Learn Sitar and Indian Music

I have been a student of Pandit Arvind Parikh (Senior-most disciple of Ustad Vilayat Khan) since 1999 and welcome anyone who is starting out on their journey in Indian Music and the sitar with open arms! It is impossible to learn the sitar from a book, and apart from the lack of material out there, the aural tradition of learning Indian Classical music should be embraced. I provide sitar tuition as well as Indian music tuition on Western instruments. I can also help with the purchase of good sitars (something not easy to find in the UK). I currently teach online (Zoom/Skype) and from home in the Bromley/Orpington area of SE London.

Follow Me On Instagram
Contact me
Useful Information

“James has tutored me for over 10 years and I have no hesitation in recommending him. A talented professional musician and an excellent teacher, giving tailored tuition coupled with the necessary encouragement and patience(!).” D.S

“After learning the sitar for over 5 years, it was only until I started learning from James, I was able to appreciate and learn more about the fundamental basics of how to tune my instrument. What note to listen out for and why. He’s also helping me understand how to play in rhythm to different cycles of beat. To put it simply, James expertise and knowledge is enabling me to grasp the necessary basics first and foremost. I believe that mastering this will help to progress with my Sitar learning in a new way. I only wish I’d found such a Sitar teacher earlier! James has a second to none way of teaching which has opened my eyes. After a long time, I feel that I can really learn the Sitar, now I have found the right teacher.” M.M

“I’ve recently taken up learning sitar with James. He’s a fantastic teacher and always patient yet encouraging. He’s clearly knowledgable and talented so it was a no-brainer when I came to selecting him as my teacher and it’s his quality of teaching that’s kept me continuing with lessons! Would recommend to anyone thinking about taking up sitar lessons!” K.B

“I started learning Sitar with James a couple of months back and find the experience quite enjoyable. As a teacher, James is quite patient and persistent as well as inspiring. Definitely recommend him. ” A.G

You will learn: 

  • Correct and comfortable holding position with good posture
  • How to tune the sitar
  • Raga and tala theory and practice
  • Rhythmic ideas and exercises, many based on the Konnakol system of South Indian music
  • Indian music on a Western instrument (guitar/violin/saxophone/flute etc)
  • In a relaxed environment at your own pace

As a sitar player I have: 

  • Studied in India with Pandit Arvind Parikh (senior-most disciple of Ustad Vilayat Khan)
  • Completed MMus degree under the guidance of Dharambir Singh MBE
  • Attended workshops with: Rajan and Sajan Mishra (kyhal vocalists), Budhaditya Mukerjee (sitar) and Buddhadev Das Gupta (sarod)

If you do not yet have a sitar but are interested in learning please get in touch. I have a good relationship with a number of sitar makers in India.

If you are looking for a sitar teacher close to London in the UK please get in touch. I teach from home in the Bromley/Orpington area. The nearest station is Petts Wood, which you can get to easily from Charing Cross, Cannon Street, London Bridge and London Victoria.

 Contact me for a free consultation now!