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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.

REQUEST A PERFORMANCE

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.

REQUEST A PERFORMANCE
REQUEST A LESSON

Testimonial

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 months with Pandit Vijay Jagtap. I would most definitely recommend this teacher. We are both really enjoying our lessons… so much so that I’m waiting for my next child to be old enough to learn from him too!
5
Vrinda Kishori
London
Vijay is an excellent teacher and great artist, and I was impressed by his style of teaching
5
Prachi
Ipswich, Suffolk, England
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!
5
Laxman
London
I have learned a great deal in a short period of time. This has boosted my confidence and I now feel able to develop my skills further with his help.
5
Keith C.
England

“Learning under Guru Shri Vijay Jagtap has been truly rewarding. He is a skilled, patient, and thoughtful teacher—his measured approach and encouragement make all the difference. As a therapist, I find that playing the tabla offers a playful, embodied complement to my work. I feel lucky to have found such a great teacher.”

5
Sandeep, Psychotherapist, 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
5
Tehreem Atif
Product manager, London
Vijay is a committed artist who infuses sheer magic in his performance and mesmerises listeners with his beautiful compositions
5
Narendra Kumar
England

"I am eternally grateful to Guruji for his patience, dedication, and unwavering support in guiding me on my musical journey.”

5
Krish Vasudevan
Software engineer, Bushey, England
"I highly recommend Guruji to any parent keen on introducing Hindustani music to their child".
5
Krish Vasudevan
Software engineer, Bushey England
One of the most highly acclaimed British-based Sitar artists. He is renowned for both his technical excellence and brilliance on strings
5
Swarupam,
London, 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
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Tonight, I had my first Sitar lesson with Vijay. It was one of the most amazing hours of my life. I wish more teachers out there could be like him
5
Adam
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
5
Manish
Lawyer/Writer, London

"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 for his kindness!"

5
Sarwar Haidari
Engineer UK

Ustaadji's level of teaching is not only deeply personalised, but rigorous and rewarding. Ustaadji is kind, constructive and patient. Cannot recommend enough!

5
Zubair
USA

“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 truly blessed to have him as my guru.”

5
Dr Pandya, Radiologist, 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
5
Bimal
London
It was an amazing performance leaving an everlasting impression over our minds.
5
Dr Prakash Kumar
Medical Specialist, Reading England

Thank you very much for the lesson - it was great and I learned loads.

5
Mahrey
UK
I found Vijay’s style of teaching very clear, his manner very encouraging, and the atmosphere totally comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed it
5
Karmjit
London
Thank you, Guruji, for continuing to teach the children via Zoom during this pandemic. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed your Tabla lessons
5
Sai School London
UK
Vijay is patient and takes you through each step. I like the way we sing together following the notation, just like reciting a song. It helps me to play the instrument better”
5
Mohan
Medical professional, London

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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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