Learn Sarod the way it was taught on the ghats of Varanasi — online or in person
Baba School of Music has trained classical string enthusiasts from over 40 countries since 1995. Master the premier plucked classical instruments of Hindustani classical music with 1:1 online classes, intensive sarod riyaz programs, classic raga melody patterns, and authentic custom-crafted fretless instruments shipped worldwide.
One school, two crafts: teaching sarod and building it
Sarod Shop: Custom-Made,
Tuned & Shipped Worldwide
Handmade by master luthiers in Varanasi from single blocks of seasoned toon or teak wood and authentic goatskin hide soundboards. Tuned with absolute structural accuracy, each professional Sarod features perfectly aligned steel main strings and sympathetic resonance systems, safely shipped to your doorstep.
- 1Custom-made to traditional configurations (Maihar / Shahjahanpur Gharana style)
- 2Single-piece hollow seasoned hardwood body (aged 18+ months)
- 3Precision metal plate fingerboard for frictionless sliding and clear microtones
- 4Shock-resistant, secure flight-case packing with worldwide tracking
- 5Native calibration setups, coconut-shell plectrums (javva), and lifetime support
Choose your sarod learning path
Every professional program starts with a free trial class so you can meet your guru and verify our high-fidelity streaming setup before paying. Select your location below to see pricing bundles for Indian and International students.
Beginner Start
Start your journey with guided weekly plectrum stroke controls and basic notes.
- 8 live classes
- 1 hour per class
- 2 classes every week
- Plucking position and javva control fundamentals
Practice Plan
Build sliding accuracy across the chrome metal plate and play intermediate ragas.
- 24 live classes
- 1 hour per class
- 2 classes every week
- Steady teacher-led raga progression
Growth Bundle
Best for committed students who want visible intermediate growth and dynamic speed patterns.
- 48 live classes
- 1 hour per class
- 2 classes every week
- Ideal for deep bol-taan and alankars learning
Annual Riyaz
A complete yearly plan for serious classical string instrumentalists.
- 96 live classes
- 1 hour per class
- 2 classes every week
- Long-term guided concert-level training
Start free. Upgrade only when you're ready.
Unsure if the complexities of Hindustani string techniques are right for you? Try our introductory track first. It is a comprehensive starter framework where you will receive a free certificate of completion to validate your entry into classical Indian instrumental mastery.
Life at Baba School of Music
Dedicated Practice
A student focusing on the continuous, fretless glide mechanics of the Sarod in our Varanasi school.
Who can learn sarod at Baba School of Music?
Beginners
No prior background in classical strings required. We begin with posture, strike positions, and basic scale sliding.
Guitarists/Sitarists
Fretted string players seeking to adapt their musical ear to the continuous fretless slides of Indian classical music.
Working Professionals
Flexible weekend or evening sessions that smoothly accommodate demanding professional schedules.
Global Travelers
Classes conducted in clear English with time-zone friendly slots and hybrid modules for visiting students.
Dedicated Enthusiasts
Your passion and dedication to regular, focused practice matter far more than previous instrumental background.
If you have the patience to practice — you can master the Sarod here.
Acharya Siddharth Mishra
Sarod Maestro & Musicologist · 22+ Years of Performance & Traditional Pedagogy
Siddharth Mishra is an internationally acclaimed string composer and expert educator from Varanasi, deeply rooted in traditional classical lineages. Famed for mastering the instrument's complex resonant slide transitions and deep Tantrakari Ang (instrumental virtuoso style), he has brought the deeply majestic textures of the Sarod to global audiences across Russia, France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Israel, and Thailand. Guruji excels at translating sophisticated multi-stringed mechanics and raga structures into plain, modern steps, enabling local and international students to play with absolute emotional depth.
What our sarod students say on Google
G Google ReviewThe classical string training at Baba School of Music Varanasi was highly recommended by my peers. Learning how to properly strike the Sarod and glide on its polished fingerboard directly on the banks of the Ganges was a profound, life-changing experience.
G Google ReviewMy time at the Baba School of Music was the highlight of my visit to India. Ravi was welcoming and accommodating with two intro lessons (tablas and harmonium) during my weeklong visit to Varanasi. He is a great teacher and incredible player. He organized another lesson with another teacher who was also very professional and strong. I hope to spend more time together in the future.
G Google ReviewWe have requested Ravi and his school several times for online music lessons. While traveling in Varanasi, we decided to take more music lessons for a week—singing for me and tabla for my partner. We highly recommend Ravi and his team. They are very attentive, welcoming, available and flexible. It's a serious and highly competent school.
Frequently Asked Questions About Learning Sarod
Is the Sarod considered difficult to learn for absolute beginners?
Do I need to source my own instrument before my first trial session?
How do online sarod classes accurately capture its deep resonant sound?
What certifications do you provide upon course completion?
What is the difference between a classical Sarod and a folk stringed instrument?
How are custom instruments safely packaged for international shipping?
Your first sarod lesson is free
Book a no-cost trial class with a Baba School of Music guru — online from anywhere, or in person in Varanasi.
