Learn to Play Santoor - Beyond Basics

The highlights of the course include -

Framing Different Ragas - This section focuses on how to structure and present various ragas on the Santoor. You will learn how to develop phrases, transitions, and moods specific to each raga.

Developing Elements of Tantrakari Anga - Explore the instrumental style of playing known as tantrakari anga. Lessons will guide you in executing technical movements and patterns that highlight the Santoor’s unique voice.

Playing Compositions in Different Taals - You will learn to play and adapt compositions across various rhythmic cycles like Teentaal, Jhaptaal, and Rupak. The training will help you understand how melody fits into different time structures.

Training in Developing Taans - This section trains you to build and deliver taans—fast, flowing melodic runs—with clarity and precision. You'll explore how to use taans effectively within a composition.

Different Rhythmic Patterns and Basic Layakari - Learn how to recognize and create rhythmic variations. Lessons include practicing simple layakari by playing with speed and beat placement.

Crafting a Tihai - You will understand the concept of tihai—a phrase repeated thrice to land on the sam—and learn how to create and apply it at suitable places within a composition.

Understanding Laya - Dive deeper into the sense of tempo and timing. You’ll learn to maintain a steady tempo, switch between speeds, and stay aligned with the taal structure.

Playing at Fast Tempo and Jhala - This part of the course will train you to play compositions and patterns at a higher speed with control. You will also explore jhala—the energetic, rhythmic ending section of a performance.

About the Teacher

Suddhashil Chatterjee is a highly respected Santoor artist and educator, trained under two of India’s greatest maestros—Padma Vibhushan Pt. Shivkumar Sharma and Padma Shri Pt. Tejendra Narayan Majumdar. Alongside his expertise in instrumental music, he has also undergone extensive training in Hindustani vocal music under the guidance of Pt. Samaresh Chaudhary, which deeply enriches his teaching and performance style.

Recognized as one of India’s accomplished Santoor maestros, Suddhashil has performed widely across India, Europe, and the United States, gaining appreciation for his unique blend of traditional technique and expressive presentation.

With years of experience in both performance and pedagogy, he teaches North Indian instrumental music not just to Santoor learners but also to students of other Hindustani classical instruments. His teaching method is distinctive—he blends instrumental technique with gayaki ang (vocal expression), ensuring a holistic understanding of raga music. He often demonstrates lessons both on the Santoor and through vocal renditions to help students grasp the nuances better.

Suddhashil believes in tailoring his lessons according to the student's level. Beginners start with learning how to tune the instrument, proper posture, and holding the mallets (kalam), followed by the practice of paltas (basic note patterns). As students progress, he introduces raga-based training and compositions, gradually unfolding the deeper elements of Hindustani classical music.

With his rich musical lineage, global stage presence, and deep-rooted teaching philosophy, Suddhashil Chatterjee provides students with a strong foundation and inspires them to grow as thoughtful and expressive musicians.