Learn Sitar the way it was taught on the ghats of Varanasi — online or in person
Baba School of Music has trained sitar students from over 40 countries since 1995. Get 1:1 online classes, intensive riyaz programs, classic raga and alap performance training, and genuine hand-carved sitars shipped to your door — anywhere in the world.
One school, two crafts: teaching sitar and building it
Sitar Shop: Custom-Made,
Tuned & Shipped Worldwide
Built by master luthiers in Varanasi from seasoned tun wood and natural pumpkin gourds. Tuned with ultimate care, every sitar is crafted to order and shipped to your doorstep, ready to perform.
- 1Custom-made to your preferred style (Ravi Shankar / Vilayat Khan)
- 2Seasoned tun wood & cured gourds (18+ months)
- 3Hand-filed brass frets and precision jawari bridge cuts
- 4Shock-resistant, secure packing with worldwide tracking
- 5Fine-tuning setups, replacement strings, & lifetime support
Choose your sitar learning path
Every course starts with a free trial class so you can meet your guru and check the fit before paying. Select your location below to see pricing bundles for Indian and International students.
Beginner Start
Start your journey with guided weekly practice.
- 8 live classes
- 1 hour per class
- 2 classes every week
- For instruments, vocal & dance
Practice Plan
Build rhythm, confidence, and regular learning habits.
- 24 live classes
- 1 hour per class
- 2 classes every week
- Steady teacher-led progress
Growth Bundle
Best for committed students who want visible growth.
- 48 live classes
- 1 hour per class
- 2 classes every week
- Ideal for deeper learning
Annual Riyaz
A complete yearly plan for serious classical learners.
- 96 live classes
- 1 hour per class
- 2 classes every week
- Long-term guided training
Start free. Upgrade only when you're ready.
Not sure if sitar is for you yet? Take our free introductory course first. It's a genuine, complete short course — not a sales demo — and you'll receive a free certificate of completion that you can add to your portfolio or school application.
Life at Baba School of Music
Dedicated Riyaz
A student focusing on the intricate string-plucking and meend slide mechanics of the Sitar in our Varanasi academy.
Who can learn sitar at Baba School of Music?
Beginners
No musical background needed. We start from how to sit, hold the neck, and pluck with the mizrab.
Kids
Age-appropriate pacing, half-sized sitars, and patient gurus experienced with young students.
Working Professionals
Evening & weekend slots, flexible rescheduling, and online classes that fit around your job.
Foreigners & Travellers
Classes in English, time-zone-friendly scheduling, and in-person intensives if you're visiting Varanasi.
Anyone Dedicated
Age, location, and background matter far less than showing up and practicing consistently.
If you're passionate and willing to practice — you can learn sitar here.
Acharya Siddharth Mishra
Sitar Artist & Scholar · 22+ Years of Performance & Teaching Experience
Siddharth Mishra is an acclaimed sitar player and composer from Varanasi, trained in the traditional Senia-Maihar Gharana — famed for its soulful, fluid meend slides and rich Gayaki Ang (vocal style) phrasing. He began his journey under traditional Varanasi maestros and has gone on to perform extensively across India and internationally, including Russia, France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Israel, and Thailand. Siddharth excels in explaining complex Indian classical ragas in simple, digestible formats for both local and international students, helping thousands master the intricate stringed techniques of the Sitar.
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 Sitar
How long does it take to learn sitar?
Do I need to own a sitar before joining classes?
Are online sitar classes really effective?
Do you provide a certificate?
What style of sitar do you teach?
Can I buy a sitar from you and get it shipped abroad safely?
Your first sitar lesson is free
Book a no-cost trial class with a Baba School of Music guru — online from anywhere, or in person in Varanasi.