Course Abstract

This online course is aimed at anyone who is interested in singing and in the saint-poet Kabir. It explores not only melodies and folk and classical genres of India but also ideas of self, body, duality, love and death, form and formlessness, through learning, discussing and singing the songs of Kabir.

Duration: 6 weeks
Frequency: Every Monday from March 13, 6 pm - 7:30 pm
Format: Interactive instruction
Pre-requisite: Ability to learn music
Level: Introductory
Fees: INR 5000 + GST

To take this course, please visit the Registration Portal.

Registration Portal

Course Objective

The course intends to expose the student to the issues on which Kabir’s mystic poetry reflects, through learning some evocative and yet simple tunes.

Course Outline

March 13, 6 pm - 7:30 pm: Introduction to Kabir; learning a few of his couplets and a song - Kumar G’s Nirgun Song. Text material to read- Singing Emptiness by Linda Hess

March 20, 6 pm - 7:30 pm: Guest Session. We will have a guest singer who would teach a song in the session followed by discussion and Q and A

March 27, 6 pm - 7:30 pm: A follow up on the topic/song that was taught by the guest with an additional song. Lead by Bindhumalini

April 3, 6 pm - 7:30 pm: Guest Session: Another guest will anchor the session with song and discussion

April 10, 6 pm - 7:30 pm: A follow up on the topic/song that was taught by the guest with an additional song. Lead By Bindhumalini

April 17, 6 pm - 7:30 pm: Discussion, learning one new song, revising all the songs learnt in the course.

Course Outcomes

On completion of the course, the student will be able to

Understand the different themes in Kabir’s poetry
Compare and contrast the expression of the themes
Sing at least 6 songs of Kabir

Pedagogy

Each session will be completely interactive, with the focus on learning how to sing. Students will be expected to keep the video camera on, and to interact with the instructor when requested. Recordings of the songs will also be shared for the participants to learn by heart.

People

BINDHUMALINI NARAYANASWAMY

Bindhumalini Narayanaswamy is an award-winning singer, composer, and graphic designer. Trained in both South and North Indian classical forms, she constantly strives to explore avenues outside of her strict classical roots in search of the pure soul stirring power that music has. Suno Bhai is her first music album created in collaboration with Vedanth Bharadwaj. She has journeyed to various hamlets, villages, cities and countries sharing the songs and poems of the mystic saints of India in different languages. She has directed music for feature and documentary films in Tamil, Kannada and other languages. Bindhumalini has expanded her craft, community and repertoire through collaborations like The Threshold, Khusrau ke rang, Akath Kahani, Saath-Saath and many more. "Singing Body" is her current pet project that is growing slowly and steadily. She won the National Award and Filmfare Award as Best Singer for the songs she created and sang in the film Nathicharami.

Registration

To take this course, please visit the Registration Portal.

Registration Portal

For any queries, please contact

Astha Adesara
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91.9205065677

Singing Kabir