Welcome to this online course introducing you to your harmonium and how to play some simple Kirtan to enrich your personal spiritual practice. Kirtan is a deep dive into the heart through song. It is a conversation with that inner place in each one of us that is ever unified with everything in creation. Each Kirtan repeats simple mantras which invoke a trance-like state within, as well as evoking the spirit of Bhakti: the mood of love.
What's in this Course?
- Accessible guidance for absolute beginners
- Introduction to your harmonium
- 10 Harmonium video tutorials including kirtan for Ganesha, Shiva, Amba, Sita Ram and more
- Learn to play with 2-note chords, 3-note chords and melody
- Downloadable accompanying notes for each tutorial
- Easy to understand explanations of the Sanskrit words and bhakti stories
- Exercises to familiarise yourself with playing a keyboard
- Introduction to basic Western and Eastern music theory
- Yoga movement practice to support hands and wrists alongside playing the harmonium
- Resources for further exploration including a suggested bibliography and a Spotify playlist for inspiration
Introduction to this course
Your Course Tutor
Sivani Mata is an artist who is moved by a sensory and elemental exploration of life through practice that evokes the liminal experience of trance-like states of consciousness, and the centring of the awareness in heart. She believes in this process of deep inner work as a way to cultivate a harmonic relationship with the Earth. Sivani Mata is a student of bhakti yoga, and shares Music as Medicine (Kirtan), Women’s Circles and Yoga Nidra amongst other things. Sivani Mata is grateful for this journey she finds herself on and the practices that support her path.
Sivani Mata began attending Kirtan in London age 18, having practiced yoga since childhood. She started sharing Kirtan regularly with groups since 2009, and has released four Kirtan albums. Her relationship with bhakti yoga is deeply rooted in the tradition of Haidakhan Babaji whose teachings centre around the message of Truth, Simplicity and Love. She is particularly inspired by the Kirtan of GOMA (family band who also follow Babaji), Jai Uttal, and Jaya (resident band at Yandara Yoga Institute, Mexico), not only in the musical expression of the practice but in the way of life that centres around service and community.
For more about Sivani Mata see her full bio here.
Credit: Above two photos of Sivani Mata's hands playing the harmonium thanks to Leticia Valverdes; full photo right of Sivani Mata thanks to Murray Ballard
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a harmonium but I've never played it, will I be able to follow this course?
Yes. This course is super accessible even for a complete beginner.
I have never played any instrument before and I don't think I'm very musical, will I be able to follow this course?
Yes, this course is super accessible for those new to playing an instrument.
I don't feel comfortable singing something I don't understand, will you explain and translate the words?
Yes, everything you learn to sing includes explanations of the Sanskrit words.
How long will I have access to the course material once I enrol?
You will have full access to course for a year from purchase. There is the option to download the written lesson notes for each of the ten 'songs' you learn to play, so you will always have that as a reference after you finish the course.
Do I need to be available for specific times for sessions?
No, all sessions are pre-recorded so you can do them in your own time at your own pace.
I don't own a harmonium but I would like to buy one and start to learn, is there one you recommend?
Well it all depends, but below (in the video) are a few tips to help you choose a harmonium that is perfect for you.
(Video Summary: look out for a harmonium that is in tune and has good sustain from the bellows. I love my Bina Musicals harmonium for super pukka sound and I love my Jas Musicals Yoga Model harmonium for a lightweight travel option that still has good sound)
Testimonials
"Although the course is not too long, its depth is pretty immeasurable. Although it’s online your generosity shines through. It feels intimate. And the further reading, introductions to the tradition and the stories and deeper meanings behind each mantra completely elevate the learning. As the course is self-paced I’ve been able to go off into my own exploration of the mantra which has been so valuable. So I can really sit with it, with no rush to move on. Sometimes for weeks! It feels like the complete package. Thank you Sivani, I feel so lucky to be learning from you!" – Gemma