We are continuing the Deep Dive series due to popular demand! I'm so happy that this longtime goal of mine, that is increasing the understanding and appreciation of Indian classical music, is coming to fruition. In the last batch we had 11 participants complete 3 sessions. These classes are designed to be accessible by all, regardless of level of familiarity. They make great gifts too!
Don't worry if you can't make the sessions live: you can watch the recordings later on demand and also send in your questions via email to be answered during the class.
Course description:
Beyond first impressions and comparisons, let's take a deep dive into understanding Hindustani, or north Indian classical, music on its own terms. Join Joel 'Veena' Eisenkramer, award-winning Indian slide guitarist, for a series of interactive workshops that will provide you with the information you need to become a rasika or informed listener of Hindustani music.
"The purpose of these sessions is to illuminate some of the structure, performance practice and other salient features of Hindustani or north Indian classical music so as to enhance our enjoyment while listening and to open a realm of deeper interaction with the music. This music is deep and multilayered, meaning that as one studies the music and gains more familiarity, they become aware of additional layers of meaning and complexity. Our goal here is to give you the basic tools for understanding and appreciating the music that will allow you to experience, examine and reflect on great recordings and performances. As your understanding grows and you connect some of your prior expertise, you may find, as I have, that the study of Hindustani music is in harmony with a journey for personal growth." - Joel
There will be 3 sessions on Zoom at 12pm Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4), Sundays April 14, 21 and 28. Each session will be approximately 75 minutes and include opportunities for interaction and feedback. The format will be a lecture with visual and audio examples interspersed with brief discussions and group listening exercises. Each session will be recorded and made available to watch afterwards for those who are not able to attend live. You will be provided notes from the sessions and a recommended listening and reading list as well.
Those who complete all three sessions will receive a certificate, acknowledging their achievement of becoming a 'level 1 rasika'; someone knowledgeable enough about Indian classical music so that they can make intelligent observations about the music and understand the basic format of a performance.
About the teacher...
Joel has been traveling back and forth between India and Vermont, USA since 2007 to study and perform Indian classical music on the 20-stringed Indian slide guitar. In addition to touring and recording, he is also an active teacher and writer in the Indian music space. Since he has learned the music as an "outsider", he is uniquely equipped to demystify the music in a way that is accessible to a wide range of audiences. In addition to being steeped in the oral tradition of Hindustani music, Joel is also proficient in western music theory and practice; playing several other instruments and holding a minor in electronic music from UC Santa Cruz.