Sitar has become one of the most well known instruments of the Indian Sub-continent and its most important ambassador.  The performers of this instrument can be found in many countries of the world and are of numerous backgrounds.  Sitar music is enjoyed by audiences all over the world and the music is programmed in the major venues.  Maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar, the late Ustad Vilayat Khan and the late Pandit Nikhil Benarjee are equally well known in the west as they are in South Asia.  The virtuoso sitarists of the present time can be seen in a wide range of ages and experiences.  The instrument in its present form has developed into a very powerful medium with which to bring out the nuances of Raga music.  The instrument has been used in different genres including popular music.  The use of sitar is growing within music which blends East and West.  The instrument is well known as a solo instrument but has also been seen played within an orchestra.

 

London Sitar Academy is an organisation based in London, UK with the primary aim of celebrating sitar music in all its manifestations. 

Vision :-  To celebrate sitar music

 

The above vision will be realised through the following aims and objectives:

 

Aims :-

 

1. • Create an awareness of sitar and its music in the UK.
   

 

1. • Raise the profile of sitar in the UK.
   

 

1. • Raise the profile of UK-based sitarists.
   

 

1. • Create and maintain training opportunities at every level of sitar playing.
   

 

1. • Support opportunities for performance of sitar by musicians
   

 

1. • Develop local, national & international resources.
   

1. • Develop & enhance repertoire for sitar at all levels.
   

 

 

Objectives :-

 

To create an awareness of sitar and its music in the UK:

 

o       Organize school and community workshops.

o       Organize performances locally, regionally and nationally.

o       Create awareness via  website and regular newsletter.

 

To raise the profile of sitar in the UK:

 

o       Provide advice on matters relating to sitar.

o       Create partnerships with other arts organisations.

 

To raise the profile of UK-based sitarists:

 

o       Be pro-active advocacy.

o       Advise and prepare musicians on presentation.

 

To create training opportunities for all levels of sitar playing:

 

o       Organize regular classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced level students.

o       Initiate professional development events for teachers and performers of sitar.

o       Develop learning materials through booklets, notations and audio samples.

 

To create opportunities for performance of sitar by musicians of all levels:

 

o       Organize  concerts and tours for young professionals and maestros.

o       Organize concerts for amateur sitarists.

o       Be pro-active initiating projects with measured outcomes of increased performances and venues.

 

To develop resources:

 

o       Create a resource bank of instruments.

o       Invite specialists in sitar maintenance.

o       Record workshops, performances and creating an archive.

o       Develop books, cd-roms and software.

 

To develop repertoire for sitar at all levels:

 

o       Commission the creation of performance packages in different ragas and for different levels.

o       Commission the creation of performance material for sitar ensembles of different levels.

o       Create contemporary music utilising sitar.