Following that, he began receiving systematic training in violin from one of the foremost violinist of the country, Padmashree Pandit D. K. Datar from 1972 onwards. He has been learning in the Guru-Shishya parampara from Pt. Datar for the past 37 years.
His keen aptitude for playing the violin was noted by stalwarts like the Late Shri. Madhukar Khadilkar and Late Shri. Vinayakrao Utturkar. From these, he has acquired the vocal presentation on the violin. This has enabled him to be extremely proficient in providing accompaniment to eminent vocalists like Shri L. K. Pandit and the Late Shri Balasaheb Poochwale.
His performance is marked by systematic and stylistic raga elaboration with a view to achieve an artistic touch. Owing to his command on the style of playing, elaboration and presentation, his performance is dominated by the Gayaki Anga with forceful and Gamak based tans. The Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mohotsav Samiti has released a CD of his concert containing Raga Darbari Kanada followed by a light melody in the year 1990.
Shri Ratnakar Gokhale retired from the All India Radio having served for 32 years as an accomplished soloist and accompanist. During his year in AIR he was honored to perform in the National Programme of Music for years 1990, 1996, 2003 and 2007 . He also performed in the Akashwani Sangeet Sammelan in the year 1999 and 2010. Having performed in prestigious cities across India through out his career, he was also invited to Manchester, UK to perform for a western audience in the year 2010.
Shri Ratnakar Gokhale has been receiving advanced lessons of vocal presentation on the violin from the eminent vocalist of India, Sangeet – Kalanidhi. Padmashree Late Pandit M.S. Gopalkrishnanji has trained Shri Ratnakar Gokhale into developing the special ‘Parur ‘ style of playing as well as advanced technique of glissando and bowing. Having performed in numerous concerts and music festivals, he is adept at blending the glissando pattern with a tantakari technique, achieved from Pt. M. S. Gopalkrishnanji.