Vedic Arts: Beginner Harmonium

Facilitator

Prema-mani devi dasi

About the Facilitator

Prema-mani is a passionate teacher of the harmonium and traditional Indian music. Immersed in the Vedic arts from early childhood, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her students. Her teaching emphasizes the meditative and spiritual nature of Indian music. She aims to cultivate in her students a reverence for sound and its capacity to uplift consciousness. Prema-mani encourages her students to approach the harmonium as a path of inner exploration and self-discovery. While gifted in performance, Prema-mani thrives most as an educator. She is known for her patient guidance, customized instruction, and ability to inspire students of all ages and backgrounds. Her enthusiasm is infectious, as she imparts not just musical knowledge but a more profound connection to the harmony underlying all creation.

Location

Lotus Room A (next to Govinda’s Lunch)

Cost

$120 for 8 sessions

Event Description:

Welcome to the introductory Vedic Arts: Beginner’s Harmonium Course, where rhythm, culture, and spirituality converge in the enchanting world of Vedic percussion!

This 8-session beginner's course on the harmonium will introduce you to the basics of playing this traditional Indian keyboard instrument. Over the course of the program, you will learn:

• Harmonium anatomy - Parts of the harmonium and how it produces sound
• Proper sitting posture and hand positioning
• Basic technique - Bellow use, fingering, and coordinating both hands
• Ragas and talas - Playing in traditional ragas and rhythms
• Reading notation and playing melodies
• Accompanying vocals and other instruments
• Introducing ornamentation and improvisation
• Maintaining and tuning the harmonium

Each 90-minute class will start with a rhythmic warm-up to get grounded in the pulse. We'll then work on new techniques and concepts before putting them into practice through raga exploration, song accompaniment, and guided improvisation. You'll receive personalized feedback and instruction to steadily improve your harmonium skills.

Outside of class, expect to spend at least 30 minutes per day practicing the harmonium to reinforce the skills you learn. By the end of the course, you'll be able to confidently play simple melodies and accompany vocalists or other instrumentalists.

Join us to begin your journey with this meditative and expressive instrument!

REGISTER NOW! SPOTS ARE LIMITED.