How to Honor Sitar Teachers

A sitar is a stringed musical instrument used primarily in Indian and Hindu music. Sitar teachers are vessels to move ancient and sacred knowledge to students who are eager to learn the traditional ways of playing the sitar. It’s important to respect Indian customs by showing honor to your sitar teacher.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Learn about Indian and Hindu history, customs and traditions. The more knowledge you have, the better you will be able to honor your sitar teacher.

2. Remove your shoes when you are handling or playing your sitar. Follow tradition and place the sitar on your bare left foot. Taking off your shoes shows respect to the sitar, which will honor your teacher.

3. Touch your sitar teacher's feet, which many consider dirty, according to Indian culture. By willingly touching your teacher's feet, you honor her in the highest way. Try to keep your feet away from her. Touching her with your own feet shows disrespect and is an insult.

4. Practice as often as possible. Playing your sitar to the best of your ability will show your teacher honor. The more you practice, the more you show your dedication to the sitar and your teacher.

5. Care for your sitar. Caring for your instrument properly will honor your teacher by showing him that you respect what he is teaching you to play.

6. Dedicate a performance on your sitar to your teacher. A performance on the sitar comes from the heart. When you dedicate your performance to your teacher, you tell her that she is part of your heart. This shows her thanks for teaching you the art of playing the sitar.