Looking for a Sitar Study Partner / Teacher — Varanasi or Kolkata
Hello everyone! My name is Itay, I’m 24, and I started playing the sitar about eight months ago after I fell in love with Indian Classical Music. I’ve been making pretty good progress so far. My main musical background is as a pianist and singer-songwriter, and my first album is coming out in about two months.
I’m planning to spend around a month and a half in either Kolkata or Varanasi to get a sense of what studying sitar there is really like. I’m hoping to find a good teacher and a nice place to stay, with the idea of coming back later for a longer and more serious period of study.
I’d love to find someone around my age who speaks English and is in a similar position - coming to India to seriously study sitar or Hindustani classical music - so we could go through some of the experience together, share information, practice, explore the music scene, and maybe even find accommodation nearby.
Also, if anyone here knows a great sitar teacher in Kolkata or Varanasi who is open to teaching an international student intensively for a month or so, I’d really appreciate any recommendations. In terms of style, I’m especially interested in the Maihar tradition and particularly drawn to Nikhil Banerjee’s playing. also love Budhaditya Mukherjee**.**
Feel free to message me!