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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

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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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
" 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"
5
Jatin
Jatin 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
5
Gurpreet G
Medical Professional, Cambridge, England
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
It was an amazing performance leaving an everlasting impression over our minds.
5
Dr Prakash Kumar
Medical Specialist, Reading 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
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 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

When I had my first lesson with Vijay my intention was to have a one off class, but in that first hour I learned so much and I understood there was so much more to learn that I immediately signed up for 10 classes.

5
Santiago Alegrett
Sound Engineer UK

“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
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.
5
Maya
London
Vijay is a committed artist who infuses sheer magic in his performance and mesmerises listeners with his beautiful compositions
5
Narendra Kumar
England
Vijay Bhai is the most amazing person/guru I have ever known. The way he teaches the Sitar is beautiful, and very calming and easy to understand. Each process is taught so well. I feel so lucky to have him teach me!”
5
Priya
London
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
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

“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
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
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
5
Colin Gall, London
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
As an adult beginner, I was rather apprehensive about learning the Harmonium. However, I have found Vijay’s style of teaching to be most empowering. His instructions are always very clear and easy to understand, making the learning process far less daunting and enjoyable than I had expected. Thanks to Vijay Ji’s expertise.
5
Keith
UK

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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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