FOUNDATIONS OF KIRTAN

THIS TRAINING HAS BEEN CANCELED

teachers – Prema Mani dasi, Maya Cabrinha

date and time –

friday, april 25th – 6:00pm-9:00pm

saturday, april 26th – 9:00am-5:00pm

sunday, april 27th – 9:00am-5:00pm

location – the Bhakti Center / 5E

admission –  $400

for questions, please contact us at hello@bhakticenter.org

Kirtan is a Sanskrit word with many different meanings, including “to praise, call out, glorify”. Sankirtana refers to congregational call-and-response chanting of Sanskrit mantra and is one of the primary practices of bhakti yoga. 

At the center of kirtan is mantra, the Sanskrit phrase we repeat, which is a tool to purify our hearts and minds.

Designed to give you fundamental musical skills, tools, and knowledge, this training will take you deeper into your kirtan practice. Whether you are interested in leading or developing your personal, home practice, this training is for you!

Over the course of this immersive weekend, you will learn how to play the harmonium and kartals and lead kirtan on your own. The goal is to develop a more personal relationship to the art of kirtan by diving into the deeper layers as a spiritual practice.

In addition to being a musical training, this course will include exploring the history and meaning of kirtan, how to develop the devotional qualities that can enhance your offerings, and how to sing and lead kirtan with more confidence. Additionally, you will get to connect with spiritual community in an uplifting and inspiring group learning environment.

Some familiarity with the practice of kirtan is recommended. No musical ability is necessary.

• presentations and group discussions
• group kirtans
• opportunity to sing and play instruments
• movement and vocal exercises
• casual but encouraging and loving learning environment
• group and individual practice sessions
• mostly floor seating (chairs can be made available)

• history
• meaning of kirtan as described in Sri Chaitanya’s Siksastakam
• mood of / how to approach kirtan 
• lifestyle
• practical learning of musical instruments and how to lead:
  • harmonium
  • kartals
  • rhythm
  • different styles
  • keeping beat with other musicians
  • getting over stage fright
  • holding space

Want to familiarize yourself with kirtan before signing up for the training? Check out our free, weekly offerings – Tuesday and Thursday Night Kirtan.

Prema Mani grew up in the bhakti tradition and has been around kirtan and dance ever since she can remember. She lived in India for many years where she dedicated herself to studying Odissi dance, as well as the Mrdanga drum and Harmonium, developing a deep appreciation and love for all its unique beauty and spiritual depth. Prema’s main objective in life is to present, glorify and advocate the culture of Bhakti Yoga by sharing it’s dance and music through the medium of Madhuri Mrdanga Devotional Arts School.

Maya Cabrinha is a kirtaniya, youth educator, and devotional arts facilitator committed to creating spaces of deep connection and transformation through the practice of kirtan. A dedicated practitioner of bhakti yoga, she blends traditional mantra meditation with an embodied, heart-centered approach to devotional music.In addition to her work with the Bhakti Center, Maya is the founder of the Human Spirit Project and Authentic Attunement, initiatives designed to support spiritual alignment, self-discovery, and energetic harmony. Through her offerings, she guides others in finding their authentic voice in devotion, using kirtan as a vehicle for both personal and collective healing.

Refund window closes 3 weeks prior to training start date; all monies forfeited thereafter. Credit card processing fees apply.