Event

Kirtan Connection

4 CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS
MAY 17th MAY 31st 10:00AM-4:00PM / JUNE 7th 10:00AM-6:00PM
THE BHAKTI CENTER / 25 FIRST AVENUE
PRICE: $250, 26 HOURS OF INSTRUCTION (lunch provided)

Course Objectives

Students will:

- Learn the basics of raga (melody) and tala (rhythm) in relation to kirtan
- Learn/appreciate the basics of the main kirtan instruments: harmonium, karatalas, and mridanga
- Explore the mood of leading kirtan
- Understand the basic history of kirtan and how it is evolving today
- Reflect upon various subtle elements of kirtan, such as prayer, ego, service, pride, art, criticism, humility
- Lead a full kirtan

Elements of Course

- In class work will include any number of a combination of group discussions, personal reflections, writing, activities, role plays, demonstrations, practice, etc.
- "Homework" will include blog post reflections, simple research, practice, etc.
- Kirtan Exploration Project attend a kirtan event (preferably outside of your comfort zone) and write a reflection paper on your experience. This will be discussed further in class (with a separate sheet of paper for guidelines).
- Final Kirtan lead a full kirtan
- Student-lead Graduation prepare for and conduct a public graduation event

Class Schedule

Class 1 May 17th / 10 4pm
Intro / Raga (melody) & Tala (rhythm) and the Kirtan Cycle

Class 2 May 24th / 10 4pm
Kirtan Cycle Gallery Walk / Tala Karatala Workshop / Raga Harmonium Workshop

Class 3 May 31st / 10 4pm
Tala Mridanga Workshop / Kirtan Etiquette

Class 4 June 7th / 10 6pm
In-Class Final Kirtans / Course closing and reflection / Graduation