Course Overview

This 16-week course is designed to provide an introductory foundation to the sitar. 

Note: FAQs are below the course structure.

Course Structure

Week 0: Pre-work

Tuning the Sitar: Learning to tune the sitar to the D Scale.

Mobile Apps: Downloading the tuning and tabla apps required for practice

Posture

Mizrab

Week 1&2: Introduction to the Sitar

Sitar Anatomy: Understanding the different parts of the sitar and their functions.

Posture and Hand Position: Correct posture and hand positions for optimal playing.

Basic Plucking Techniques: Mastering the basic plucking techniques ('Da' and 'Ra' strokes).

Basic Sargam: Learning the natural notes 

Reading the sargam app notation

Week 3&4: Rhythmic Foundation

Introduction to taal: Understanding the concept of rhythmic cycles.

Basic Talas: Learning teen taal.

Rhythmic Exercises: Practicing sargam within the rhythmic patterns.

Exploring the lower and higher octaves (and notation)

Sapat (Straight) Practice

Alankar/Palta Practice

Murchana (Melodic rotation) Practice

Week 5&6: Pyramid and Merukhand + Revision

Pyramid Practice

Merukhand Practice 

Additional Paltas

Week 7&8: Fundamental Raag Concepts

Introduction to Raags: Understanding the concept of ragas as melodic frameworks.

Raag Structure: Exploring the components of a raag: alap, jor, and jhala.

Introduction to the structure of bhajans

Week 9&10: Advanced Plucking Techniques

Ornamentation Techniques: Learning advanced plucking techniques like gamak & meend.

Meend Practice: Practicing smooth and expressive meends.

Rhythmic Complexity: Exploring more complex rhythmic patterns and compositions.

Week 11&12: Learning the notation to be able to accompany a simple backing track for a pop song or bhajan

[NOTE: THIS CAN BE CUSTOMISED BASED ON YOUR LEARNING GOAL(S)]

Week 13&14&15: Performance Preparation

Performance Preparation: Preparing for performances, including stage presence and amplification.

Week 16: Performance and Review

Student Performance to a small, encouraging audience

Feedback and Evaluation: Receiving feedback on performance and technical skills.

Future Learning: Discussing advanced techniques and potential avenues for further study.

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING INTRODUCTORY SITAR SESSIONS?

I know the challenges of trying to find a sitar teacher in Sydney, and I have witnessed first-hand that the best players do not necessarily make the best teachers. A lot of sitarists who have been playing since childhood have an undeniable talent, but sometimes struggle to give practical advice to beginners. This can be off-putting and demoralising for people who are just beginning their journey. This is especially true for online lessons, and there is truly no subsitute for an experienced master of the instrument to help set you up for success. I am not a master by any means, but I have dedicated many years to exploring the instrument, and I do have a few tips and tricks that would be of benefit to an absolute beginner. 

My aim is to make the first few weeks of playing joyous and easy, and to inspire aspiring sitarists to stick with it so they can have longevity with the instrument.

I also want to provide a safe space for people who want to get a feel for the instrument to have a chance to play around and see if it's something they would like to pursue more seriously.

WHAT CAN YOU TEACH?

My aim in "teaching" would be only to cover the basics of the sitar at a foundational level, and to inspire confidence so a student can then find a more suitable long-term teacher to help them progress towards raags, and to learn in more depth within the structure of Indian Classical Music.

I am also happy to teach some basic accompaniment to bhajans and pop songs if anyone is interested to try and emulate my current style of playing.

I would love to teach a more comprehensive syllabus in the future, but I am very aware of my current skill-level and capacity at present. 

WILL THESE CLASSES BE APPROPRIATE FOR ME IF I DON'T KNOW HOW TO READ MUSIC NOTATION/SARGAM OR IF I DON'T OWN MY OWN SITAR OR IF I HAVE NEVER PLAYED A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT BEFORE?

Yes. If you don't have a sitar, you will either need to buy or rent one to be able to practice outside of the weekly lessons.

No prior knowledge of musical theory is required, as this can be taught in the classes.

WILL THESE CLASSES BE APPROPRIATE FOR ME IF I HAVE BEEN PLAYING FOR MORE THAN 3 MONTHS?

Highly unlikely. If you've already learned the basics, you will probably not get a lot out of beginner lessons with me... but feel free to get in touch anyway, I can recommend you some great teachers / organisations that can help you progress on your journey!

IS SITAR HARD TO LEARN?

It's a steep learning curve, akin to going to the gym - progress will be fast if you dedicate time to practice, but over time the improvement becomes more and more incremental.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO LEARN SITAR?

The answer varies greatly depending on individual dedication, practice time, and learning goals. Consistent practice is key.

"If you practice for ten years, you may begin to please yourself, after 20 years you may become a performer and please the audience, after 30 years you may please even your guru, but you must practice for many more years before you finally become a true artist-then you may please even God." - Ustad Ali Akbar Khan

10 MINS PRACTICE PER DAY IS TOO MUCH OF A COMMITMENT. CAN I JUST DO THE WEEKLY CLASSES AND HAVE NO ONBLIGATIONS AROUND CONSISTENT PRACTICE OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSES?

No progress can be made without consistent practice.  If you want to join these classes, you MUST commit to practicing outside of the weekly lessons.

Contact @sitarbyravi on Instagram or email sitarbyravi@gmail.com for more information on who might be an appropriate teacher to take you forward on your sitar journey.