Lessons
If you're interested in studying North Indian classical music with Christopher, please fill out this form to get in touch. You may also browse the page for more information about lessons.
Raag Bhupali in Jhaptal (10 beat time cycle), Transcribed from the record Maestro’s Choice, Series One
by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia – bansuri (bamboo flute), arranged for two sitars and tabla
Christopher Hale has taught both western and North Indian music since 1991. He is equally comfortable in the elementary school setting as he is leading workshops at the university level. Classes are fun and interactive, and include plenty of ‘hands on’ experience. He enjoys building an understanding relationship with students, and is patient with all levels of learning. Constantly seeking to expand his knowledge and skill of North Indian music, he continues to study with his own guru, sitarist Partha Chatterjee.
Chris’s gift for playing sitar also extends to teaching the instrument with tremendous patience, good-humour and above all encouragement, to bring out the best in the learner. I have benefitted tremendously from the many hours I have spent learning from Chris and I have experienced much encouragement to persevere with the sitar.
John Ruston
If you are a resident of the greater Toronto area, private lessons in sitar can be arranged. Students who live outside the GTA can also be accommodated using internet video, such as Skype, as long as they own a sitar and are proficient in tuning it. Lessons are one hour in length. For pricing and availability use the contact form to arrange an initial phone conversation with Christopher.
How to play Sitar: Wilbur Sargunaraj, featuring Christopher Hale
Raag Bageshree - Blair Fraser on Chaturangui and Bhaskar Murthy on Tabla
Raag Nat Bhairav - Jordan Paul on Sitar and Anita Katakkar on Tabla
Raag Durga by Luke Parker at the annual student recital
Raag Darbari Kanada - Yamuna Tummala on sitar and Bhargav Duggaraju on tabla
Raag Bhimpalasi - Ja Ja Re Apne Mandirwa - Exercise for Sitar
Raag Megh by Lakshman Makavita, playing the Laksitar, an instrument of his own creation, at the 5th annual student recital
My Student Feeds a Chickadee During Her Lesson