Shivananda Ramesh Music School

It is an honor and privilege to get music lessons from Mukesh Sir. I was searching for a guru and fortunately I found one in him. He shared real meaning of music and life. You would want to go for real 'sadhna' once you meet him and understand the meaning of music. He is a gem, a force of a guide. Please seek the guidance by him if you get a chance. I can't wait to be there again. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom.

Studying with Guruji Mukesh Arya was a rare and meaning experience. I learned much more than just Indian Classical Music. My time with him was rigorous musical training, spiritual learning, and the warmth of being welcomed into his family and daily life. Guruji Mukesh Arya is of thr Sivananda Ramesh Music School—the oldest music school in Rishikesh! He's been teaching for nearly 40 years and it shows. Personally, I consider him a master, though he humbly insists he will always be a student. During the 50 days I studied with him, I was welcomed not only into studying but also into his home and family life. We shared home-cooked meals prepared by his family (and for the record-I never got food poisoning if any foreigners are concerned about food in India) and drank chai throughout the day. I felt deeply included in the rhythm of Guruji's musically rich life an family. Guruji taught me sitar, Naad Yog, harmonium, and singing in Hindustani Classical Music, but beyond the instruments, he passed on something very valuable—the ldevotional essence of Indian culture and music. His deep reverence for Maa (the divine mother) and his extraordinary musical skill brought depth into every lesson and our overall time together. Learning the sitar, an instrument that demands discipline and patience, was especially challenging at first. But Guruji can not only play masterfully he can teach masterfully! He encourages and challenges with love, always meeting you where you are, no matter how much of a beginner. He is a deeply loving teacher. He also carries with him a treasure trove of stories from decades of teaching. I found myself laughing often, which helped carry me through the tough first week or so of building calluses on my fingers for Sitar. Throughout my time with him, Guruji also held pujas (ceremonies) on various holy days and sacred weeks, and he generously allowed me to participate even as a foreigner-a rare opportunity. With Guruji I had the opportunity to focus completely on music, making this more like a yogic sadhana. This went way beyond basic music classes. Some days I would begin my practice with him as early as 7 AM and stay as late as 10 PM. I made a comittement to immerse myself as much as possible while some other students would come for shorter regular classes. Guruji lives close to the Ganga River, and I would often take breaks to dip in the waters. There are also many homestays right in his area so it was easy to find accommodation that doesn't require a commute. While continuing my travels through India and returning home to Canada, I’ve been learning remotely with Guruji. You don’t have to go there in person—I highly recommend starting remotely, wherever you may be in the world. He can make funky time zones work haha. Guruji helped me get my own Sitar with a fiberglass travel case. He even had an old Sitar service man come from Varanasi to service my Sitar before I left. Now even while remote in Canada he insists I video call him so he can quality check any harmonium I might buy! Guruji has been huge help in a sea of expensive low quality instruments (especially as a foreigner). I am forever grateful to Guruji Mukesh for opening the door to the deep and beautiful tradition that is Indian classical music. I will return to India from Canada to spend more time learning with him. Jai Maa!

Mukesh is an amazing teacher, really methodical which for me was great because I could grow from the basis in my harmonium lessons! I had classes for 2 weeks in a row and Can say I feel confident with my practice and solo playing. He has more than 30 years of teaching and you Can tell from the start que realizes what the student needs are. Thank you so much for everything

I am very grateful for having met Mukeshji, my music guru. Not only I found his teaching method very professional but especially I have appreciated his passionate approach to sharing his vast knowledge and experience with me as his student. Guruji has introduced me to Harmonium and Tablas playing as well as Nada Yoga and I will continue to study with him online. Many thanks from my heart Mukeshji, I miss our classes and I look forward to our next live music sessions Hari Om!

Mukesh sir bhut bhut ache insan hai unka music sikane ka jo andaj hai wo sbse alag hai sir ek bhut anubhav music teacher hai tabla, sitar, harmauniyam Sir sab bjane me best hai Music school or sir ki energy bhut hi positive hai . Baki aap aaie or khud aakar dekhie

Learning under Mukesh Ji has been a truly enriching experience. His deep understanding of music, combined with his humble and patient teaching style, makes him a rare gem in the world of music education. Every session with him is filled with wisdom, discipline, and the true essence of melody. But beyond music, Mukesh Ji is a deeply kind-hearted human being — always ready to help those in need and filled with compassion for animals. His love and care for every living being reflects in the purity of his music. If you're someone who wishes to learn music not just as a skill but as a soul-touching art, I wholeheartedly recommend Mukesh Ji. A true mentor, a guiding light, and an inspiration to every aspiring musician. – Moana

A school that brings a tradition, and you can have a great learning experience. Professor Mukesh has a lot of knowledge and he passes it on with a lot of love. Your family is lovely and always welcomes us so well. Thank you Guruji Mukesh and family for taking such loving care of your students.