Sitar Classes in Singapore
The iconic voice of Hindustani classical music — master the art of raga, meend, and improvisation on the instrument that captivated the world.
The Iconic Sound of North Indian Classical Music
The Sitar is arguably the most recognised Indian classical instrument in the world. With its distinctive resonant tone, shimmering sympathetic strings, and extraordinary capacity for melodic expression, the Sitar has been the voice of Hindustani classical music for centuries. Legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar brought the Sitar to global prominence, but its roots run deep in India’s musical heritage — evolving over hundreds of years to become the principal string instrument of the North Indian classical tradition.
At ANASFA, our Sitar program builds a strong, systematic foundation in this captivating instrument. Students progress from basic sitting posture and right-hand plucking technique (mizrab stroke) through intricate meend (string bending), gamak, and full raga presentations — guided by experienced gurus who bring both technical mastery and authentic musical tradition to every lesson.
Whether your child is fascinated by the Sitar’s mesmerising sound or you are an adult drawn to the depth and meditative quality of Hindustani instrumental music, our program develops proper technique, raga knowledge, improvisational skills, and performance confidence — one grade at a time.
What You Will Learn
Our Sitar curriculum is carefully structured to build technical mastery, melodic understanding, and performance confidence progressively across all grades.
Posture & Mizrab Technique
Foundation of Sitar Playing
Master the proper sitting posture (cross-legged, Sitar resting at an angle) and mizrab (wire plectrum) technique. Students learn correct right-hand stroke patterns — da and ra strokes — developing even tone, speed control, and the clean attack that is the foundation of all Sitar playing.
Meend & Ornamentation
The Voice-Like Quality
Learn the distinctive meend (string-bending) technique that allows the Sitar to glide between notes and produce the vocal-like quality that defines Indian classical music. Students master meend, gamak, murki, krintan, and zamzama — the ornamental vocabulary essential for raga expression.
Swara & Paltas
Technical Exercises
Build technical foundations through systematic exercises — paltas (scale patterns), alankars, and taal-based exercises — that develop left-hand strength, fret navigation, string-crossing fluency, and the coordination between both hands needed for fluid playing.
Raga & Composition
Heart of Hindustani Music
Progressively learn ragas and compositions — from simple gats in beginner-friendly ragas through complex masitkhani and razakhani gats, and full raga presentations. Students develop the ability to render each raga’s mood and structure with proper technique and emotional depth.
Taal & Rhythm
Rhythmic Mastery
Understand the rhythmic cycles of Hindustani music (Teentaal, Jhaptaal, Rupak, Ektaal) and develop the ability to play compositions in taal, interact with Tabla accompaniment, and maintain rhythmic precision during improvisation.
Improvisation & Alap
Creative Expression
At intermediate and advanced levels, students explore the art of raga alap (slow, meditative raga exploration without rhythm), jor and jhala (increasing tempo sections), and structured improvisation within gat — the creative core of Hindustani instrumental music.
Your 8-Grade Journey to Mastery
ANASFA’s proprietary 8-Grade Certification System gives every Sitar student a clear, structured path from absolute beginner to accomplished performer. Built over 15 years of teaching experience and research.
Foundation
Grades 1–2
Basic sitting posture, mizrab (plectrum) technique, da and ra strokes, simple swara exercises, introduction to the instrument and its parts.
Development
Grades 3–4
Meend and ornamentation, paltas and alankars, simple gats in beginner ragas, basic taal patterns, introduction to raga concept.
Proficiency
Grades 5–6
Advanced ragas, masitkhani and razakhani gats, complex ornamentation, Tabla interaction, raga elaboration, performance preparation.
Mastery
Grades 7–8
Full raga alap, jor and jhala, concert-level improvisation, advanced gat compositions, solo performance certification.
Designed for Every Aspiring Sitar Student
Sitar at ANASFA is designed for learners at every stage of life.
Young Children
Ages 4–7
An enchanting first instrument experience. Young learners develop coordination, listening skills, and basic musicality through simple exercises on an appropriately sized Sitar. Classes spark curiosity and build a connection with one of India’s most iconic musical traditions.
Kids & Pre-Teens
Ages 8–12
The ideal years for building serious Sitar skills. Students develop proper mizrab technique, begin learning ragas and compositions, and gain confidence through performances. An extraordinary extracurricular that develops patience, focus, and cultural pride.
Teenagers
Ages 13–17
For teens who want to develop real proficiency on an instrument with global recognition and deep cultural significance. Sitar at this stage builds artistic individuality, improvisational thinking, and a skill that truly stands out.
Adults
Ages 18+
It is never too late to learn the Sitar. Many adult learners are inspired by the meditative quality of alap and the intellectual depth of raga exploration. Our adult batches offer patient, structured instruction that accommodates varying schedules and learning paces.
Meet Your Sitar Gurus
Our Sitar faculty brings professional performance experience and deep traditional knowledge of Hindustani music. Every class is led by a trained guru who combines technical mastery with genuine care for each student’s growth.
Jon Prebhu Subramaniam
Mridangam, Tabla
Sitar Guru - To Be Announced
Sitar, Hindustani Classical
What Parents & Students Say
What is the right age to start learning Sitar?
Children can begin as early as age 4 at ANASFA. Younger students may start with basic swara exercises and rhythm activities. Your guru will advise on appropriate instrument sizing for smaller hands.
Does my child need their own Sitar?
Yes, students will need access to a Sitar for home practice. Your guru will help you choose the right instrument and can recommend where to source one in Singapore. Student-grade Sitars are available at reasonable prices.
Is the Sitar difficult to learn?
The Sitar requires patience, especially in the early stages of developing hand strength and fret navigation. However, our structured 8-Grade approach breaks the learning into manageable, progressive steps. Most students begin playing simple melodies within the first few months.
What is the difference between Sitar and Veena?
The Sitar is the principal string instrument of North Indian (Hindustani) music, played upright with a wire plectrum (mizrab). The Veenai (Saraswathi Veena) is the principal string instrument of South Indian (Carnatic) music, played flat across the lap. They have different construction, tuning systems, playing techniques, and musical repertoire. ANASFA offers both.
Does my child need any prior musical experience?
No prior experience is needed. Our curriculum starts from the very basics — proper posture, instrument handling, and simple plucking exercises.
Are classes available on weekdays and weekends?
Yes. ANASFA offers both weekday and weekend batch options.
Which branches offer Sitar?
Please contact ANASFA at 6100 6789 or 9653 0553 to confirm which branches currently offer Sitar classes, as availability may vary by location.
Can I book a trial class before enrolling?
Yes. Call 6100 6789 or 9653 0553 to book a free trial class.
Learn Sitar Near You
Please contact ANASFA at 6100 6789 or 9653 0553 to confirm which branches currently offer Sitar classes, as availability may vary by location.
Begin Your Sitar Journey Today
Book a free trial class at any of our Singapore branches. Admissions open for kids (age 4+), teens, and adults all year round.
