Kirtan Musicianship Weekend
Harmonium, Rhythm, Voice & Leadership
November 7–8, 2026 · Upper East Side, New York City
Join Seth for a special in-person weekend of kirtan musicianship, practice, and community at a beautiful private home on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
This weekend is designed for people who already have a foundation in harmonium and kirtan and want to deepen their musicianship, confidence, and leadership through in-person practice.
Together we’ll work with harmonium, rhythm, kartals, voice, transitions, ensemble playing, communication with other musicians, and kirtan leadership — with opportunities to practice, lead, accompany others, and receive feedback.
Small-group training · Very limited space · Saturday vegetarian Indian lunch included
What We’ll Work On
Harmonium & Musicianship
More expressive and varied accompaniment
Developing melody
More developed harmonium techniques
Creating greater texture and musical variation
Supporting the flow, dynamics, and energy of kirtan
Rhythm & Kartals
Developing rhythmic awareness and a steady pulse
Working with kartals in kirtan
Singing while maintaining rhythm
Working with tempo changes and transitions
Communicating with drummers and other musicians
Voice & Leadership
Singing in front of others
Developing confidence with your voice
Call-and-response
Singing and leading while playing harmonium
Giving clear musical and vocal cues
Developing confidence leading kirtan
Ensemble & Small-Group Practice
A major part of the weekend will be practicing together.
Participants will have opportunities to:
Take turns leading
Accompany other leaders
Practice starts, endings, and transitions
Work with changes in energy and tempo
Listen and respond to other musicians in real time
Practice in smaller groups
Receive feedback and apply it
Workshop Materials
A printed workshop manual and new chant music will be included with the weekend.
Who Is This For?
This weekend is intended for people who already have experience with harmonium and kirtan.
Prerequisites
Approximately one year of regular harmonium practice is recommended, although equivalent experience is welcome.
Participants should already be comfortable:
Playing several chants independently on harmonium
Using basic chord accompaniment
Maintaining a steady pulse while playing
Some experience leading kirtan (even minimal).
If you’re unsure whether the weekend is the right fit for you, feel free to reach out before registering.
Schedule
Saturday, November 7
10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Training
1:00–2:00 PM
Vegetarian Indian Lunch
Lunch is included with registration.
2:00–5:00 PM
Training
Sunday, November 8
9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Training
10 hours of in-person training
Location
The weekend will take place at a beautiful private home on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
The exact address and arrival details will be provided to registered participants.
Kartals
Please bring your own pair of kartals. Kartals will be used during the weekend, and loaner pairs will not be available.
If you don’t already have a pair, I recommend the Taal Classic Manjira Kartals from Old Delhi Music:
Tuition & Registration
Regular Tuition: $300
Early Bird: $275 through September 15
Use discount code NYC25 at checkout to receive $25 off.
Tuition includes:
Full two-day Kirtan Musicianship Weekend
10 hours of in-person training
Printed workshop manual
New chant music
Vegetarian Indian lunch on Saturday
Very limited enrollment.
Enrollment will be kept small so participants have plenty of opportunities to practice, lead, play together, and receive feedback.
Registration closes October 25, or earlier if the weekend fills.
Questions?
Questions about the weekend or whether it’s the right fit for you? Contact Seth here.