How the teaching works
Lessons
Formats, schedule, syllabus, glossary and fees — everything about studying here, in one place.
At Path of Raga, we follow the guru-shishya parampara — the ancient tradition of direct transmission from teacher to student. This is not a standardized curriculum delivered in a classroom; it is a living, adaptive relationship in which the guru guides each student according to their unique temperament, pace, and musical calling.
The parampara ensures that music is not just learned but experienced. Through patient listening, careful imitation, and guided improvisation, students absorb not only notes and rhythms but the very spirit of the raga — its mood, its time, its season, its soul.
The Student Journey
Five stages of growth from first note to the concert stage
Shruti
Developing the ear — learning to hear and feel microtonal intervals
Swara
Mastering the notes — building technical fluency on your instrument
Raga
Understanding melodic frameworks — the soul of Indian classical music
Composition
Creating within tradition — composing gats and developing personal voice
Performance
Sharing the music — stage presence, improvisation, and audience connection
Shruti
Developing the ear — learning to hear and feel microtonal intervals
Swara
Mastering the notes — building technical fluency on your instrument
Raga
Understanding melodic frameworks — the soul of Indian classical music
Composition
Creating within tradition — composing gats and developing personal voice
Performance
Sharing the music — stage presence, improvisation, and audience connection
Syllabus
Structured progression through the depths of Hindustani classical music
- Instrument holding, posture, and tuning
- Shruti (microtonal awareness) exercises
- Basic swara patterns (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni)
- Simple alaap in Raga Yaman and Bhupali
- Rhythm fundamentals — Teentaal (16 beats)
- Introduction to the guru-shishya tradition
Practice Methodology
The four pillars of raga development
Alaap
Slow, meditative exploration of the raga without rhythm. Develops deep listening, shruti awareness, and emotional connection to each note.
Jod
Rhythmic pulse enters without tabla. The student learns to generate inner tempo while maintaining melodic flow, building confidence in independent rhythm.
Jhala
Fast, energetic strumming patterns on the chikari strings. Builds speed, stamina, and the exhilarating climactic energy of a raga performance.
Gat
Composed melodic theme set to a taal cycle, played with tabla accompaniment. The foundation for improvisation, audience dialogue, and concert performance.
Technology Integration
Tradition-first teaching enhanced by modern tools
While the guru-shishya bond is best experienced in person, we recognize the realities of Bay Area life. Our online lessons use high-quality audio-optimized video conferencing, ensuring that Guruji can hear every subtle meend and gamak as clearly as if you were in the same room.
Students receive recorded lesson summaries, practice assignments through our student portal, and access to a growing library of reference recordings. We also use slow-motion playback and screen annotation during online sessions to highlight fingering and technique details.
Technology serves the tradition — never the other way around. The core of every lesson remains the timeless exchange between guru and shishya.
Lesson Formats
Choose the format that suits your learning style
| Individual | Small Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Class Size | 1 student | 2-4 students |
| Duration | 60 or 90 min | 60 min |
| Curriculum | Fully personalized | Level-matched cohort |
| Pace | Adapted to you | Group consensus |
| Improvisation | Deep focus | Jugalbandi practice |
| Best For | Serious progression | Community & motivation |
| Availability | In-person & online | In-person only |
Class Schedule
Weekly lessons in Sitar and Sarod, both in-person in Fremont and online. Find the slot that fits your journey.
Mon
6:00 PM
Tue
6:30 PM
Wed
7:00 PM
Thu
7:00 PM
Fri
5:30 PM
Sat
10:00 AM
Sun
Ready to Start?
Select a slot above or contact us for a personalized schedule recommendation. Trial lessons are available for all new students.
Enroll NowGlossary
Key terms from the Hindustani classical tradition
Glossary coming soon
We’re compiling definitions for the terms you’ll meet in lessons — shruti, swara, taal, gharana and more — written by our teachers rather than borrowed.
Fees & Financial Aid
Honest, simple pricing for one-on-one instruction in Sitar and Sarod
One-Hour Lesson
$80
Full session
Half-Hour Lesson
$45
Shorter session
Financial Aid & Work-Trade
We believe cost should never be a barrier to learning. For dedicated students facing financial hardship, we offer work-trade arrangements — exchange help around the studio for lessons. Reach out and let's find a path that works.
Reach OutBegin Your Journey
The first step is always the hardest — and the most rewarding. Book a trial lesson and experience the transformative power of raga.
Begin Your Journey