Sitar, harmonium to be taught in UK schools
PTI, Hindustan Times
February 25, 2008

For the first time, schools in London will introduce sitar and Indian harmonium in its music lessons from the next academic year starting in September.

The London borough of Harrow, which has a large minority of Indian origin, will introduce the two Indian instruments in the new music curriculum in its schools. The Harrow Council's music services department recently ordered child-size sitars from India for a pilot project at the Pinner Park Middle School.

The sessions were conducted by music teacher Vijay Jagtap, an acclaimed Britain-based sitar artist, who has played alongside former Beatle George Harrison for Queen Elizabeth.

Harrow councillor Anjana Patel said: "Introducing the sitar into the school music curriculum is a great way of expanding pupils' knowledge about music. But it is also a compelling way of introducing children to the broader aspects of Indian culture."

She told newspersons that as one of the most diverse boroughs in London, this awareness was "something we are very keen to promote."