Harmonium for Beginners

Harmonium for Beginners

Date:       Saturdays 17th September - Saturday 31st December 2022 

Time:       1:15PM - 3:00PM BST

Location: Online Zoom and onsite: Paramatma Room, Shree Krishna Haveli, Bhaktivedanta Manor, Dharam Marg, Hilfield Lane, Watford, WD25 8HE

Course Description

If you have always wanted to learn how to play the harmonium and sing under the guidance of a highly experienced teacher, this is your opportunity. Through theory and practical application from basic to more advanced levels, you’ll get an understanding of the complete science of music.

One key course book that will be used is “A Vaisnava Harmonium & Singing Method” by Ramanujacharya das, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada.

The 16-week course will cover:

• Rhythm and Rhythmic cycles (Taals)
• Finding your vocal style and rhythm
• Description of and playing the harmonium
• Understanding traditional and western musical styles Various positions of ‘Sa’, and playing the basic scale
• An explanation of the notation used for musical selections, and much more

Plus practical singing and playing, of course!

By the end of the course, you will have a comprehensive appreciation of music and be able to practice as a vocalist, songwriter, musician, composer, arranger, and producer through the ragas.

Teacher

Prema Sankirtana das has over 40 yrs of experience in Indian and Western music and regularly attends many kirtan events both in the UK and Internationally. Inspired by his father, who was an expert bhajan singer, Prema Sankirtana studied sastra and sangeet in Indian classical music from the famous Dr. Usha Parkhi (classical vocalist) from Nagpur India. He completed Western Symphony Orchestral, Electronic Sound Synthesis music, and Pianoforte courses. His musical talents led to live performances in Indian Bollywood music during the 80s and 90s, not only with his own band but also as a freelance musician. Since the late 90s, Prema Sankirtana das has been regularly singing from the heart many bhajans and kirtans for ISKCON by the blessings of Guru and Śrilā Prabhupāda.