3 Day Kirtan Bootcamp

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What will I learn during these 3 days?

Here’s some of the curriculum:
– general layout of a harmonium, do’s and don’ts
– how a keyboard is laid out musically

– how to play 2 Sanskrit chants and 1 English chant
– the main scales used in kirtan chants
– how to construct the chords you will find in kirtan
– how to play efficiently with minimal fingering changes

– how to play on time
– how to sing on pitch
– breath support for your voice
– tips on how to develop your optimal voice

– how Indian Sargam is related to the Western system of music
– how to transpose from one key to another key to suit your voice
– tools to put melodies which come through you to music
– how to select a harmonium
– how to increase your kirtan repertoire
– how to take care of your voice
– learn how to lead kirtan !!!

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Do I need to have a prior music experience?

No prior music experience is required. If you have the desire to learn kirtan and a willingness to put in some practice, then those two factors will allow you to progress greatly in your kirtan journey.

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Do I need a harmonium?

Harmoniums will be provided for the 3 Day Kirtan Bootcamp. One of the lessons will be on how to buy a harmonium.

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Do I need to read sheet music?

It is not required to read sheet music. The accompanying videos and audio translate the sheet music for you, so all you really need to do is follow the videos. However, Harreson has found that sheet music notation of a chant provides a comprehensive, graphic and detailed map of how to play and sing a kirtan chant. He has transcribed kirtan chants to score and has come up with a methodology to learn without having to read sheet music.

Just watch and follow along with the videos. Reading sheet music is not required.

If at some point you want to a deeper understanding the chant’s musical structure, then the score is available to act as the map to facilitate that.

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Do I have to know Western music theory?

There are 4-5 main points in Western music theory that are very useful for playing, singing and leading kirtan. Harreson will give you a broad overview of Western music theory so that in the future, you will feel more comfortable around other Western musicians, such as a guitar accompanist. Also in the future, you will have the basis to create your own melodies for a chant. When you are just starting out, focus on knowing the 4-5 main points. Ignore the rest if you want to, for the time being. Then in the future, you can review the music theory and gain a greater in-depth knowledge of Western music.

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What’s so great about the Western music approach to kirtan?

First of all, I think, by playing chords rather than the single notes of the melody, it’s a lot simpler to learn. Also, the very nature of the triad chords taught in the course, is harmonious. So a chord-focused Western approach to kirtan does innately have a harmonious feel to it.

And instead of playing the intricate melody note by note, playing chords might allow you to increase the tempo to a higher level. Your voice will most likely be able to sing faster than your fingers can play the melody. And you don’t have to spend so much energy constantly focusing on hitting the correct note on the harmonium. Just get the chord and then sing for that vocal phrase until the next chord change. So the use of chords helps us keep up to the tempo that our voice is capable of.

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But isn’t the Indian system of sargam and ragas/thaats the real and only thing?

If you are of the nature to desire to learn the intricate and subtle levels of classical Indian music with its system of sargam and ragas/thaats, then all the more power to you! It’s a beautiful and powerful system. I had a smattering of Carnatic lessons in India many years ago.

If that’s not of your nature and yet you still have a yearning to create beautiful uplifting experiences for yourself and others, then a Western approach to kirtan could be the path for you!

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What if I don’t want to lead kirtan in public?

No problem! Once you gain the skills, then you decide what you want to do with them, whether just for your own personal practice, or maybe a small group of friends and family.

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Do I have to share a room with someone?

There’s lots of rooms, so you won’t have to share with anyone.

Each room has its own bathroom. Some with just showers and some with a bathtub also.

If you want a queen bed, then put your deposit sooner than later while limited supplies exist. Otherwise, twin beds are available.

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Will there be vegan options for food?

Yes, there will be vegan options for lunch, dinner, and snacks.

The food planning is flexitarian, low carb and low sugar. With vegan options.

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Hmmm, what’s this? Only lunch and dinner communal meals? What happened to breakfast?

If you find yourself needing some food in the morning before class, be at ease that there will be a small assortment of finger food left out in the morning.

And if you have more specific morning food requirements, then definitely bring your own food for breakfast. There is a kitchen with a fridge and plenty of appliances to prepare food.

The intent of waiting until lunch to share a communal meal is to preserve as much energy for learning in the morning when you are possibly the freshest, rather than diverting energy towards digesting food. The bootcamp will be challenging, so it’s best to have as much inner resources as possible.

It may be prudent to apply the 80% full, leaving 20% free when eating, so as not to overeat and fall into a digestive slumber.

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Isn’t not having breakfast unhealthy, especially for women?

If you are a woman who is pregnant or nursing or at a particular time of your cycle, then skipping breakfast might not be the best.

Have a look at these videos by Dr. Mindy Pelz who talks about intermittent fasting for women.