Tanpura Programme
From your first drone to live classical accompaniment — every swara, guided
Learn tanpura in a structured, step-by-step programme — from tuning basics and plucking technique to raaga accompaniment, rhythm consistency, and providing professional drone support for classical vocal and instrumental performances.
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Learn to Play With Purity,
Depth & Grace
Our Tanpura programme is designed for complete beginners to developing classical musicians. Whether you dream of supporting devotional classical vocalists, accompanying raaga recitals, or mastering the art of the perfect drone — our structured curriculum takes you there at your own pace, with expert guidance every step of the way.
Choose Your Level
Detailed, structured curriculum — know exactly what you will learn
- Introduction to tanpura
- Tuning basics
- Basic plucking technique
- Understanding drone sound
- String care & posture
- Listening & ear training
- Proper tuning with raagas
- Maintaining rhythm consistency
- Classical vocal accompaniment
- Understanding raaga atmosphere
- Sustained plucking endurance
- Swara identification & tuning refinement
- Advanced tuning techniques
- Professional accompaniment
- Live performance support
- Multi-raaga tuning fluency
- Accompanying instrumental recitals
- Stage presence & concert preparation
- Performance reel & recital support
Your Learning Journey
A clear, progressive path from zero to confident tanpura player
First Strings
You learn correct posture, how to hold the tanpura, develop your basic plucking technique, and understand the instrument's unique drone sound. By month three you are tuning the tanpura correctly and producing a clean, resonant sustained tone with growing confidence.
Enter the Raaga
Learn to tune the tanpura for specific raagas, maintain consistent rhythm and evenness of stroke, and begin accompanying classical vocalists. You develop the sensitivity to support a singer's swara atmosphere with subtlety and care.
The Complete Accompanist
Master advanced tuning techniques, multi-raaga fluency, and live concert accompaniment. Support professional classical vocalists and instrumentalists on stage — graduating as a complete, stage-ready tanpura accompanist with refined musical sensitivity.
Skills You Will Master
Every technique, taught in the right order, at the right time
Introduction to Tanpura
Understanding the tanpura's role in Indian classical music, its anatomy, string layout, and the sacred function it serves as the foundation of every raga performance.
Tuning Basics
Learning to tune each string correctly — Sa, Pa, and the two high Sa strings — developing the ear and technique for a pure, resonant drone that supports any raaga.
Plucking Technique
Correct finger placement, stroke evenness, and sustained rhythm — the physical discipline that produces a smooth, unbroken drone is the heart of tanpura mastery.
Understanding Drone Sound
Ear training to recognise the overtone spectrum of the tanpura, developing sensitivity to intonation and learning how the drone interacts with the human voice.
Raaga Tuning
Tuning the tanpura to suit specific raagas — understanding Ma and Pa tunings, and how subtle adjustments shape the entire mood and atmosphere of a classical performance.
Rhythm Consistency
Maintaining perfectly even stroke rhythm across an entire performance — the disciplined pulse that allows singers and musicians to breathe, explore, and soar freely.
Classical Vocal Accompaniment
Learning to sensitively support a vocalist — blending into their sound, responding to dynamic changes, and providing the unwavering sonic foundation they depend on.
Live Performance Support
Stage readiness, concert etiquette, and professional accompaniment skills — preparing you to support classical performers at recitals, festivals, and live stage events.
Why Sur Jhankar?
Expert teachers, authentic classical training, and a programme that truly builds musicians
Experienced Faculty
Our tanpura teachers are trained classical musicians with years of both performing and teaching experience across vocal, instrumental, and stage accompaniment contexts.
Structured Curriculum
A detailed, progressive syllabus — every class builds logically on the last so you always know where you are and where you are going in your classical journey.
Real Music from Day One
You play actual raaga-based drone patterns from your very first month — learning is always musical and meditative, never just mechanical finger exercises.
Flexible Batches
Morning, evening, and weekend slots — both online and in-person formats to suit every schedule and learning preference.
Performance Opportunities
Regular recitals, classical events, and school concerts give students real-world stage accompaniment experience from early in their journey.
Personal Attention
Small batches mean every student receives individual feedback, technique corrections, and a growth path tailored precisely to them.
Ready to Sound
Your First Sur?
Join Sur Jhankar Music School's Tanpura programme — where every string plucked, every raaga tuned, and every performance supported brings you closer to the classical musician you were always meant to be.
+91 80092 66699 · All levels welcome · Any age