Sanjeev Sonar Indian Classical Vocal Guru
9 Reviews

I have learned from great gurus, in gurukul style, who cherished the tradition of guru-shishya parampara. Living with my Guruji has opened my eyes & voice to a new dimension. My first guruji used to say that "The divine connection comes to you only from VOCALS".

I teach a few committed students. I had been learning since 1980 & performing & teaching from 1993. Had been privileged to learn in Gurukul style with my Gurus, I graduated from Center for Performing Arts, Pune University, summa cum laude (Vocal Classical) in 1992. The pursuit of excellence has kept me on my toes for more than 3 decades. I can render a raaga in the serene style with my own signature gaayaki. It's not a mere copy of old Ustaads & maestros. The tradition needs to be carried ahead with a lot of thinking on your own.

I wish my students to experience the same richness & grandeur of the tradition that is Indian Classical Music. I am also the Co-founder & Trustee of Pt. Anindo Chatterjee Music Foundation in Pune - The organization where we provide platform for upcoming artists along with established Maestros. We have been presenting 4 very large scale events & 3 small events every year for last 15+ years. I'm also teaching in my guruji's academy on Pt. Ajay Pohankar's Gurukul.

I emphasize on retaining the natural beauty of my students' voices and strive to tune my teaching as per the individual requirements of each student. I take up only a few students & look meticulously into their proper grooming. When you learn from a Guru who has gone through the tradition of learning by living with his Guru - you get to experience the True essence of music - not only the personal charisma but also the living vibrations of the long thread of tradition. So I look forward to meet you, come, join me & let us embark on this wonderful journey of insatiable curiosity & pure bliss...

Subjects

  • Hindustani Vocal Beginner-Expert

  • Indian classical music Beginner-Expert

  • Hindustani classical vocal music Beginner-Expert

  • Indian classical vocal Beginner-Expert

  • Hindustani classical Beginner-Expert


Experience

  • Guru (Mar, 1999Present) at self employed
    Have been teaching and performing since 1999
  • Self (Jan, 1993Present) at Pune

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts - indian classical music (Jun, 1989Apr, 1992) from Pune University punescored A++
  • Electronics Engineering (Jun, 1985Mar, 1988) from Cusrow Wadia Institute of Technology, Pune

Fee details

    1,0005,000/hour (US$11.9859.91/hour)


9 Reviews
5 out of 5

User Photo July 27, 2021
Payment verified US$ 50

Knowledgeable, professional and flexible

Sanjeev is a joy to work with. Not only does he have extensive knowledge about Hindustani Classical music, but he comes loaded with a treasure of an ancient Guru - shishya methodology for instruction. He has multitude techniques for voice expansion and pitch strengthening. He tends to customize a session depending on the mood and ability of the student on that particular day. I'm very fortunate to be able to apply his teachings directly in my musical presentations; his teaching is particularly directed towards the needs of my presentation and it helps immensely while in front of an audience. Thank you Sanjeev, you're awesome.


User Photo May 16, 2020

Real Guru Shishya parampara

Gurujii is very good at teaching and following guru shishya traditional parampara and he is always try to understand the ability of the student such as what kind of level student has and based on that Gurujii will approach and teach.


User Photo May 10, 2020

A perfect teacher for anyone who wish to learn classical

I am a beginner and I am learning classical since 2 months with Sanjeev Sonar. In this two months i have realized that all the capabilities he has mentioned in his profile is genuine. He is very humble and very keen to teach the students the perfect way possible. He is flexible with time routines and very patient.

I have learnt with other gurus as well, but was never totally satisfied with the teaching method. After getting to learn with Sanjeev Sonar, I am for sure that I have the right hand on me.

He is never in a hurry to finish the class. He makes sure that the student understands the content well before moving further. He will not start with too many raags, rather he would take one raag and make sure that the student learn it to perfection before moving to the other. I have started learning a basic raag since a month and i am very satisfied with the way of teaching a raag.

All those looking out for a vocal coach, i would highly recommend Sanjeev Sonar, if you want to learn honestly.


User Photo May 9, 2020
Payment verified US$ 74

Patient and Encouraging

Sanjeev is a music teacher dedicated to his students and is passionate about Indian classical music. His instruction is patient and detailed. While he allows you to take things at your own pace he also encourages you to constantly improve. Sanjeev not only knows about the rich tradition of Hindustani classical music but is familiar with the details of Western music theory well enough to tailor the lessons to whatever your background might be. Most importantly, he comes across as a compassionate being - radiating the same composure and calm that the tradition of Indian classical music has imparted him.


User Photo May 8, 2020

Excellent music teacher

I tried learning music from local teachers in Toronto however they were not really good, most of their intentions were to get paid instead of teaching students with passion. It’s been over 3 months I have been learning from Sanjeev sir, and one of the greatest thing of Sanjeev sir is that he teaches students with lot of passion. He also has lot of patience because he always wants to ensure that students learn the right things in music. In every lesson he will give students new experience with music such as creating fun twist in the warm ups, this is a great technique to keep students on their feet so they do not feel bored or mechanical. Over all he is the best music teacher I have ever met. ?


User Photo May 8, 2020

I got what I was looking for

Sanjeev sir is the one who make sure you doesn't just sing but draw a connection & feel music.He has great teaching skills and ensures that I am fully attentive and focused in the class. I am enjoying this learning opportunity with him and look forward to more...?? ?


User Photo May 8, 2020

Amazing teacher

He took the time to understand my style and designed a training program which suits my style. I’m a pop singer/songwriter with more interest in American music. He told me to retain that and enhance that rather than just teaching me hardcore classical. I’m going to be retaining his services long term.


User Photo November 26, 2019

Innovative teaching style, Solution for the student's problem, passion for Indian classical music

When I was looking for someone who can teach me on Indian classical, I spoke to many experts in the area. Some I found driven commercially, some I found very good too but I knew that they will hand me over to someone else in their organization but when I spoke to Sanjeev, there was no doubt in my mind who I wanted to learn from and I wished if I had found him earlier.

I have been learning from Sanjeev for over 6 months and while learning, I have been imparted with historical knowledge of India classical music, details of raga to understand it better, how to do Riyaz, various exercises to improve control over notes, Breathing technics.

The initial phase was very challenging for me, Sanjeev was very patient and ensured that I have perfected the notes before moving ahead. He provided various aids that were extremely helpful.

Sanjeev's approach to music is very practical and pace and structure of the sessions are based on student need. Besides Sanjeev's expertise and enthusiasm for Indian classical music, he has great respect for Western music. While I am immensely benefitted from Sanjeev's teaching, I would certainly recommend him to new aspirants.


User Photo November 26, 2019

Thorough, dedicated and a pleasure to learn from

I have been learning from Sanjeevji for almost a year now, after having tried several online tutors. I can honestly say that from the very first lesson I knew he was a totally revolutionary teacher. His approach - not just to singing, but to music history, arithmetics in harmony, beat, aalap, his approach to voice therapy, culture, breathing techniques was a complete revelation to me.

A word of caution though: Do not learn from him if you want bookish knowledge and want to do a crash course in music. His absolute dedication to music and his students deserves the same in return. You may only cover 3 or 4 raagas in one year, but believe me, he will go through it with the finest tooth combs, patiently, persistently, calmly.

It has been the most enriching experience to learn from Sanjeevji and I continue to do so.