Welcome! Please reach out to jjgreggsitar@gmail.com to inquire about any of the offerings I have for individuals or groups below.

Lessons: Sitar, Voice, Performance

I welcome new students and learning audiences at all levels. I’m seeking to teach individuals who want to make space for the sitar in their routine. Prior musical experi­ence is not required, but dedication is. In my 15+ years of teaching I have developed a method that uses the Traditional Indian Clas­sical learn­ing process augmented by recent develop­ments in the fields of education and brain science. COVID19 has shifted most of my teaching online. Learning online allows us to connect more often and more regularly, saving you travel time and energy, which you can spend instead on your sitar practice.

In addition to sitar, I also teach voice lessons focused on finding pitch and breathing techniques.  This work helps students refine their listening ear, gain stamina, and increase musical confidence.  

Lastly I offer Performance Coaching to help musicians overcome stage fright through intentional practice and preparation, relaxation of mind and body, which allows one to perform more confidently.

I offer lessons in my home studio in Salem, Oregon and online.

I offer two lesson plans:

1) One hour-long lesson per week, $60 per week or $240 per month

or

2) Two half-hour lessons per week, $60 per week or $240 per month

Lessons billed monthly.  Sliding scale available.

Sitars are available to borrow for students at no cost, but require a 3 month commitment of lessons.

Lectures & Demonstrations

I regularly give Lecture/Demonstrations, mostly in educational settings. 

Recent topics have included:

What is the sitar? How do sitar and tabla work together?  How do they work apart?  What is a Taal?  What is a Raga?

Composing for Improvisation

Using Improvisation as a Compositional Tool

The Guru-Student Relationship

Recent locations of Lecture/Demonstrations include Whitman College, Willamette University, Linfield College, Walla Walla University, and various schools and public libraries.

Workshops

I offer hands-on, group workshops.  Recent topics have included:

Taal: Beat cycles

Musical Meditation/Nada Yoga

Primer on Indian Classical Music and how you can apply it to your own music

Past locations of workshops include Illinois Math and Science Academy, Whitman College, Bowdoin College, and more.