Learn the Fundamentals of Santoor Playing Techniques

The course begins with an overview of the Santoor, its origin, and its place in Indian classical music. Students will learn about its cultural background and how it became an important instrument in traditional music.

Knowing the Instrument - Students will get a detailed look at the Santoor—its structure, strings, and how it produces sound. This helps in understanding the instrument before starting to play.

Posture and Handling - You will learn how to sit properly while playing and how to place the Santoor for comfortable practice. Time will be given to get used to holding the instrument correctly.

Holding the Mallets (Mezrab) - The course covers how to hold the mallets in both hands, along with practice to make your grip steady and relaxed for smooth playing.

Tuning the Santoor - You will be introduced to Santoor's tuning system. Step-by-step guidance will help you understand how to tune the instrument to the basic notes.

Using Right and Left Hands - This part focuses on how to use both hands while playing. You’ll learn which hand plays which part and how to build good coordination between the two.

Practicing Basic Patterns - Students will practice simple patterns (paltas) based on the notes Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa. These exercises help build familiarity with the notes and the instrument.

Increasing Speed - Once the patterns are comfortable, you'll learn how to gradually increase the speed while keeping control and clarity in your playing.

Learning Raga Yaman - You will be introduced to the basic notes and phrases of Raga Yaman. The course includes practice and a simple composition in slow and medium speed.

Exploring Raga Ahir Bhairav - After Yaman, students will learn another raga—Ahir Bhairav. You’ll practice its phrases and build confidence through repetition.

Preparing for the Next Level -  The course ends with a revision of all that’s been covered. Your teacher will guide you on how to move forward and get ready for intermediate-level learning.

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.