Want to learn how to lead kirtan? This course focuses on the spiritual practice of chanting while playing traditional instruments such as harmonium and kartals. The goal will be for each student to develop the ability and confidence to lead kirtan in a group, or simply for oneself.

No previous musical experience is required for this course. The Kirtan Training course is not for learning music theory. Simple melodies are chosen for the Level One training so that everyone can participate. We focus on the roles of each instrument and learn how they cooperate and communicate in kirtan. Each class will also include a discussion on kirtan as the essential practice of Bhakti Yoga.

Please see registration information below.

Course Description

Of all the instruments, the most important is the voice. Finding one’s voice, or developing it further in kirtan, is a fulfilling experience of self discovery and expression. Our goal is to help each student exercise their voice and develop confidence singing in front of others. Kartals are the small hand cymbals which are important for the rhythm and timing in kirtan. Each student will learn how to properly hold and play kartals, and will be provided kartals to practice at home between each class. And of course, we will put special focus on the harmonium, the instrument which assists the beautiful melodies and moods of kirtan. Students will learn simple but beautiful melodies on the harmonium and learn how to play with the accompaniment of kartals and the mrdanga drum. Students will also be invited to an online group where further instructions and videos will be available between classes.

Primary Instructor

Nitai’s journey into the world of kirtan began in 1997 when he discovered Bhakti Yoga for the first time. This discovery inspired him to fully immerse himself in Bhakti ashram life for 20 years. During that time, he learned much about the expressions of kirtan in Bhakti, and trained with traditional instruments such as harmonium, kartals, and mrdanga. Over those years, Nitai spent time in Bhakti communities across Canada, the U.S.A., and India. His immersion in Bhakti continues to this day through kirtan and daily practices.

Nitai is a director for Kirtan Vancouver, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating immersive Kirtan experiences for people throughout the lower mainland. Nitai will be joined by other members of the Kirtan Vancouver team throughout the training.

Registration

If you are interested to register for this course, please send an email to: [email protected]

After your email is received, we will send you a brief registration form to complete and send back to us. Please note that this class is limited to 10 students. Each student will be considered registered after completing the registration form and making the payment for the course.

For more information about Kirtan Vancouver, please visit: www.kirtanvancouver.com