Kirtan Leader Blog

A frequent question I receive is, how do I start chanting?  

Here are a few thoughts on how to begin.

1. Know that chanting is for everyone. Chanting isn't singing. Singing is for professionals. Chanting is for everyone. Chanting
...

I frequently receive questions about the connection between Kirtan and yoga, which is confusing for many. Below are a few thoughts. 

1. While most in the West associate yoga with physical postures (asana), yoga has historically inc
...

You're a total newbie to Kirtan and wondering, what's this all about? Here's a brief beginner's guide to Kirtan. 

1. Kirtan is call and response chanting from India. that invokes connection with the Divine. It is the central practi
...

Sometimes folks ask about the connection between mantras and the 7 Chakras. Here's a brief primer that shares:

1. Chakra - Sanskrit name, English description. 

2. Function

3. Element

4. Energy

5. The Bija Seed Sound you can ch...

Coltrane, Ray Charles and Elvis

As a musician I struggle with the notion of cultural appropriation. The great jazz saxophonist John Coltrane was influenced not only by a rapidly evolving jazz tradition, but also Indian Classical a...

How to Buy a Harmonium, Not a Headache

The only thing more amazing than chanting is getting behind a harmonium for your own personal chant practice. Whether you long to chant at home, add Kirtan to yoga classes or share Kirtan in ...

It was her first lesson, and very first time playing the harmonium.

I instructed her to place her thumb on the middle C, and pinky on the middle G. She squeezed the bellows with her left hand. A broad smile spread across her face ...

I love the harmonium... what an instrument!

The harmonium was built by the French as a home version of a giant church pipe organ. The British brought it to India, and the Indians have used it to great effect since. 

The harmonium...