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Saraswati School of Music

Sitar Classes with Vatsal Dave

In-person in Dallas, TX and online worldwide via Zoom. Beginner to advanced — rooted in the Imdadkhani gharana tradition.

Concerto In Khamaj | SitarBug Students Perform

Raga Puriya Dhanashri | Class In Session

The Teaching Approach

A Living Tradition, Made Accessible

Vatsal brings 25+ years of performance and teaching experience to students of all levels. His English-friendly notation system makes the oral tradition of Indian classical music accessible to international learners — no prior music theory required.

Drawing from his Imdadkhani gharana lineage under Pt. Budhaditya Mukherjee, his teaching combines rigorous classical discipline with an encouraging, personalized approach suited to each student's pace and goals.

North Indian classical ragas — beginner to advanced
Gayaki ang (vocal style) sitar technique
English-friendly music notation system
Sufi & devotional music repertoire
World fusion improvisation & composition
In-person · Dallas, TX & Online worldwide via Zoom
Enrollment Includes
$49 one-time initiation fee covers setup, materials, and a complimentary copy of Sitar 101. Make-up classes available within the same month. Sitars available for rent from $50/month.
Choose Your Path

Class Packages

Beginner
Sitar Foundations
Master the essentials — proper posture, tuning, basic strokes (da-ra), and your first melodies. Designed for those with no prior sitar experience.
$2604-class bundle
Enroll Today
Intermediate
Know the Raga
Unlock the soul of the sitar — refine your technique, begin to improvise with feeling, and play expressive raga compositions from the classical repertoire.
$4808-class bundle
Enroll Today
Advanced
Raga Exploration
Master intricate techniques, unlock deeper improvisation, and express the full breadth and soul of the sitar through complete raga performances.
$66012-class bundle
Enroll Today
Sitar 101 book by Vatsal Dave
Included with Enrollment
Sitar 101 — by Vatsal Dave
Vatsal's own notation guide, included free with the $49 initiation fee. Also available separately on Amazon.
Buy on Amazon
Vatsal Dave — sitar teacher
Your Teacher

Vatsal Dave

A direct disciple of Padma Bhushan awardee Pt. Budhaditya Mukherjee — one of the foremost living exponents of the Imdadkhani gharana and the gayaki style of sitar. Vatsal studied at the Rotterdam World Music Conservatory in Holland and has performed across the US, UK, Canada, and India for over 25 years.

As founder of Saraswati School of Music in Dallas and author of Sitar 101, he has created a uniquely accessible path into this living tradition — without sacrificing depth or authenticity.

Rotterdam World Music Conservatory Imdadkhani Gharana Lineage Saraswati School of Music · Dallas Author · Sitar 101 25+ Years Teaching