Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment, fees, instruments and scheduling. If your question is not here, write to us — we answer within two working days.
Do I need any background to start?
No. Most adults who join us have never sung formally. The first term is spent on śruti, breath and svarāvali — the same starting point for a child and a forty-year-old.
How old should a child be?
Seven is a comfortable age for formal lessons, and five or six for a listening-and-clapping group class. There is no upper limit at the other end.
How long is a class, and how often?
Sixty minutes, once a week, for most programmes. Sitar and tabla students are asked for a second short session; advanced vocal students often take two.
What does it cost?
Fees are set per programme and per term, with a reduced rate for siblings and for students continuing beyond three years. Write to us for the current schedule — we would rather quote you accurately than post a number that goes stale.
Are online classes as good?
For vocal, theory and Western classical vocal, online works well. For tabla and sitar we ask for at least one in-person session a month, because hand position is hard to correct over video.
Do I need my own instrument?
Not for the first month. We keep house tānpūrās and a few tablā sets for class use, and we will help you buy or rent rather than let you spend badly.
Can I rent an instrument through you?
Yes, for tablā and sitar, subject to availability, with the rent adjusted against purchase if you buy within a year.
Do you teach Carnatic as well as Hindustani?
Both, taught separately with their own repertoire and notation. Students sometimes take one as their main study and attend the other as a listening course.
Are there exams or certificates?
We prepare students for the graded examinations of the recognised boards if they want them, but we do not make them compulsory. The recitals matter more.
Will I perform?
Yes — a student showcase twice a year, and open riyāz sessions in between. Nobody is pushed onto a stage before they are ready.
What if I miss a class?
One make-up session per term is included. Beyond that we send the week’s material so you are not left behind.
Can I try before enrolling?
Sit in on one class, free, for the programme you are considering. Write to us and we will find a suitable week.