Learn Sitar Through the Guru-Shishya Tradition
Music is a language, and learning it is a journey. Whether you are picking up the sitar for the first time or looking to refine your classical technique, I offer a space grounded in the traditional guru-shishya parampara.
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.
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.
About The Guru-Shishya Parampara
Learning the sitar is not just about memorizing notes or following a textbook. It requires patience and daily riyaaz. In my sessions, we focus on hand positions and breathing as much as the ragas themselves. I meet students where they are, so whether you want to focus on the meditative alap of a classical raga or learn a Bollywood song that you love, we work together to build your own distinct sound.
The guru-shishya parampara is the backbone of Hindustani classical music. It is a relationship of mutual respect, where the teacher passes on not just the technical skills, but the philosophy and discipline required to truly understand the instrument. When you learn with me, you are stepping into that lineage.
How We Work Together
- Beginner Foundation: We start with the basics of posture (baithak) and the physics of the sitar. Getting the right sound starts with how you hold the instrument and use your hands. We will work on simple thaats and ragas like Yaman or Bhupali to build your confidence.
- Classical Depth: For advanced students, we dive into the structure of a raga. We explore alap, jod, and jhala, focusing on taankari and gayaki ang (vocal style) to make your sitar 'sing'.
- Modern Adaptation: I believe music should be joyful. If you have a favorite Bollywood or Kannada song, we can adapt it for the sitar. This is a great way to keep your practice interesting while you continue your classical studies.
Why Practice Matters
There are no shortcuts to playing the sitar well. It is a demanding instrument that requires consistent daily practice. My role as your teacher is to guide you, correct your micro-tonal errors, and provide the material you need, but the growth comes from your dedication to the strings. If you are willing to put in the time, I am here to help you unlock the music within.
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