Here's a Preview of What You'll Learn
Find Your Starting Point
Intermediate
- Mastering complex meend (gliding) patterns across multiple frets
- Developing speed and accuracy in taan patterns (rapid melodic runs)
- Advanced zamzama (sustaining oscillations) and gamak techniques
- Refined mind (plucking) techniques for varied tonal expressions
- Controlling sympathetic string resonance (tarab) for enhanced sound
- Advanced chikari (rhythm string) patterns and coordination
- Exploring intermediate to advanced ragas with complex structures
- Understanding raga vistar (elaboration) and alap development
- Mastering pakad (characteristic phrases) of various ragas
- Learning intricate aroha-avaroh patterns and raga-specific movements
- Developing improvisational skills within raga frameworks
- Understanding samay (time theory) and appropriate raga presentation
Course Information
What you'll learn
Who is this course for?
Course highlights
Our classes have limited seats to ensure maximum personalised feedback – secure your spot now by clicking the link below
Start Learning
Your Weekly Class Details
Every Monday
1Â hour a week
-Â Group 1:Â 11.30 AM to 12.30 PM UK Time
-Â Group 2:Â 1.00 PM to 2.00 PM UK Time
LIVE online classes via Zoom
English and Hindi (Devanagari script)
Here's What Makes Learning with Darbar Academy Unique
MEET YOUR TEACHER
Roopa Panesar is one of the UK's leading sitar players in Indian classical music. Trained from age seven under Ustad Dharambir Singh ji MBE, a disciple of Ustad Vilayat Khan, she has also studied with Pandit Arvind Parikh ji and received guidance from Ustad Shahid Parvez and Pt. Buddhaditya Mukherjee.
Roopa has performed at major festivals and venues across the UK, Europe, the US, and India, including the Darbar Festival and WOMAD. Her debut album, Khoj, released in 2011, and she continues to tour internationally. She has collaborated with Sir Simon Rattle and appeared on the BBC. Roopa is also a passionate teacher, sharing her knowledge with students worldwide.
Still Making Up Your Mind?
We get it. Learning a new instrument is a big step, and we want you to feel confident before you commit. That's why we've put together a free tabla class pack you can download today, giving you a genuine sneak peek into our teaching style, course structure, practice exercise and learning materials.
Download My Free Class PackWhat Our Sitar Students Are Saying
Studying sitar with Roopa Ji has elevated my playing in ways I didn’t think were possible. At the intermediate level, I needed someone who could refine my technique while also guiding me deeper into the aesthetics of Hindustani music—and Roopa did exactly that. Her emphasis on clarity of meend, right-hand precision, and mindful riyaaz has completely transformed my sound. She is incredibly encouraging, yet she challenges me to push my musical boundaries with every lesson. I feel more confident, expressive, and connected to my instrument than ever before.
Tammo
Intermediate Learner
Roopa-ji has a remarkable ability to meet students exactly where they are. As an intermediate learner, I often felt stuck between basics and advanced concepts, but her structured approach helped me break through that plateau. She explains complex ideas—like improvisation within a raga or developing clean gamaks—in a way that is both practical and inspiring. Her feedback is precise, musical, and always delivered with warmth. Thanks to her guidance, my playing feels more mature, fluid, and artistically grounded.
Sonal Mehra
Intermediate Learner
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