Kirtan Leader Blog

Three Kinds of Art

Author, musician and educator Greg Thomas turned me on to the teachings of  jazz/cultural critic Albert Murray. 

Starting at minute 20 of the video linked above, Thomas presents Murray’s...

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...

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....

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...

Years ago I started referring to myself as a Kirtan Leader.

While others in the field called themselves Kirtan artists, Kirtan singers or Kirtan Wallah's, I wanted to highlight the importance of leadership when sharing this...

Here's an excerpt on Mantra from my 30 page booklet titled Bhakti & Beyond. 

In Kirtan, we chant Sanskrit phrases of praise to the Divine called mantras. Mantra is a Sanskrit term with multiple meanings. Author...

What is Kirtan? 

Great question. Here are a few answers...

1. Kirtan is call and response chanting which utilizes sacred names of the Divine. 

2. Kirtan is the central practice of Bhakti Yoga, or the Yoga of the Heart,...

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...

Music is magic. For many of us music delivers the most awe inspiring experiences of being  fully alive and fully human. All humans have an innate desire to bond with our tribe through chanting, clapping and...