Kirtan Leader Blog

Harmoniums and Headaches

Since they were introduced in 2015, I have been enamored with the Bhava brand of harmoniums created by Old Delhi Music. Last fall I thought it might be wise to try a few others to see if they were...

Check out the May 2020 issue of Yoga Journal for a fun article titled The Harmonium for Beginners. This article chronicles KLI student Jennifer Davis Flynn’s journey through our Level 1 (Launch Your Home Chant Practice) in...

Folks often ask me about how to pump their bellows effectively and appropriately. Each harmonium is unique, and the key is to refrain from over, or under pumping the bellows. Hand placement and airflow management...

In November I wrote a blog post on how to pump your bellows – aka, left hand technique (assuming you’re playing right handed).

This blog post offers a few do’s and don’ts for your right hand...

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...

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...