Learn Sitar in Bengaluru with Arjun Anand
I help students find their own musical voice through the sitar. Whether you want to master classical ragas or play your favorite film songs, we can build your foundation together.
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.
There's a unique energy when you play for an audience. This was a happy moment during a performance, fully absorbed in the music.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About Featured
We start with the basics of posture and stroking technique because a clean sound is the only way to play complex ragas later. If you are starting from scratch, I focus heavily on how you hold the instrument and maintain your riyaaz (practice) routine, which is honestly more important than the first few lessons themselves.
Learning the sitar is a journey that connects you to a deeper sense of self. My approach is rooted in the guru-shishya parampara, a tradition passed down from my guru Sri Vijay B Gonahalu and dada guru Pandit Arvind Parikh ji. I teach in Bengaluru, working with students to build a solid technique that allows for true expression.
What We Cover
- Foundations: We begin with how to hold the sitar, proper hand positioning, and essential stroking patterns (Da, Ra). My goal is for you to produce a clear, resonant sound from day one.
- Raga Exploration: Once you are comfortable, we dive into classical ragas. We move beyond just playing notes to understanding the emotion and story behind compositions in raags like Bihag or Desh.
- Film & Fusion: If you have a favorite Bollywood or South Indian song, we can adapt it for the sitar. It is a great way to keep your practice sessions engaging and fun.
The Practice Commitment
Real progress requires consistency. I am here to help you set up a routine, but the effort has to come from you. The sitar is a demanding instrument, but the peace it brings is worth the effort. Down the line, as you gain confidence, we can even work toward preparing you for a baithak (small concert) to experience the joy of sharing your music with a supportive audience. Whether you are a total beginner or looking to refine your technique, let’s see where this path takes you.
Arjun Anand
The sitar is my world, and I find it hard to tell where the music ends and I begin. I feel lucky to have learned under Sri Vijay B Gonahalu, and I carry those lessons into every class I teach. When I am not playing concerts or recording, I am usually outside, just pickin' n grinnin' with my instrument.
Not finding the right fit?
Browse other areas of my sitar work to see what inspires you.
More from Sitar Lessons by Arjun Anand