PMUSIC COURSES
New Courses
Tabla: Level 1
6 week class
Learn the basics of tabla for bhajans and apply those skills for accompaniment such as playing for satsang groups. This course is a foundation to take your playing to the next level. Beginners welcome!
About The Tabla Course
In 6 weeks, learn to play the Indian percussion instrument, tabla through the lens of devotion. Learn the basics of playing the tabla following the basic rhythmic patterns or tala for bhajans. The course will focus on playing tabla for bhajans using the traditional notation of classical tabla. No experience necessary, beginners welcome.
Course Overview
- Weekly live session that will be recorded
- Access to video lessons, exercises class materials through an e-Learning platform
- 12 pre-recorded classes
- Homework, assignments and resources available on the course platform
Bonus
- Live classes are recorded for replay
- Q/A via forum
- Resource library
Instructor
Br. Hari, Amritapuri
Prerequisite
Must own or have access to a tabla instrument.
Harmonium: Level 1
4 week class
Learn the basics of playing harmonium or keyboard for bhajans and immerse in several main ragas frequently used in Bhajans: Learn to play one bhajan in each raga. Immersion in these 4 main ragas will pave the way to play for numerous bhajans.
About the Harmonium Course
We will start out with an introduction to Indian music and ragas, along with the basics of the keyboard notes and notation we will use in this course. The 4 ragas and the Bhajan for each raga is:
- Shankarabharanam: Guru Charanam
- Mohanam: Amritanandamayi Jai Jai
- Shuddha Dhanyasi: Bandha Krishna
- Yaman Kalyani : Arati
Course Overview
- One 60 to 90 minute video lesson for each Raga and Bhajan through Amrita’s e-Learning platform. Will be posted each week. Includes exercises, class materials and short demo videos for practice
- One live interactive, face to face class per week (60 minutes) with discussion, in depth instruction, and questions and answers with the instructor.
Bonus
- Live classes are recorded for replay
- Recorded video classes, class materials, and demo videos are accessible any time from when they are posted.
- Q/A via forum
Instructor
Swarna, California
Prerequisite
Instrument required: Harmonium or electronic musical keyboard. A small portable keyboard is fine. Larger keyboards are also fine.
Devotional Singing: Basic Course
4 Weeks
Learn the basics of singing for bhajans and immerse in the joys of devotional singing. This class will give in-depth instruction on how to sing several of Amma’s bhajans along with basic vocal training and some background in Indian classical music. No experience is necessary.
About The Vocal Course
Bhajans are a form of devotional singing that are based on traditional Indian classical ragas. We will start out with a background of Indian classical music & an overview of the significance of Bhajans. Four Indian Ragas will be covered along with Bhajans in each of those ragas. The course also provides training in voice modulation, shruthi (pitch), and practice exercises.
Course Overview
- Live classes are recorded for replay
- Recorded video classes, class materials, and demo videos are accessible any time from when they are posted.
- Q/A via forum
Bonus
- Live classes are recorded for replay
- Recorded video classes, class materials, and demo videos are accessible any time from when they are posted.
- Q/A via forum
Instructor
Ratna K., USA
Prerequisite
Tampura App or Electronic Shruthi box preferred
Kaimani: Level 1
4 Weeks
Learn the basics of kaimani for bhajans and apply those skills for live performance, such as playing for satsang groups! This course is a foundation to take your playing to the next level. Deepen your bhajan practice through playing an instrument.
About the Kaimani Course
Kaimani (also known as manjira, kartal or hand cymbals) is a foundational rhythm instrument for bhajans and folk music in India. The kaimani are made of bell metals i.e. bronze, brass, copper, zinc etc. Each cymbal is connected with a cord which passes through hole in its center or with a two wooden handles. In bhajans, the kaimani player is a timekeeper who grounds the entire group. In this course, you will learn the basics of kaimani through the lens of devotion and enhance your spiritual practice, awareness and musical ear through this small but powerful instrument which is so loved by Amma.
No experience necessary, beginners welcome.
Course Overview
- Learn the basic patterns in various tempos for the four different meters in Bhajans.
- Learn about the history of the instrument and how it’s become an integral part of Amma’s bhajans.
- Learn how to play an instrument as a spiritual practice.
- Learn tips and techniques for live playing.
Bonus
- Live classes are recorded for replay
- Q/A via forum
Instructors
Anu, California
Lalitha, California
Prerequisite
Kaimani instrument is required. Available at the www.theammashop.org
Ganjira: Level 1
6 week class
This introductory course teaches the basics of the fibre Ganjira, a percussion instrument that is a frame drum style tambourine.
About the Ganjira Course
The Ganjira is very popular in India as it’s a portable, lightweight, easy to play frame drum that can pack a punch in bhajan groups without a tabla player. Learn basic grooves for bhajans and gain a skill set that can come in handy for bhajans on the go.
Course Overview
- Weekly live class
- Access to video lessons, exercises class materials through Amrita’s e-Learning platform.
- Pre-recorded classes
- Homework and assignments
Bonus
- Live classes are recorded for replay
- Q/A via forum
Instructor
Br. Vipin, Amritapuri
Prerequisite
Must own or have access to a the ganjira instrument.
FAQ
Got Questions?
What’s the timeline of registration?
On July 5th pre-registration opens for music courses and some Amritaculture courses, and will continue for about one week. Registration for other courses will be available in the near future. Please do check back for updates!
How do I register?
The next step would be to choose your desired course on the website, click the pre-register button and fill out the pre-registration form.
In this initial phase, seats are limited in the music courses. The pre-registration helps us to have an accurate count of interested students.
After the pre-registration form is submitted, students will be contacted via email with a link and instructions on how to complete enrollment on the online e-learning platform.
How do the courses work?
After students receive their instruction email, they can follow the link to the e-Learning platform where courses will take place. From there, students will create an account with an email, enroll in a course and then pay the course fee. Class materials, resource videos, and links to the live sessions will be housed on the e-Learning platform. Students will then receive detailed information on the classes and when they will start.
How much do courses cost?
We will be offering inaugural pricing for this phase. When you pre-register, details will be given on exact pricing, as it varies per course.
Can I drop into one session to see what it’s like?
At this time, classes cannot be taken individually. You must enroll in the whole course.
I am a beginner and have no prior experience in music. Where should I start?
You don’t need any prior experience! Beginners are welcome. We can’t wait to start this learning journey with you.
Do I have to start at the beginning if I have already studied music?
We plan to offer courses that build upon one another. Please stay tuned as for more intermediate and advanced courses that will be offered in phases.
Can a student enroll in multiple courses?
For the music courses, we suggest you stick to one course at a time because live sessions may conflict with one another.
Will you be offering other courses in the future?
Yes, we plan to release more courses in the future. Stay tuned for updates!
How can I stay updated on social media?
Keep in touch with updates on Amrita Virtual Academy:
- Instagram on our handle @amritavirtualacademy
- Facebook: Amrita Virtual Academy Facebook
- For Music Related Posts: Amma Bhajans Online Facebook page
Bhajan Sadhana
Join us on a music journey through the blissful soundscape of Amma’s bhajans.
No experience necessary. Beginners are encouraged!
Courses are offered on an eLearning platform developed for online education in India and across the globe. Registration is presently closed, but check back for the next series!