Sitar Lessons
Available across Bengaluru
I teach sitar step by step, starting from basics to ragas and covers, and help you build your own style with practical guidance and performance experience.
Pricing Guide
Beginner Sitar & Hobby Lessons
Core Fundamentals
- Duration: 60 minutes of 1-on-1 instruction.
- Posture & Handling: Guidance on traditional sitting posture (Baithak), holding the instrument correctly, and managing fingertip conditioning.
- Technique: Instruction on Right-hand stroking patterns (Da, Ra, Dir, DaRa) and Left-hand fret negotiation.
Curriculum & Song Learning
- Basics: Introduction to Thaats (scales) and simple Ragas like Yaman and Bhupali.
- Song Covers: Lessons on playing instrumental versions of popular Bollywood or Kannada songs to maintain engagement.
- Materials: Digital notation sheets (Swaralipi) provided for all lessons.
- Tuning: Practical lessons on tuning main strings (Baj taar) and sympathetic strings (Taraf).
Advanced Classical & Performance Training
Advanced Technique & Ragas
- Duration: 60 to 90 minutes based on session intensity.
- Raga Elaboration: Deep dive into complex Ragas (e.g., Marwa, Todi) covering Alap, Jod, and Jhala.
- Improvisation: Training in Gayaki Ang (vocal style) and spontaneous phrase creation.
- Speed: Specialized exercises for Taankari (fast melodic passages) and clarity in high-speed playing.
Performance Preparation
- Rhythm Logic: Mastering rhythm cycles (Teentaal, Jhaptaal) and coordination with Tabla accompanists.
- Stagecraft: Guidance on stage presence, microphone placement, and sound checking.
- Lineage: Access to traditional compositions (Bandishes) passed down via Guru-Shishya tradition.
- Analysis: Feedback on recorded practice sessions to correct micro-tonal errors.
About Sitar Lessons
Why I Teach Sitar
The sitar is honestly more than just music for me, it’s a way of living and connecting with something bigger. I learned under my guru Sri Vijay B Gonahalu and grand-guru Pandit Arvind Parikh ji, and those lessons run deep in all I share. I try to keep that same guru-shishya vibe alive - our journey together matters as much as any individual class.
What My Lessons Look Like
- If you’re totally new, don’t stress. We’ll start with the basics: how to hold the sitar, proper hand positions, and the first strokes (Da, Ra) so your sound is clean from day one.
- Once you’re comfy, we dive into the world of ragas. It’s not just about playing the notes, but catching the feel and story behind them. We’ll explore classics like Bihag or Desh, and I’ll show you how to improvise with alap, jod, and bandish.
- Got an ear for film music? Happy to work on sitar covers of Bollywood or South Indian hits too. Sometimes you just want to play “Zehnaseeb” on the sitar, right?
- I focus a lot on helping you find your own voice, not just copying what I do.
How We Grow
- Real talk: nothing replaces riyaaz (practice). I’ll help you set up a routine, but the effort’s gotta come from you.
- Down the line, you might even get to play a baithak (small concert) to see how it feels to share your music.
- Sessions are shaped around Hindustani classical sitar classes, but always with space to explore what excites you.
Let’s see where your sitar journey takes you.
Meet your Expert
Arjun Anand
17 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Namaskara, I'm Arjun. The sitar is pretty much my world - sometimes I forget where the music ends and I begin. My guru Sri Vijay B Gonahalu, and my dada guru Pandit Arvind Parikh ji, shaped my journey. Playing for Parikh ji on his 97th birthday? Goosebumps, even now. I love small baithaks, big concerts, and playing outdoors in places like Uttarakhand, just me and the hills. Music and nature, that's my peace.
My Work
Sitar Performances - Classical, Fusion & Covers - I play classical sitar, fusion with DJ (yup, grooving beats), and Kannada instrumental covers for all kinds of events.
Studio Recording & Collaboration - Recording sessions, jugalbandi with tabla or flute, and jamming with other artists - I’m always up for it.
Sitar Lessons - For anyone serious about learning, I offer sitar lessons. Beginners welcome, but dedication is a must.
