Sitar

The SAA-uk Sitar Academy is under the guidance of Ustad Dharambir Singh MBE, who oversees the teaching methodology and development of the programme. The Academy is led by Mr. Luke Reddin Williams, who works with students across different levels.
 

Students begin by learning how to hold and pluck the Sitar, becoming familiar with the instrument and its strings. They are introduced to the Swaras (notes) and practise them through different rhythmic patterns, developing their technique, coordination and understanding of pitch.
 

As students become more confident, they begin learning Gats (compositions) in different Raags, while developing their understanding of melody, rhythm and the structure of a Raag. They also begin to explore Aalap and improvisation, learning how to develop musical ideas within the Raag framework.
 

As students progress to intermediate and advanced levels, they work on more complex Gats, Raag development, improvisation and performance. Students who are ready can also progress into 1-to-1 lessons, allowing them to work more closely on their technique, repertoire and individual musical development.
 

Students are introduced to the work and legacy of some of the great Sitar masters, including Ustad Vilayat Khan and Pandit Nikhil Banerjee, alongside contemporary artists such as Niladri Kumar, Anoushka Shankar, Purbayan Chatterjee and Anupama Bhagwat. In the UK, students can also draw inspiration from artists including Ustad Dharambir Singh MBE, Roopa Panesar and Jasdeep Singh Degun.

Program Details

Fees: £120 per term (10 weeks) / £360 annual fee (30 weeks)
Duration: 45 minutes or 1 hour
Age: 4 years and above
Classes: 10 classes per term
 

Class Timings
Sunday                                                                        Tuesday                                                                    
Juniors: 4:00pm – 4:45pm                                            Foundations: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Foundations: 4:45pm – 5:30pm                                    Intermediate: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Intermediate: 5:30pm – 6:30pm                                    Advanced: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Adult Class: 6:30pm – 7:30pm                                    Adult Class: 8:00pm – 9:00pm

Taster Sessions

Any Queries?

Please contact Dhivya Sundararaman (Education & Learning Coordinator)
WhatsApp: +44 7570393470   |   Email: dhivya@saa-uk.org

Financial Assistance Available

Financial Assistance Available: Bursaries are available for those facing financial hardships

Click here to read the Bursary Guidelines: Bursary Guidelines 2026-2027 PDF

Click here to apply for Bursary: Bursary 2026-2027 - Google Form

For more information about the SAA-uk Music Academy, including other programmes, discounts and the full term timetable, please visit the Music Academy main page.