---
title: "Sitar Lessons to Learn Authentic Hindustani Music - mytribe"
description: "Looking for expert Sitar Lessons? Learn authentic Hindustani classical music from a professional sitar teacher. Our classes for beginners to advanced students cover raga theory, improvisation, and traditional techniques. Find your guru on Tribe and start today!"
canonical: https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons
last_updated: 2025-09-07
---

# Sitar Lessons in Bengaluru

By [Arjun Anand](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude) · 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.

## Locations

Online classes and home tuitions in Bengaluru

### Travels to

- Travels for lessons across Bengaluru (Bengaluru, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India)

Also available online.

## Pricing guide (estimates)

These are indicative prices based on provider's past work. Enquire now to find out final quote.

### Beginner Sitar & Hobby Lessons

Covers instrument handling, basic stroking patterns, notation reading, and learning popular Bollywood instrumental covers.

Typically ₹800-1,200 per hour (estimate)

#### 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

Intensive sessions focusing on complex Raga improvisation, high-speed melodic runs, and concert stage grooming.

Typically ₹1,500-2,500 per hour (estimate)

#### 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.

## Highlights

Browse through Arjun Anand's best work.

### [Featured](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/featured)

- [Video: Here I am with my student, playing by the water in Munnar. For me, the guru-shishya relationship is about more than just lessons; it's about sharing the joy of music and creating beautiful moments like this.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/54b73c07-8c70-4c23-9b76-f48296f3bc66)
- ![There's a unique energy when you play for an audience. This was a happy moment during a performance, fully absorbed in the music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f2607d2-34f2-4762-b872-284cf943ab92)
- [Video: The sitar isn't just for classical music. Here's my instrumental take on the popular Bollywood song "Tum Hi Ho". If you have a favorite film song, we can explore how to play it on the sitar.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/511377e5-ca6c-41b9-882d-dab9e724d93a)
- [Video: This is a close up of my hands during a riyaaz session, exploring the alap of Raag Jogkauns. In our lessons, we will focus on correct hand positioning and strokes to ensure your sound is clean and resonant from day one.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/091ea5e2-d9f5-44e0-96b7-9bc21c6f48c5)
- [Video: A moment I will cherish forever, playing for my dada guru, the legendary Pandit Arvind Parikh ji. This deep connection to the musical lineage is at the heart of everything I teach.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/72aa8859-bfda-4856-b1f2-437f22d140e1)
- ![Just me, my sitar, and a happy moment. This instrument is a constant source of joy and I hope to share that feeling with you.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f6b14f5-f208-441f-bdad-36f7245f2127)
- [Video: A glimpse into a traditional baithak, or a small house concert. This is a wonderful goal for students to work towards, sharing their music in an intimate and supportive setting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/707ec64e-f935-46c4-9da3-d36397cbf3da)

### [Raga Riyāz: A Deep Dive into Classical Sitar](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/raga-riy-z-a-deep-dive-into-classical-sitar)

- [Video: A short taan progression in Raag Bihag. We will learn how to build speed and clarity in these intricate melodic passages.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e6252719-effa-4eae-9373-5154e8601254)
- [Video: Exploring the Jod section in Raag Jinjhoti. This part of a raga performance builds a rhythmic pulse after the free-flowing alap.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0e67708c-9ab5-4216-8d74-d7b26a4a7f12)
- [Video: A short alap, or opening improvisation, in Raag Rageshree. This is where we introduce the mood and key phrases of the raga.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3a82d711-b6c7-4cfc-8128-f8fe686c7ba3)
- [Video: Here is an alap in Raag Vrindavani Sarang, a beautiful melody often associated with the afternoon.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ad339a20-a0db-480a-a184-5f5e11167fdd)
- [Video: Practicing taankari, or fast melodic runs, in Raag Desh. This technique adds excitement and virtuosity to a performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e8529abd-9488-46fa-ac9f-229ced83907f)
- [Video: This is a bandish, a fixed composition, in Raag Marwa. Learning compositions is key to understanding a raga's structure and provides a framework for improvisation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2976a538-8bef-488a-9d25-2e13c989d08a)
- [Video: A brief exploration of Raag Purya, an evening raga with a deep and contemplative mood.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/101a975e-65f7-482c-8fad-d0f9d7740e28)

### [Sitar for the Silver Screen](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/sitar-for-the-silver-screen)

- [Video: A fun jam session playing "Zehnaseeb" from Hasee Toh Phasee. This shows how the sitar can blend with other instruments like guitar and tabla in a contemporary setting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fd70df6b-5816-4c11-8b79-621d40f31a02)
- [Video: An instrumental cover of the beautiful Kannada song "Ninnindale". The sitar lends itself wonderfully to the melodies of South Indian film music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/76dfb7ac-cb91-4b1d-b393-463fd56c8e94)
- [Video: My sitar rendition of "Inkem Inkem" from the Telugu film Geetha Govindam. Learning to play popular tunes is a great way to practice your skills.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b2cec7c9-4389-4cc6-aaa8-048b00404801)
- [Video: Another instrumental cover for you to enjoy. We can break down the melody and techniques used in songs like this during our classes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1056ab29-55f9-47bd-b700-ff881e2573b8)

### [On Stage: Concerts & Collaborations](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/on-stage-concerts-collaborations)

- ![Performing at the Gurupoornima celebration in 2022, an event dedicated to honoring our teachers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0e5b3da4-a9f2-43bd-a5ac-83cf84ab8f30)
- ![Performing at the Gurupoornima celebration in 2022, an event dedicated to honoring our teachers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8f3f615c-e893-429b-a301-bf051ec40220)
- ![Lost in the music during a performance. The stage is a sacred space where the music truly comes alive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89defe67-2921-49d3-9fa5-0d7bb1f019cd)
- ![Lost in the music during a performance. The stage is a sacred space where the music truly comes alive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f4c690cd-b226-48b1-8086-bb13faf761a1)
- ![Tuning the sitar during a concert. Proper tuning is crucial for a beautiful performance, and it's one of the first things we will learn.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1038dd0c-5bc5-4fac-9ba0-b56951f47458)
- ![Tuning the sitar during a concert. Proper tuning is crucial for a beautiful performance, and it's one of the first things we will learn.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1ab8b574-093a-4d76-8014-86b64bed021e)
- ![A black and white shot from the Gurupoornima '22 concert, capturing the focused intensity of a live performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/119572f0-ce6e-4896-aafd-0f298b39904d)
- ![A black and white shot from the Gurupoornima '22 concert, capturing the focused intensity of a live performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/57b476dd-9504-4795-9416-058f96a74a3d)
- ![A moment of performance, seated on stage. This traditional posture helps in maintaining balance and control over the instrument.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/418f9328-e052-46c4-9f6b-66eab07bb78e)
- ![A moment of performance, seated on stage. This traditional posture helps in maintaining balance and control over the instrument.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/65cd92aa-7858-430d-874a-9d1779fb8d6c)
- ![A moment of performance, seated on stage. This traditional posture helps in maintaining balance and control over the instrument.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/886d040b-ac88-41b6-bdc1-fecb173a54da)
- ![A moment of performance, seated on stage. This traditional posture helps in maintaining balance and control over the instrument.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ee62a0c3-8e96-402c-b3e0-f664d93a9ad0)
- ![A close up shot from a performance, showing the connection between the artist and the instrument.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8d6c4890-e35d-4492-b242-590112b1a285)
- ![A close up shot from a performance, showing the connection between the artist and the instrument.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a61bf40e-32a9-495c-a3f9-f453bcbf923f)
- ![Sharing a moment with a fellow artist on stage during the Gurupoornima event. Music is often a collaborative art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/18272045-e392-480e-ab81-a240698236eb)
- ![Sharing a moment with a fellow artist on stage during the Gurupoornima event. Music is often a collaborative art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/44c67c82-9166-4c74-bf11-e387d8e05f8a)
- [Video: Playing the Jod section of Raag Jogkauns during my Gurupoornima performance. This is how practice sessions translate to the stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dae620fd-1c42-49d5-ab09-7b84d6f06669)
- [Video: A riyaaz session is always better with a great accompanist. Here I am practicing with a talented tabla player.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bdc318b2-6cad-42f6-9181-99c94d6ddfee)
- ![Humbled to be recognized for my music. Every performance is a learning experience and an honor.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89c2662e-60ad-40f2-840b-fc92bb9389e4)
- ![The poster for my "Ranga Vandana" concert. Performing is an important part of my musical journey, and it can be a part of yours too.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c4550898-7173-4ec1-99f6-682d653bbf2b)

### [The Guru-Shishya Parampara](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/the-guru-shishya-parampara)

- [Video: I was deeply honored to play for my dada guru, Pandit Arvind Parikh ji, on his 97th birthday. This is the tradition I come from, and I am grateful to my guru for making it possible.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/72aa8859-bfda-4856-b1f2-437f22d140e1)
- [Video: Playing with my student in the beautiful landscape of Munnar. This is what the guru-shishya journey is about: sharing knowledge and the love for music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/54b73c07-8c70-4c23-9b76-f48296f3bc66)

### [Candid Moments](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/sitar-lessons/candid-moments)

- ![A quiet moment of practice. Finding a peaceful space for your riyaaz is key to making progress.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c923b638-8696-4965-b1d5-4dce0e3e15bf)
- ![A smile during a musical moment. The goal is always to find the joy in the music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dccb0183-990c-43dd-aba1-536153408de8)
- !["Go where you feel most alive." For me, that place is with my sitar.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d59e20a7-115b-41a4-83e9-3f5e2a2260e3)
- ![A candid shot before a performance. It's important to be focused and present before you play.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/75166ec6-c723-46b7-aa45-90a2140ac52d)
- ![Another moment captured before a performance. As the quote says, "When you play, never mind who listens to you."](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d9423f64-ed89-4d75-9025-2d8577669a19)

## Meet your expert

[Arjun Anand](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude)

### 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.

## More services from Arjun Anand

- [Live Sitar Performances](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/live-sitar-performances) · ₹7-30K per 60-90 minute performance (estimate)
- [Studio Session Artist](https://mytribe.in/the_sitar_dude/studio-session-artist) · ₹4-12K per session (estimate)

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## Book

To book Arjun Anand, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Sitar%20Lessons%20by%20Arjun%20Anand.)