joy of creating music together is evident.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/748f9fe4-d731-4e4c-a257-3cc86b7e92fa) - [Video: A short practice video of the Alap section of Raag Shudh Kalyan. The alap is the un-rhythmic, meditative opening of a performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1c45979e-27c2-4859-ad09-01198d8b674d) - ![Unplug, sit in your silence, reflect, and then create. This is my process for finding new inspiration in music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7bf5c110-63b6-4f95-8584-9dcb5deee9a2) - ![A black and white portrait that captures a moment of quiet contemplation. My thanks to the photographer for this beautiful shot.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6297e39c-71d7-4c72-8a20-4d724262718c) - [Video: From the vault, a composition in Raag Durga set to Taal Rupak. I hope you enjoy this piece and forgive any mistakes committed.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c4cef8f4-2a90-4269-ac2f-f62ffdc0e2ed) - [Video: A melancholic mood where you wish to play something without rhythm. Here I am fiddling around with the notes of the classic song "Ghar se nikalte hi."](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/122e283d-321b-4132-994f-b917ef5c3062) - [Video: A sitar rendition of the timeless thumri, "Yaad Piya ki Aaye." The paintings in the background are by my talented parents.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0e126a09-bf3a-4954-9136-f365933963d1) - [Video: A small clip from a recording session of Raag Patdeep. The studio provides a controlled environment to capture the nuances of the music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7ef7f42f-84b6-453a-81ca-c48e6df46a1f) ## About The Sadhana: Practice, Riyaz, and Studio Sessions Practice is rarely about hitting a perfect note every single time. It is about the consistency of effort and the physical weight, or 'vazan,' that you apply to the strings to achieve the right tone. When you watch these clips, you are seeing the raw process—the trial, the error, and the eventual realization of a raga—that happens long before the stage lights go on. ### The Discipline of Riyaz Riyaz is not merely repetitive exercise; it is an active conversation with the instrument. In my studio, I focus on the essential foundations of Tantrakari and Gayaki. Whether I am working through the intricate structures of Raag Jog or exploring the morning melodies of Raag Shudh Sarang, my goal remains the same: ensuring that every stroke carries the intended emotional weight. ### Beyond the Performance Many people only see the final, polished result on stage. However, the true story of my music lives here, in the quiet moments of recording and the honest, unedited sessions at the Pink Lotus Academia. This is where I experiment with new sounds and refine the techniques I teach in my workshops. ### Learning the Craft I believe that anyone can learn to play if they are willing to put in the time. My teaching methodology is built directly from these practice habits. When we work together in class, we do not just learn to play songs; we learn how to focus the mind and how to listen to the raga. If you are interested in developing your own discipline, I invite you to join me for a session where we can discuss how to build your foundations correctly from day one. ## About Soumitra Thakur I am Soumitra Thakur, and for me, the sitar is how I breathe. I believe that true mastery comes from the quiet, disciplined hours spent in practice, far away from the applause of a concert hall. I invite you to see that side of my work here. [See all of Soumitra Thakur's services](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur) ## More from Sitar Performances by Soumitra Thakur - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/featured) - [Solo Sitar: The Classical Experience](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/solo-sitar-the-classical-experience) - [The Baithak: An Intimate Musical Dialogue](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/the-baithak-an-intimate-musical-dialogue) - [Jugalbandi: A Conversation Between Instruments](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/jugalbandi-a-conversation-between-instruments) - [Exploring New Sounds: Fusion & Collaborations](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/exploring-new-sounds-fusion-collaborations) - [On The Road: Tours, Events & Press](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/on-the-road-tours-events-press) - [Moments with Maestros & Mentors](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/moments-with-maestros-mentors) - [Portraits & Musings](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-performances/portraits-musings) ## More services by Soumitra Thakur - [Sitar Classes & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/soumitra_thakur/sitar-classes-workshops) ## Similar work from other experts - [The Art of Sitar Practice: My Daily Riyaaz](https://mytribe.in/shubsitar/sitar-performances-concerts/practice-process) by Shubhendra Rao · Sitar Performances & Concerts · Performs at venues and events across India - [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 - [Behind the Music: Sitar Studio Sessions & Raag Explorations](https://mytribe.in/dhruv_bedi/live-sitar-performances/behind-the-music-studio-sessions-raag-explorations) by Dhruv Bedi · Live Sitar Performances · Performs across Delhi NCR and travels across India for events - [Riyaz & Sadhana: My Daily Practice](https://mytribe.in/shubhrodeep.pathak/live-sitar-performance/riyaz-sadhana-my-daily-practice) by Shubhrodeep Pathak · Live Sitar Performance · Travels for live performances across Delhi NCR and pan-India - [Inside the Riyaz: My Daily Tabla Sadhana](https://mytribe.in/debjitpatitundi/live-tabla-performance/rehearsals-riyaz-the-daily-sadhana) by Debjit Patitundi · Live Tabla Performance · Available for performances across India - [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 ## Book To book Soumitra Thakur, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaskar%20Soumitra%20ji%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20practice%20sessions%20and%20would%20like%20to%20know%20more%20about%20your%20online%20Sitar%20classes.)