Since its inception in 1976 by Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan, the Halim Academy of Sitar has taught students the musical discipline and art of sitar in the distinct style of Jafferkhani Baaj. The academy hosts annual concerts to showcase emerging talent.

Khansaheb’s principal disciple and son, the notable sitarist Shri Zunain Khan has played a pivotal role in the expansion and evolution of the institute since 2013. He serves as Halim Academy of Sitar’s Executive and Artistic Director, where he passionately mentors students worldwide in an inspiring and open learning environment.

Halim Academy of Sitar invites luminaries from the Carnatic and Hindustani Indian classical music and dance world to perform at its main stage events. In 2019, it launched Khiraj, a festival of live music in loving memory of its founder and beloved Guru, Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan. Titans of Indian classical music and dance are commemorated with the "Jafferkhani Samman" on the opening day of the festival, followed by live concerts, as well as a concert by the students of Halim Academy of Sitar. Khiraj festival’s first Jafferkhani Samman was conferred upon the late tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain.

Select list of artists featured at Halim Academy of Sitar concerts since 1976

Pandit Kumar Gandharva

Pandit Jasraj

Ustad Alla Rakha

Sangeetha Kalanidhi Aruna Sairam

Ustad Gulam Mustafa Khan

Dr. Prabha Atre

Ustad Fayyaz Khan

Pandit Ajay Pohankar

Gazal Samrat Anup Jalota

Vidushi Padma Talwalkar

Pandit Vasantrao Deshpande

Pandit Firoz Dastur

Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

Smt. Zarine Sharma

Ustad Rashid Khan

Pandit Bhajan Sopori & Abhay Sopori 

Dr. L. Subramaniam

Dr. Ashwini Bhide

Shri Abhay Rustom Sopori

Shri Jayateerth Mevundi

More information about live concerts can be found in our events page.

To make a tax deductible donation to the academy please email us at info@jafferkhanibaaj.com.

To enroll in a sitar class or for private sitar lessons, please fill out the Contact form.