Our Mentees
We refer to all our course participants as Mentees. Studying music is a lifelong journey and we believe that each Mentee contributes to the joy of learning & discovery, sharing their ideas and fostering a sense of community.
Our Mentees are a diverse group, ranging from the ages of 14 to 40 years old from early intermediate players to music educators who have been teaching for decades.
Bhavya is from Guwahati, Assam. She has been learning guitar since 1st standard and has already cleared the classical guitar Grade 8 performance exam under ABRSM. Recently, Bhavya has also started playing the electric guitar but classical guitar remains her first priority. In the state of Assam, the classical guitar is not so prominent among musicians of the new generation. Bhavya’s dream is to create awareness in her state about the importance of western classical music as the pillar of any form of guitar playing. Her vision is to establish a formal platform and forum for the newer generation of guitar players from Assam.
Bhavya Duarah
mentored by Mr. Samrat Majumder
Himaghna Roy started learning the classical guitar when he was just 6 years old. His education had formally begun under the tutelage of Mr. Rajib Ranjit at the Calcutta school of Music. He has received exclusive mentorship with Mr. Srijit Mukherjee since 2023 as a Mentee. He has won the 1st Prize, 3 consecutive times at the Crescendo Inter School Music competition along with additional prizes. Currently a student of 8th standard, Himaghna’s passion & commitment towards the instrument along with his family’s consistent support have enabled to position himself as one of the leading early-young classical guitar players from India.
Himaghna Roy
mentored by
Mr. Srijit Mukherjee
Shristi Thapa
Shristi’s classical guitar journey started 7 years ago under the able guidance of Sir Shyamal K.De at the Calcutta School Of Music. She has performed in various concerts over the years and attended workshops held by the Calcutta Classical Guitar Society. Shristi placed Second in the Youth Category in the 11th Calcutta International Classical Guitar Competition held in 2020. Over the years she has been inspired to take up music as part of her higher education. As a CGRF mentee, Shristi aims to improve and develop her skillset as a musician and become competent enough to reach the international concert stage.
mentored by
Mr. Samrat Majumder
Siddartha began playing the classical guitar in 2014 after having learnt a variety of styles and genres of music (including Indian classical music) on the acoustic guitar for several years. Siddartha has attained Grade 8 ABRSM for classical guitar with distinction and is working towards more performance related projects. Although Indian classical is one of his favourite areas, his aim is to gain a deeper understanding of Western Classical music. As a professional, Siddartha teaches guitar to juniors and he also composes and arranges his own music.
Siddartha Dasgupta
mentored by Mr. Srijit Mukherjee
Arya has been playing the classical guitar for just over 3 years. He has already gathered experience of performing on stage by playing in school concerts and in various cultural events in his hometown. After attending the Art Guitar Fest Calcutta in December of 2022, Arya was inspired to apply for CGRFI and continue his musical education from the mentors he met at the festival. By continuing his music education with CGRF, Arya hopes to develop his skills as a music student and performer.
Arya Routh
mentored by Mr. Samrat Majumder
Abhishek is from Kolkata and has been learning the classical guitar for over 2 years. He teaches music privately and is a regular performer at various cultural events in his home city. Abhishek seeks to widen his knowledge and understanding of music as a mentee of the CGRF programme.
Abhishek Choudhary
mentored by Mr. Samrat Majumder
Adarsh is from Kalimpong. Darjeeling.He has been learning classical guitar for many years and teaches and performs privately. Through CGRF Adarsh aims to improve his playing and develop his musicianship.
Adarsh Baraily
mentored by Mr. Madhavan Somanathan
Past Mentees
from 2021 - 2022
How to Apply to our exclusive scholarship based Mentorship
Any classical guitarist residing permanently in India can apply for our courses.
Please send us a 10 minute video, performing classical guitar pieces of Grade 8 standard (ABRSM or Trinity) or higher.
You can either upload this video to YouTube (unlisted) or on Google Drive or any other video uploading/link sharing platform.
Write a brief description about yourself, your musical experiences and how you plan to benefit from being a CGRF mentee/participant.
After we receive your application, you may be invited to a video interview. Following the interview, and other verifications, we will announce the result. If you’ve been selected for a course & mentorship with us, we will send you a contract with our rules & regulations.
For more information please have a look at our F.A.Q. section on musical skillset requirement and technological requirements.
Mentorship every year is subject to availability. Please note our general target group is 'need based' meaning that it is for those who are a bit financially constrained or socially burdened to pursue classical guitar at a higher level. However, we do occasionally include Merit based applications regardless of ones' financial status to showcase talent, to pursue our exclusive courses & events and be a part of our vibrant community.
As a Mentee, what do I require to attend the lessons and lecture?
TECHNOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS
• A stable internet speed of at least 10Mbps appropriate for Skype/Zoom lessons
• A functional webcam (inbuilt or external)
• A microphone (preferably USB)
• Headphones (preferably with extended wiring)
INSTRUMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
• A playable Classical Guitar (nylon stringed) – properly tuned with no intonation issues
• Foot rest or guitar support
• Music notation stand
• Access to music notation (sheet or tablet)