Indian Music Lessons

Discover the Harmony of Music and Spirit

Master the art of music with precision, creativity, and soulful connection

Okay, let's amp up the fun and get you ready to jam!

Ever find yourself humming those catchy Hindi pop tunes, or maybe you're totally hooked on the latest Tamil chartbusters? Perhaps you've got a soft spot for those classic Bollywood melodies or the vibrant beats of Punjabi tracks? Whatever your Indian music jam is, you've come to the right place!

Forget stuffy lessons! We're all about diving into the songs you actually love. Think of it: you, absolutely nailing that iconic Hindi film song, or grooving to a Tamil hit, or maybe even exploring the beautiful melodies of Telugu or Malayalam cinema. And yeah, if you're into the soulful vibes of bhajans or the ancient cool of Sanskrit mantras, we can totally explore that too!

We're mixing the best of both worlds here. You can learn the harmonium like a traditional master, rock out on the keyboard with contemporary Indian hits, or even strum your favorite tunes on the guitar. It's all about finding your unique sound.

My style? It's all about getting the feel right – making sure those Hindi words sound authentic, capturing the emotion in that Tamil lyric, and really understanding the heart of the music. But it’s also about letting loose, experimenting, and having a blast while you learn. Whether you're just starting out and don't know a Sa from a Ga, or you've been playing for a while and want to spice things up, I've got you.

Plus, we can tap into some awesome music learning software to help you practice, get instant feedback, and even compose your own tunes. Think of it as your personal, digital jam buddy!

So, ready to make some noise? Let's learn the songs that make you want to sing and dance – music that speaks to your soul and maybe even gets you ready for that spotlight moment!

Discover the Harmony of Music and Spirit

Sessions

  • Welcome Call
    15 min
  • Your Music, Your Lesson - One class Guitar/Keyboard
    30 min
    One-Off Music Lesson: Your Questions Answered, Your Skills Improved. This personalized session is designed for those seeking targeted instruction. Whether you're struggling with a specific technique, want to learn a particular song, or need help understanding music theory, this lesson is tailored to your individual needs. Bring your instrument and your questions!

Recurring sessions

  • Guitar/Keyboard Mastery: 4-Class Journey for Beginners
    Package of 4 meetings
    Gain foundational skills, learn essential chords, and perform your favorite songs by the end of this series!
  • 30-day Mini-Course: Basics of Reading Notation, Guitar Tabs, and Time Signatures
    Per 30 min meeting
    This beginner-friendly course teaches the fundamentals of reading music notation, guitar tablature (tabs), and basic time signatures over four weeks with lessons and exercises. Week 1: Music Notation • Goals: Learn the staff, clefs, note names, and rhythms. • Lessons: • Staff, treble/bass clefs, and note placement. • Note values (whole, half, quarter, eighth) and rhythms. • Exercises: Write notes on a staff, clap/play rhythms. Week 2: Guitar Tabs • Goals: Read and write guitar tabs, practice finger placement. • Lessons: • Tab format (6 strings, fret numbers). • Basic chords (C, G, D, Em) and simple melodies. • Exercises: Play chords, write a melody in tabs. Week 3: Time Signatures • Goals: Understand 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4 time signatures and beat counting. • Lessons: • Time signature basics and counting beats. • Exercises: Clap/tap rhythms and create patterns. Week 4: Integration • Goals: Combine notation, tabs, and time signatures. • Lessons: • Play pieces blending all skills. • Focus on rhythm and accuracy. • Exercises: Practice and perform a song. Wrap-Up: Review concepts, encourage practice, and provide resources for further study. This course builds a solid foundation for reading music and playing guitar.
  • Fast Track to guitar playing - 10 classes
    Package of 10 meetings
    Fast Track Guitar: 10-Day Syllabus (30 min/day) Day 1: Getting Started Tune guitar (pg 6). Posture & pick (pg 7). Ex 1: Open Strings (pg 7). Day 2: First Notes & Picking Ex 2: Open-string Picking (pg 8). Intro to Tempo (bpm) (pg 8). Day 3: Top Two Strings Ex 3: E & B string notes (first 4 frets) (pg 10). One finger per fret. Day 4: Fret Hand & Picking Ex 4: Picking strings 1 & 2 (pg 12). Focus on sharps. Day 5: Basic Blues Ex 5: E & B string blues (pg 14). Down/upstrokes on beats. Day 6: String Crossing Ex 6: Top 3 string crossing (pg 16). Open & fretted notes. Day 7: Exploring G-String Ex 7: G string notes (first 4 frets) (pg 18). Sharps & flats. Day 8: Intro to Rests Ex 9: Top 3 string blues with rests (pg 20). Day 9: First Melody Ex 12: First position melody (top 3 strings) (pg 24). Day 10: Lower Strings Ex 14: D, A, & E strings (pg 28). Staccato practice. Listen to CD tracks for rhythm & feel. Adjust pace as needed. Good luck!
  • 3-Month Guitar Course: Basics with Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1 (and Indian Songs)
    Package of 12 meetings
    This three-month beginner course teaches guitar fundamentals using the Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1, combined with examples of popular Indian songs. Lessons cover chords, rhythms, techniques, and performance skills. Actual songs may vary. Month 1: Basics • Week 1: Learn guitar parts, tuning, and strumming open strings. • Week 2: Read music notation and tabs, practice rhythms, and write melodies. • Week 3: Play basic chords (C, G, D, Em) and simple songs like “Tum Hi Ho” and “Chura Liya Hai Tumne”. • Week 4: Develop basic strumming patterns and smooth transitions. Month 2: Expanding Skills • Week 5: Add chords (A, Am, E) and fingerpicking patterns. Songs may include “Kabira” and “Dil Diyan Gallan”. • Week 6: Improve notation reading and timing with melodies and backing tracks. • Week 7: Learn major and pentatonic scales and practice improvisation. • Week 8: Explore songwriting basics—create chord progressions and lyrics. Month 3: Putting It Together • Week 9: Introduce barre chords and songs like “Pehla Nasha” and “Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage”. • Week 10: Build confidence with performance techniques and stage presence. • Week 11: Review skills, practice songs, and assess progress. • Week 12: Prepare and perform a mini-concert. Materials: Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book 1, tuner, metronome, and recording device. This structured course provides a solid foundation in guitar playing through gradual skill development and engaging examples of Indian songs.
  • Learn to Play Indian Devotional Songs on Guitar – A Beginner’s Course
    Package of 12 meetings
    Learn to Play Indian Devotional Songs on Guitar – A Beginner’s Course Discover the joy of playing Indian devotional songs on the guitar! In just 3 months, you’ll master essential chords and strumming techniques to accompany bhajans and kirtans with confidence—all through a structured and fun approach. What You’ll Learn: Month 1: Build your foundation with major, minor, and 7th chords. Learn soulful bhajans like “Achyutam Keshavam” and “Om Jai Jagdish Hare” while practicing basic strumming patterns. Month 2: Expand your skills with barre chords, capo techniques, and fingerpicking. Play spiritual favorites like “Shivoham Shivoham” and Krishna Das’s “Namah Shivaya” to enhance transitions. Month 3: Focus on performance and group singing. Refine your style with songs like “Hari Om Tat Sat” and “Hey Govinda Hey Gopala” to showcase your progress. Course Highlights: 🎸 Weekly Lessons: Chords, strumming, and songs. 🎶 Devotional Music: Learn bhajans, kirtans, and modern tracks. 🎤 Performance Opportunities: Build confidence by playing for friends, family, or gatherings. Enroll today and start expressing devotion through music that inspires and uplifts! 🙏🎶

Specialized Offerings

  • Sacred Sound & Bhakti Music Course
    Duration: 3 months (1 hour per week) Fee: Donation-based (offered as a Dakshina) Why Donation-Based? Mantras and chants are sacred gifts, not commodities. This course is offered on a donation basis to honor the tradition of dakshina, where students give as an offering from the heart. This ensures the teachings remain accessible while respecting their spiritual essence. Course Modules Module 1: Intro to Sacred Sound (4 weeks) • Science & Spirituality of Chanting • Breathwork & Vocal Techniques Module 2: Sanskrit Mantras & Slokas (4 weeks) • Sanskrit Pronunciation • Hanuman Chalisa & Daily Slokas Module 3: Bhajans & Kirtan (2 weeks) • Intro to Bhajans • Call & Response Chanting Module 4: Contemporary Chants (2 weeks) • English Chants • Creative Expression Join us to explore music that nourishes the soul and uplifts the spirit!
  • Music & Audio recording services
    Experience high-quality recording tailored for Indian music styles in a cozy and creative environment. Our studio features top-tier equipment, ensuring your music shines. Enjoy a special introductory offer for first-time clients, making it easier than ever to capture your unique sound.
  • Become a Music Producer with AI: Gemini, Suno, Band-in-a-Box & Logic Pro
    Make Music with AI: 3-Month, 2 hrs week course Learn to write, produce & master a song using AI! No experience needed. You'll use: Gemini: for lyrics & album art Suno: to compose music Band-in-a-Box: to arrange it Logic Pro: for mastering Create your own song in just 3 months! $600

Digital Products

  • Essential Strumming Patterns for Beginners
    A comprehensive guide featuring strumming and fingerpicking patterns for common time signatures, complete with practical examples and tips for beginners.

Affiliate Links

  • BollyPiano
    Bollypiano is a website that sells Indian music sheet music, tutorials, and a 7-day free trial, easy to understand, making them a valuable resource for guitarist and pianists of all levels.

About me - Nandakumar Nayar

A Unique Blend of Music, Technology, and Spirituality

I bring a rich and diverse background as a musician, instructor, and spiritual practitioner shaped by nearly three decades in airlines and tourism. My professional journey taught me cultural appreciation and refined my customer service skills, but my true passion has always been music.

I dedicated 15 years to training in Indian Classical music, immersing myself in both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. My deep understanding of melody, rhythm, and musical expression led me to further explore the technical side of music. I studied digital filmmaking and audio recording at the Digital Film Academy in New York, gaining expertise in sound engineering and production. This opened doors to recording renowned artists, working as a live sound engineer for Bollywood singers, and performing as a bass and rhythm guitarist in various bands.

Alongside my musical pursuits, spirituality has played a central role in my life. As a Reiki Master, Vipassana practitioner, and dedicated meditator, I see music as more than an art form—it’s a path to healing, transformation, and self-discovery. I compose chants and lead kirtans, blending melody and devotion to create meditative musical experiences.

As a teacher, I focus on fostering a creative and supportive environment that inspires a lifelong love for music. My approach combines technical mastery with emotional depth, helping students explore styles ranging from traditional bhajans to modern genres. Fluent in Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, and English, I’m able to connect with students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to guide you on a musical and spiritual journey—one that nourishes both the mind and the soul.

Contacts

  • The Studio Phone number

    +18482029084

  • My E Mail address

    nanda@indianmusic.us

  • The Studio Address

    2 Lillian Terrace, Piscataway NJ 08854

  • Facebook Page

  • My YouTube Channel

  • My songs on SoundCloud

  • Nalla Madras - A blog

  • My Podcasts

  • My Instagram page