Need more details? Any doubts? Get clarification. Write to musicianself@gmail.com. You will get a reply within 2 days, usually within 24 hours.

$12 (₹850) to be a better player in the next 30 days

You have watched my youtube videos, found my tutorials useful. Probably you like the way I play Indian raga and film songs, fluently the way it is sung and want to play like that. Maybe you like my Unplugged rhythm chord songs and would like to play chords and rhythm like that.

Music saved me through ups and downs in my life. Stayed by me when I was alone as a child and even later in life. Gave me social connections and friends who support me.

In the past years teaching music, I have seen the advantages of practising and playing music in others’ lives too. I want to extend it and make it easily reachable for anyone.

You can start accessing my courses – methods and techniques my students and I use – using a single subscription, at one place.

You also get access to me, direct corrections from me when you join. One on one classes are limited – this online membership method is working very well – no problem from time zones, learn when you can, get corrections anytime. If you will benefit from my guidance, see options below and join. You have a 30 day FULL MONEY BACK guarantee 🙂

Usually it is a monthly subscription of $27, $47 or $97 (depending on how we interact – including a one on one option). But, now you can start using it for $12 for 1 month.

One single fee to learn them ALL

You want to learn to play the kind of music you like. Maybe you have always wanted to learn music, but didn’t get a chance before, but now is a good time, having settled a bit more in life.

You want to play music for your own enjoyment and satisfaction or you want to have a good time playing with your family or friends.

Whatever the reason be, having music to practice and play has its benefits.

With your single monthly membership, you will have access to all the courses I upload, 24/7, any time you want to use them. That means you can choose what to learn, based on your skill level and interest.

No extra fees – just the monthly membership fees – use as much as you want, any course, any videos, any topic. I want you to benefit without restrictions or confusions. In fact I like it when I see you are using it and asking me as many doubts as you can. Results matter.

If you are a beginner, start with Guitar Basics that Matters – it will get you started while you learn the needed basics the useful way.
Indian style or film song playing – use the Indian Guitar courses to make your playing fluent and efficient.
Specifically want to learn Carnatic? Use the basic Indian guitar methods + Carnatic geethams, krithis etc (regularly updated).
Rhythm and chord based courses are also included, helping you move from look and play to understanding and higher levels of learning.
Ear training, chord melody, improvisation, rhythm while singing and other related fields will be added to the course as you get the basics right.
You have access to me through the FB group or through skype/hangouts messaging and through practice video correction, videos custom made for you – see the options and choose one that best suits you. That way you will get your specific problems solved.
Course includes videos, tabs, pdfs and images that you can use at your own pace.
The course area will remind you which course you can start with. Also, within each course, prerequisites are suggested if any, and resources are mentioned to created your learner path.
At any time you need help building a learn path for your specific goal or skill levels, just contact through musicianself@gmail.com or skype/hangout and I will make a custom learner path for you.
You can cancel at any time. You will get a full refund if these resources are not working for you – just let me know within 30 days of payment.

As you may have noticed, my playing is detailed. If you have seen my tutorials, you will notice that I am not just repeating what is already been told.

One reason my students make fast progress with me is, since I give them micro details into the process of playing well. Telling a student what to play is just the beginning. Most teachers stop there, but we continue to go much farther. For example, I model a good players best play and give details to the fingering, eye movement, mindset… as needed.

If you want to learn with me, to make progress without wasting time, effort and money, try this option while it is available (no-risk). Let me help you. (Details below)

Your individual needs are different:

The core content – that which anyone has to learn to play the way I do, is given in the videos and pdfs. Depending on your interest (raga/songs/chords/rhythm/finding chords/carnatic etc) and your skill level (just beginning/intermediate etc) you can choose where to start, what to learn… and…

… you have me to guide you through the path, avoiding any guess work. I watch your practice videos (will tell you how to send them to me), I tell you where to focus, what to correct for immediate improvement, which lesson to learn.

From the second month on you can request for song tutorials – I take requests only from my students – else there will be too many for me to handle without affecting my time and other income work. You can also use my youtube tutorials, get corrections for songs or song chords etc… All options are open.

Guitar is not a contact sport. I don’t need to touch the student or be physically there. I started playing Guitar at the age of 11. I have been learning, watching, teaching for a very long time, that when I see someone play, I know what next step they need to take to reach their goal, based on their current skill level. If i can hear them play without seeing, again, I know what the next two weeks focus should be.

The mix of always accessible video courses + custom guidance from me works very well because:

it allows you to learn at your own pace, and ask me doubts that are important to you. In a group classroom situation, the students are forced to follow at the same speed regardless of their skill or ability. We avoid that here allowing you to go fast or slow as you wish while making sure you get all your doubts cleared and you are focusing on what is relevant for you to get to the next level of playing and musicianship.
you can practice and learn when you have time during the day or week. Practice time is precious these days. Family, work, other commitments… You can fix a time without having to wait for the teacher – day or night, morning or evening, lunchtime… or whenever to cover the material. You can then record a video with your mobile phone and send me too… getting the needed correction without missing because of time matching problems.
it allows you to go through the material that is important to you, based on your interest and skill level, without waiting for me. It is all in there in one membership in one place. So you don’t have to go around buying different courses worrying if it is right for your skill level or need. You can go through the membership area, see what is right for you and start immediately.

One of the feedbacks I value the most came from my student Sarvesh, who said “Your videos – it is as if you are there, sitting in front of me.”

Click here to see options, including direct corrections from me

Youtube whirlpool, continuity, focus

Since I started teaching online in 2010, my students have told me two things important to them:
1. curated, relevant, detailed, structured videos and resources to learn from
2. a good teacher to tell them what to focus on, motivate them, always there for them so that they can confidently practice towards goals that may seem difficult if they did it alone.

Why learn music now

You want to learn to play the kind of music you like. Maybe you have always wanted to learn music, but didn’t get a chance before, but now is a good time, having settled a bit more in life.

Maybe you want to play music for your own enjoyment and satisfaction or you want to play with your family or friends.

Music saved me through ups and downs in my life. Stayed by me when I was alone as a child and even later in life. Gave me social connections and friends who support me. Whatever the reason be, having music to practice and play has its benefits.

Ragacourses can help you because

Majority of my students have told me that they joined Ragacourses since it solved the following problems for them:
1. Youtube tutorial whirlpool You probably have experienced this. You start with a video, click to the next and then the next. Time spent. No results to show.
2. Lack of Continuity You start learning from a video. Where to go next? What is the next natural sequence you need to practice? No continuity. Not knowing where the next piece of the learning process is.
3. Lack of relevant teaching Lot of content online is generic and repeated. If you are interested in Indian music, you will need content dedicated to the topic. There are very few who can play Indian music on the guitar well, and very very few who can explain it to you in a way that you can actually learn it. The Indian western connection is just being formalized and made available. It’s a new field in music learning and teaching.
4. Experienced teacher whom they can trust and would like to play like. The difference between this is impossible for me and well, my teacher will make it simpler by making it manageable for me, and being there for me when I need help, corrections, suggestions, motivation. I have travelled the path myself and helped many others do the same.

With ragacourses membership, we solve the above problems.

You have access to techniques and methods, video and other material to help you learn music based on your skill and interest, any time you want, without restrictions.
You have access to me too, to chart out your learner path, to make things easy when the going gets tough, to help you with my experience and students I have helped.

Using Videos to give you the Core Content

Making teaching videos with details and examples and real student questions collected over the years… so that it appears as if the teacher is really there. These days I tell my clients whom I help making online courses, that this should be the goal.

Sarvesh continues:

Before joining raga courses, I simply didn’t know how to learn film songs and carnatic songs on guitar.
Even though there were some websites where I could get the notes of the song, i simply couldn’t translate those notes into music.
I was also interested in playing carnatic songs and this seemed to be an impossible task.
I accidentally ran into Shyam’s free youtube lessons and subscribed to them. i was pleasantly surprised to received more foundation videos and guidance from Shyam’s team without charging a penny.
Inspired by the support i started learning a few film songs on guitar following his videos. it was definitely so much more easier to learn the songs from Shyam and i started play film songs them like how they actually sounded (Shyam’s note: to help you play as it is sung, with all the details IS at the core of my efforts).
I realized that with the help of a wonderful teacher like Shyam and raga courses, it is possible for even a beginner to start playing indian music on guitar very quickly , so I decided to join Shyam’s music learning portal www.ragacourses.com.
In less than 2 months, I am learning to play film songs, geethams and even alai payudhe. This is more progress than i have ever made in the several years of trying to figure things out myself or trying to learn from other resources.
I have also started 1-on-1 classes with Shyam twice a month. This provides me the extra attention and guidance and helps me quickly identify and correct my mistakes.
Shyam is a gifted musician and a teacher who knows precisely how to teach indian music on guitar in such a way that anyone with interest can start making progress very quickly.
Ragacourses also has several advanced courses on chords, applying advanced technics to improve fluency and many more tools.
I am truly delighted to have started this musical journey through ragacourses.com and becoming a student of Shyam Monk.
Sarvesh
San Jose, California

I thank Sarvesh and others for their feedback that has helped me make useful learning tools. The videos were made based on the many questions, doubts and observations over the years with different students. With enough sample size, I was able to put together resources that would address the different micro problems and situations that a student would face.

Shyam teaches music with passion and his techy brain . I am deliberately not using the word guitar as he teaches music with needed theory backup including audio technology .
His knowledge base on the web touches most of aspects of music n technology needed for beginner to advanced musician.
You can see Shyam playing rumba flamenco style here n there without telling anything about it . His knowledge n teaching style blends eastern ragas n western music theory well digestible to music students.

His app “Raga Master” is very helpful to understand ragas both for keyboard n guitar players.

I was fascinated by many of his valuable tips n improved a lot especially in “playing as sung” , n indian ragas/ gamagas. The whole experience of following was an eye opener for me n was dragged to a different playing level,which was totally new to me.

“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”
All the best n thanks to him
Dr. Navas

Subscription cycle is every month on the date you join. So, you don’t have to wait till the first of a month to join and make full use of the course. If you join on the 6th of a month, next billing is only on the 6th of the next month.

Choose an option best for you:

Below are three variations you can choose from, based on your needs. The first month access is USD12 for any option you choose:
1. Option 01 Access to the course + Video corrections from me (First month: USD12, Second month onwards: USD47 per month)
2. Option 02 Access to the course + an FB group to post your videos, doubts etc. (First month: USD12, Second month onwards: USD27 per month)
3. Option 03 Access to the course, video corrections + 25 minutes one on one private calls with me every month. (First month: USD12, Second month onwards: USD97 per month)

You can switch between them when you need to. Also, any doubts any time, I am here to help and we will do what is best for you.

Option 1: Get access to the courses + Custom Guidance through Skype messages and Video Corrections by Shyam

The first month access is for just USD12 and if you choose to continue, it is at USD47. Cancel anytime – just mail musicianself@gmail.com.
Once you join, you have immediate 24/7 access to the course content. Choose and start based on your interest and your skill level.
You will be given Shyam’s Skype ID. Add him to skype and send him your practice video when possible to get started with custom corrections and suggestions on what to focus.
No limits on practice videos I don’t keep any limit on the number of videos you send me – send me a video every week or every two weeks or every month – just make sure you are putting into practice what is discussed in my response videos.
- We can call the videos – mistake videos. Include as many mistakes as you can, so that we will make sure we are not missing anything. Sending me a perfect video is not the aim – if you are already a perfect player, you wouldn’t need me. While practising or after a practice session, just turn on your phone, record a video, send. Anyway once you join, I will remind you the details.
2 – 3 days response time. So you can get your corrections fast and do your practice.
You have access to the students only Facebook group too. We know how peer interaction and being able to see what others are doing motivates us and makes our learning faster and surer.
The 2nd month onwards you can request for song tutorials. As a member, your request will have higher preference.

Option 2: Get access to the courses + FB group for Q & A

The first month access is for just USD12 and if you choose to continue, it is at USD27. Cancel anytime – just mail musicianself@gmail.com.
Once you join you have immediate access to the course content.
Join the Students only FB group (Only paid students in the group – no outside access – focused and safe group). Ask your doubts, post your ‘mistake’ videos. Get corrections from Shyam and comments from others.
If you don’t use FB, you can also send me an email with your doubts.

Option 3: Get access to the courses + Video corrections + PRIVATE One on One monthly calls with Shyam

The first month access is for just USD12 and if you choose to continue, it is at USD97. Cancel anytime – just mail musicianself@gmail.com.
In addition to all the possibilities in the USD47 option, you get monthly 25 minutes one on one private calls. As you can imagine, this can change the way you approach your practice, shorten the time needed for results, helps keep you accountable, every month. The calls are private one on one – just you and me to discuss your specific needs, get feedback and suggestions on your playing, plan your learning, in a completely private and confidential setting.
You will be given Shyam’s Skype ID. Add him to skype and send him your practice video when possible to get started with custom corrections and suggestions on what to focus.
I am also planning Group calls at least twice a month (zoom), for this option members only. We will keep multiple times so that the different time zones are taken care of. Since there will be limited members, there will be more than enough time for everyone to get their problems solved, while learning from peers.
Once you join, you have immediate 24/7 access to the course content. Choose and start based on your interest and your skill level.
No limits on practice videos I don’t keep any limit on the number of videos you send me – send me a video every week or every two weeks or every month – just make sure you are putting into practice what is discussed in my response videos.We can call the videos – mistake videos. Include as many mistakes as you can, so that we will make sure we are not missing anything. Sending me a perfect video is not the aim – if you are already a perfect player, you wouldn’t need me. While practising or after a practice session, just turn on your phone, record a video, send. Anyway once you join, I will remind you the details.
2 – 3 days response time. So you can get your corrections fast and do your practice.
You have access to the students only Facebook group too. We know how peer interaction and being able to see what others are doing motivates us and makes our learning faster and surer.
The 2nd month onwards you can request for song tutorials. As a member, your request will have higher preference.

Other than one on one classes, this is the only way to access the content that I provide my students. This way I can reach more and help more students benefit from my life work. Since you are interested in my way of playing or teaching, I hope you will take the option and join me.

Those who study with me wants freedom and independence. I am assuming you too want to in the long term, be able to find songs and chords on your own, letting you play what you want without being life long dependent on others through tabs and chord sheets.

In order to do that, you need to go beyond just mindless looking, remembering and repeating.

You also need structured instruction, that will make sure that you are practising towards your goals, instead of getting sucked down into the youtube tutorial whirlpool.

Using this resource, you get access to my methods and techniques that will allow you to start playing Indian raga or film songs fluently, playing rhythm and chords / chord melody with understanding, slowly progressing to being able to find songs and chords on your own.

Different from youtube videos, because: In my youtube videos, we discuss film songs. In these ragacourse resources, we take a step by step approach to thoroughly master the techniques and methods you need, if you like my playing and would like to learn to play or make music the way I do. It can be Indian film song fluency the way it is sung, can be rhythm and chord playing, chord melody…

The resources are arranged so that based on your skill level (beginner or intermediate or advanced beginner) and what your goal is (playing songs, chords, rhythm etc), you can choose the right course for you and you just need to keep doing the lessons and exercises in that course one by one, in order to take yourself to the next level. It is structured to make sure you don’t get discouraged by abstract exercises and theory, instead you complete levels with mini wins, strategic goals that will move you forward while raising your overall skill level.

Even my one on one Skype class students have started using this subscription method, since they can use the videos, pdfs, tabs etc as they want, at their own pace, depending on their skill level and goals.

Compare the pricing with the cost of you guitar. Compare it with other teaching or learning sources you have. I have kept the first month fees to $12 so that you can see how my methodology is different and how it will help you.

For example, if you ask me to teach rhythm and chords, I will clearly tell you what the minimum needed skill is. Ask you to play downstrokes and change chords without losing time (chord transition rules will help you), before you attempt strumming.

Level by level. Reaching a finished product or mini win as early as possible, while laying strong foundations to your skill.

Try the course. If you have found my youtube tutorials worth more than $12, anyway you have nothing to lose 🙂 Plus, there is no risk since I will give back the $12 if you are not satisfied and let me know within 30 days. Test it for a full 1 month… So that you will know that you have tried it.

If it works, good… Continue learning. $27, $47 or $97 – compare it with your other options or other expenses… Compare and see if being a better musician or guitar player is worth the expense. Cancel or pause anytime.

All good.

Be part of the journey. Use the new content and tutorial I make and give feedback. Many of my course students are friends by now.

Especially if you have known me through my youtube videos for some time, I would really like to get to know you and have you as an insider…