Harmonium & Kirtan

Adults

(beginner and intermediate)

“Kirtan is a direct path to freeing the authentic voice within.”
— Sean Johnson

Individually crafted Harmonium & Kirtan lessons focus on a balance of practical playing techniques, sounding exercises and mindfulness practices. The yogic practices you will be exploring have been used as vehicles to quieten the mind, transform energy and connect deeper into the mystery of inner silence and wisdom for centuries.

In most cultures and traditions, chanting and hymns were vital to the wellbeing of the community. In the yogic texts, they share with us that the pure essence of our nature is energy and vibration, and all vibration is sound. Therefore, our cells, organs, body, mind and spirit are vibrating fields of sound. When we chant mantras, we allow the unharmonious aspects of the body and mind to realign and find harmony; when we do this, we give space for healing to happen—bringing a sense of calm, peace and vitality to our system and life.

Science tells us that chanting has a:

  • Powerful effect on the brain and can enhance memory, motor coordination and communication

  • Decrease stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms

  • Increase positive mood, feelings of relaxation and focused attention

  • Physiological and psychological effects no matter what you are chanting

  • Direct effect on the parasympathetic nervous system and vagus nerve

What is Kirtan?

Kirtan originates from the Vedic period in India where people would re-tell Vedic hymns or passages via oral transmission in a call and response style. “Kirt” a root word of Kirtan means to narrate, recite, tell, describe, of an idea or story. Kirtan is a practice of Bhakti-yoga. Bhakti means “devotion” or “pure love.” The practice of Bhakti connects us to the divine, and reawakens our relationship to it, through acts of love or devotional service.

Kirtan differs from mantra, as a mantra strengthens our connection between our nature and the Cosmic nature. Most mantras are chanted using only three tones and follow strict rules in regards to pronunciation, meter, and intonation. Kirtan is all about community! It is the repetition of simple recurring melodies that contain a mantra or the divine names of Indian Deities. Traditionally sung in a call-and-response style, the melodies are free in their form, accompanied by harmonium, percussion and bells.

Harmonium & Kirtan lessons are for beginners through to intermediate students — small group lessons available, e.g. duo or trio — private lessons are at Jacinta’s studio in Northcote.

~ What you can explore in your private lessons

Harmonium & Kirtan Training:

  • The Instrument and its Parts

  • Terminology, Notes and Names, Correct Finger Placement

  • Basic Music Theory, Scales and Techniques, Building Chords

  • Rhythm and Time Signatures

  • Ear Training

  • Kirtan - Call-and-Response Devotional Chants

  • Chanting & Mantra

  • Breathwork

  • Vocal Anatomy and Physiology

  • Meditation and Relaxation Exercises

Performance Techniques:

  • Performance Skills - authentic connection with your audience, storytelling through song, transforming nervous energy, projection, body language

Learning new ways of vocalising, performing and chanting take time, effort and patience. You may be changing habits that date back to your birth.

For beginning students, Jacinta recommends practising twice a week for around 10 - 15 minutes. Then over time, you can increase the time and days. Practice needs to come from a place of curiosity and willingness from the student. Learning new skills and coordination will not happen overnight; they take kindness, dedication and discipline.

At least 4 - 8 one hour lessons work best to learn the foundations of this Harmonium & Kirtan training and practice.

~ Others’ experiences

CLICK HERE FOR TESTIMONIALS

~ Investment fees

Adults (aged 20 and above)

1-hour lesson

1-hour lesson $100
4-block x 1-hour lesson package $360
8-block x 1-hour lesson package $710

*Student Discount 1-hour lesson $90

Duo 1-hour lesson $140
Trio 1-hour lesson $160

1.5-hour lesson

1.5-hour lesson $120
4-block x 1.5-hour lesson package $465
8-block x 1.5-hour lesson package $920

*Student Discount 1.5-hour lesson $105

Duo 1.5-hour lesson $160
Trio 1.5-hour lesson $180

~ Extra offerings

Buy a physical or digital Gift Voucher for Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s and Father’s Day, Christmas and other Special Occasions available for Private Lessons and Group Workshops.

Small group lessons available, e.g. duo or trio, available for private Singing & Vocal, Harmonium & Kirtan and Public Speaking lessons!