| Instrument | Santour |
|---|---|
| Length | 30 / 45 / 60 minutes |
| Age | 8+ years |
| Locations | In-Person in Richmond Hill & Online |
| Start Date | Throughout The Year |
| Term | 4 Lessons/1 Month or 12 Lessons/3 Month or 24 Lessons/6 Month |
| Admissions | Open admission |
| Genre | Traditional, Folk |
The santoor (or santur) is a traditional Iranian stringed instrument known for its shimmering, resonant sound. Played with lightweight mallets (mezrab), the santoor is deeply rooted in Persian classical music, yet its variations can be found in countries like India, Turkey, Iraq, Austria, and Eastern Europe, each adapting it to local styles and tunings.
At Melorin Music School, we offer professional santoor lessons in Richmond Hill and online, helping students of all ages and levels explore this unique and expressive instrument.
Our lessons are taught as private, one-on-one sessions, available in:
30-minute
45-minute
60-minute formats
You can learn in-person at our Richmond Hill Music School or virtually from anywhere in Toronto or across Canada. Parents are welcome to attend their child’s lessons.
We also offer group classes and ensemble opportunities for interested students.
Our santoor curriculum follows a structured yet flexible approach. You’ll build technical skill, musical understanding, and artistic expression through:
Correct mallet (mezrab) holding technique
Posture and hand positioning
Persian scales and ornamentation techniques: dorrab, trill, tekkiyeh
Reading sheet music and rhythmic cycles
Radif study (300–350 melodic pieces used for improvisation)*
Musical phrasing and repertoire interpretation
Ear training and memory development
Theory fundamentals tailored to Iranian music
*Radif is a traditional repertoire forming the backbone of Persian classical music.
Our program is ideal for:
Beginner students with no prior experience
Intermediate and advanced players refining performance and improvisation
Children (ages 8+), teens, and adults
Musicians passionate about Persian classical or folk music
Each student receives a personalized lesson plan suited to their learning style and goals.
Selecting the right repertoire is essential to developing skill and musicality. Our instructors guide students through:
Traditional Iranian pieces
Folk songs from various regions
Radif-based works and improvisational studies
Contemporary or student-requested arrangements
We ensure that every student explores a balance of technical etudes and musically rich material that deepens their connection to the instrument.
No prior music experience needed—beginners are welcome
Students will need a santoor and mallets (mezrab) for lessons and practice
Regular home practice is key to improving technique and repertoire
A curious, motivated mindset leads to faster, more enjoyable learning
What is the recommended starting age for santoor?
We suggest beginning at age 8 or older. Younger students may be accepted after an evaluation.
Can I learn the santoor online?
Yes! We offer online santoor lessons for students across Toronto and internationally.
Do you teach Radif and improvisation?
Absolutely. Our program includes Radif study and improvisational training, especially for intermediate and advanced students.
Is santoor hard to learn?
Like any instrument, it takes practice—but with expert guidance and consistent lessons, students progress quickly and enjoyably.
Experience the elegance and richness of Persian music through the santoor. Whether you're a curious beginner or an experienced musician, Melorin Music School offers the structure and support to help you flourish.
Call (905) 237-9877, or fill out the Free Trial Lesson Form below to get started.
Let your fingers bring ancient melodies to life—one note at a time.