Learn from a Master
Sitar Lessons & Workshops
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced musician, Hindol offers tailored private lessons, master-classes and intensive workshops designed to deepen your understanding of Indian classical music and the sitar.
Book an AppointmentFormats
How We Learn Together
Private Lessons
One-on-one personalized instruction tailored to your level and goals.
- Video call lessons (Zoom/Teams)
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Basic lessons to Masterclass
Group Classes
Learn alongside other students in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Small group settings
- Ensemble playing experience
- Community & peer learning
Intensive Workshops
Deep dives into specific topics, techniques, or ragas over extended sessions.
- Weekend intensives
- Week-long programs
- Specialized focus areas
YOUR JOURNEY
What to Expect
Beginner Level
- •Basic Plucking Techniques (Da, Ra, Dir, Chikari)
- •Finger Dexterity Exercises
- •Introduction to Thaat Ragas (Yaman, Bhairav, Kafi, Bilaval, etc.)
- •Basic Scale Practice & Teentaal (16 beats)
- •Simple Compositions & Rhythm Integration
Intermediate Level
- •Advanced Techniques in Plucking, Precision, Left-Hand Techniques Meand, Gamak, Krintan, Ghaseet (Sliding)
- •Complex Ragas - Bhimpalasi, Jog, Kedar, Behag, etc.
- •Compositions in different Tala (Jhaptala, Rupaktala, Ektala)
- •Alap & Taan Development with variations
- •Villambit Gat
- •Vistar (Improvisation)
Advanced Level
- •Mastering Advanced Techniques (Right & Left Hand) Precision, Clarity
- •Rag-ang and Compound Ragas (Kaunsi-Kanada, Jogkauns, Gawati, etc.)
- •Advanced Tala Structures, Phrasing(Chand), Meter-classification (Jasti), Poly-rhythm
- •Intent, Performance & Stage Presence
- •Complex Improvisations & Multi-Raga Integration, Harmonic correlation, Performance with a band
Group Learning
Workshops &
Intensives
Hindol's workshops are designed to open doors — to a new musical tradition, a new way of listening, or a deeper understanding of the music you already play. They are held at music schools, festivals, universities and cultural institutions worldwide.
Indian Music Background
Advanced Techniques
Introduction to advanced plucking techniques (Meend, Gamak, Krintan). Advanced finger exercises and patterns. Introduction to left-hand techniques (sliding, pulling).
Raga Expansion
Introduction to different Ragas like Bhimpalasi, Jog, Kedar. Scale practice and characteristic phrases of Raga. Learning a composition in the Raga.
Complex Taal and Rhythm
Introduction to more complex Taal (Jhaptaal, 10 beats; Rupak, 7 beats). Practice with advanced rhythmic patterns. Combining different Taal with compositions.
Improvisation Techniques
Introduction to Alap (slow, non-rhythmic introduction). Building simple improvisations (Taan, Layakari). Understanding and practicing improvisational phrases.
Advanced Rhythmic Structures
Introduction to advanced Taal structures (Dhamar, 14 beats; Jhaptal, 10 beats). Mastering complex rhythmic cycles and variations. Integrating rhythm with advanced compositions.
Non-Indian Music Background
Introduction to Hindustani Music
Brief history and significance of North Indian classical music. Understanding raga, mood, and the significance of time. Exploring microtones (Shrutis) and their role in creating the unique sound of Indian music.
Understanding Raga System
Melodic framework and structure of ragas with ascending and descending patterns. Study important ragas like Darbari Kannada and Purvi. Learn how ragas differ from Western modes and Arabic Maqams through practical exercises.
Tala and Rhythm Training
Introduction to Indian Tala System with Teentaal, Jhaptaal, and Rupak. Comparison with Western time signatures and Middle Eastern rhythms. Learn Konnakol and Bols to vocalize and internalize tala structures.
Instrumental Adaptation & Improvisation
Adapt Indian ragas to non-Indian instruments. Master ornamentation techniques like Meend, Ghaseet, and Andolan. Learn improvisation methods to create alaap, jor, and jhala with gradual progression in performance.
Group Improvisation & Jamming
Collaborative composition and live jam sessions integrating Hindustani raga and tala with your musical background. Explore how Indian classical music blends with jazz, blues, flamenco, and Arabic Maqam systems.
Get Started
Book a Lesson or
Workshop
Send Hindol a message describing your background and what you're hoping to learn. He'll respond within 2-3 days to discuss how best to work together.