Welcome

Hello! My name is Vijay Jagtap. I am a professional Sitar player, teacher, and composer, based in London. I was born to a family of traditional musicians in Vadodara, India, and I have been involved with music for more than 40 years in a variety of different roles.

In one of my favourite quotes about music, Plato said that music gives life to everything. I truly believe he is right, and that is why I have devoted my life to sharing the gift of music with my students and audiences. It is my sincerest wish that you will allow me to share the same gift with you.

Welcome to my website. I hope you enjoy what you find here, and please come back and visit often. There will always be something new to discover.

 

In my roles as a musician and teacher, I feel a responsibility to share this wisdom with my audiences and students, so that they will experience music in a more profound and joyful way than they have ever known before.

 

Vijay Jagtap

Performance

I have worked with many great artists all over the world, covering a wide range of musical styles from Indian traditional classical to Fusion and much, much more! I have performed on television and radio, and one of my proudest moments was playing Sitar for Her Majesty The Queen at Westminster Abbey.

If you require a professional Sitarist for concerts, tours, recording sessions, live performances or demonstrations, please get in touch. You’ll find more details in the Bookings section of my website.

Teachings

As much as I love performing, I am equally as passionate about teaching. I come from a musical tradition where the bond between teacher and student is incredibly special, and I have been privileged to teach many hundreds of adults and children over the past 35 years.

I offer lessons in Sitar, Tabla, Harmonium/Keyboard, Hindustani Vocal, and Tanpura, both face-to-face and online. My approach isn’t as academic or analytical as many other teachers. Instead, I have developed a very personal form of teaching that engages the heart and the emotions as much as the mind. My method is fun (but still challenging!) and ensures my students achieve their musical goals but always at their own pace. If the student wants to undertake music exams, I offer that too. I can prepare them for Ofqual accredited graded exams up to 8th grade and diploma qualifications in music within the UK’s national curriculum.

You’ll discover much more information in the Lessons section of my website.

Testimonial

Vijay is a truly wonderful sitar player! He creates a very beautiful sound that was perfect for our event. Our guests were all very complimentary of his music and Vijay was professional and organised to work with.
55
London
Thank you, Guruji, for continuing to teach the children via Zoom during this pandemic. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed your Tabla lessons
55
UK
I found Vijay’s style of teaching very clear, his manner very encouraging, and the atmosphere totally comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed it
55
London
There is something very spiritual about Indian classical music and my lessons with Vijay always tap into this spirituality. I finish each lesson feeling calm and revitalized
55
Lawyer/Writer, London
Incredible sitar playing. I love the sensitivity of your playing, and I would love to come and watch you play very much. Please let me know the next time you’re performing
55
London
Thank you for the invaluable Riyaz session today. I am very happy to have attended as it inspires me to practice and play today. Best wishes.
55
London
Guru Vijay Jagtap-ji’s patient hands-on teaching makes music really accessible. Being able to receive one-to-one instruction over nearly two decades has been a privilege
55
IT company director, London
“I am eternally grateful to Guruji for his patience, dedication, and unwavering support in guiding me on my musical journey.”
55
Software engineer, Bushey, England
Ustad Jagtap-ji is an excellent teacher. His passion and love for music is manifested through his teaching.
55
Medical Professional, London, England
Learning to play the Sitar from Guruji has been one of the most rewarding aspects in my life. Now my son has also started to learn to play the Sitar from Guruji
55
London
Learning the Sitar with Vijay is always a high point of my week. It is a real privilege to have such a talented and committed musician as a teacher
55
London
It was an amazing performance leaving an everlasting impression over our minds.
55
Medical Specialist, Reading England
” Why I love having harmonium lessons with Guruji (Vijay) is that he is so calm, patient, soft-spoken, and thorough, and you can feel the immense passion and enthusiasm he has for music. I feel great during and after every lesson and have already learnt so much in just a few lessons”
55
Jatin London
My 10-year-old daughter and I have been learning Sitar from Pandit Vijay Jagtap since November last year. From the very first lesson, we both came away feeling very peaceful.  He’s kind, tolerant, patient, cultured, expert in his field and enjoys what he teaches. As for myself, have learnt a lot more in the last few […]
55
London
Ustaadji’s level of teaching is not only deeply personalised, but rigorous and rewarding. Ustaadji is kind, constructive and patient. Cannot recommend enough!
55
USA
Thank you for all your invaluable lessons. I totally enjoyed learning and performing my Tabla skills in various performances. Thanks for being my favorite music teacher. I will miss you!
55
London
I regularly attend the weekly online Riyaz group class, and I have seen a huge improvement in my learning and understanding of various techniques
55
Product manager, London
I found the first lesson very relaxed and focused. The teaching style was friendly and I was very pleased to have been able to learn a scale within the first session
55
Medical Professional, Cambridge, England
Vijay is a committed artist who infuses sheer magic in his performance and mesmerises listeners with his beautiful compositions
55
England
Vijay is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He has a deep-rooted understanding of every aspect of Sitar music which he offers generously to all his students
05
“Learning to play the harmonium has been a childhood dream of mine, and it is finally coming true after joining Jagtap Sir’s classes. His unique teaching style ignites enthusiasm in me, deepening my passion and willingness to learn. Every session feels like a mindfulness practice, helping me unwind despite my demanding work schedule. I feel […]
55
“Mr. Jagtap is a true diamond! I am SO delighted to have met him. I am taking Sitar lessons and am truly enjoying every session. He is genuinely professional in many Indian instruments including my favorite Sitar. His teaching method is really excellent, I learned the basics in a couple of sessions! I’m so grateful […]
55
Engineer UK

Say Hello

 

If there’s anything you’d like to know about my work or the services I offer, please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you, and I’ll do my best to reply to your message as quickly as I can.

 

 

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