Maha Yoga Shala 50hr kirtan training
june 17 - JULY 22, 2023
This 50-Hour Kirtan Training is for future kirtan wallahs and people interested in learning the harmonium so they can bring kirtan into their daily lives.
This in person training happens over 5 weeks and will require discipline, devotion, and commitment to the art of kirtan.
this training is for people who want to learn:
The basics of playing the harmonium (hand placement, posture, finger dexterity, bellows control, etc.)
How to play 7+ kirtan melodies/mantras with confidence
The lore and mysticism behind kirtan mantras
How to sing powerfully while playing your harmonium
How to keep time while playing, change pacing, and change octaves
How to lead a call and response kirtan practice effectively - including the art of container setting, audience participation, song selection, percussion, etc.
Much more…
Some benefits you will see from a daily kirtan practice:
Higher energy
Devotion and discipline
Enhanced creativity
Profound joy
Lasting peace
Liberation from suffering
Aaron Cohen
“Maharaj is truly a gift of a kirtan teacher. He is incredibly patient and hands-on and blends spiritual wisdom and humor to keep the training powerful and engaging. I feel so much more confident playing the harmonium and singing, and I can now learn chants from Krishna Das and others within a few days of trying them out. This is a testament to the power of Maharaj's facilitation, and we even have the opportunity to lead songs each Saturday for kirtan circle after completing the training. If you’ve been considering a harmonium purchase and infusing kirtan into your daily practice, I couldn’t recommend this training more to unlock your voice, your spirit, and your own gifts.”
Maha Yoga Shala Kirtan Training Process
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Complete Immersion
The best way to learn a foreign language is to live in that country for a time while you practice. We feel it is the same for kirtan. The best way to learn is to completely immerse yourself in the practice. This immersion will include in person training days, virtual training, kirtan circles, partner practice, and study.
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Personalized Mentorship
We have designed this training for people that enjoy learning in person and benefit greatly from personalized mentorship. We find that learning can be accelerated when students are met where they are at, instead of being forced to learn in a certain way.
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Percussion & Rythm Training
The most important instrument in a kirtan next to the harmonium is the drum. It provides the rhythm and shapes the feel of the songs. Learning to play percussion instruments - drums, kartals, shakers, etc. - not only expands your skills as a musician, but allows you to design kirtan songs. It is essential if you are to make your own music.
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Sangha - Learn in Community
Part of kirtan is community. The group of people who come together for this training will be perfectly chosen to support one another. The challenges and breakthroughs others experience will support your growth. There will also be opportunities to practice with others in the training outside the live days.
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Practice Leading in a Safe Space
If you wish to lead kirtan, you must practice leading kirtan. This may just be one line of a song to start but the important part is that you start. The training will be a space of non-judgement and honoring your unique process. You will not be forced to lead and there will be opportunities for you to do so.
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Awakening The Voice!
We will explore traditional and intuitive vocal practices to encourage your True Voice to come to the surface. By the end of the training you will be amazed by how confidently you sing!
Your Trainers
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Justin Rodriguez
Trainer
Justin first found yoga back in 2013 and the moment he took his first class he was sold. He found his way to kirtan and leading chants and never looked back. He’s part of The Maha Kirtan Band and leads kirtan circles at the Shala.
He believes yoga and kirtan have the power to connect one to the essence of who they are and leads trainings with energy, passion, and love.
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Maharaj Miller
Trainer
Maharaj formed The Maha Kirtan Band, is a business coach, yoga teacher trainer, and co-owner of Maha Yoga Shala. He’s supported people to become great for two decades. Everyone from Fortune 500 executives at companies like Nike to service-based entrepreneurs to lovers of life.
He loves the arts and is a published author, musician, and has produced and acted in off-broadway shows.
THE SCHEDULE
In Person Days
Sat, JUNE 17 - 2pm-7pm
Sat, JUNE 24 - 12pm-5pm
Sat, juLY 1 - 12pm-5pm
Sat, juLY 15 - 12pm-5pm
Sat, juLY 22- 12pm - 5pm
Virtual Trainings
Wed, JUNE 21 - 6pm-7pm EST
Wed, JUNE 28 - 6pm-7pm EST
Wed, juLY 12 - 6pm-7pm EST
Wed, juLY 19 - 6pm-7pm EST
TRAINING HOURS BREAKDOWN
*To receive your certification you will need to complete the following training hours.
25 hours - In Person training & practice
4 hours - virtual training
11 hours - self led practice
5 hours - partner practice
5 hours - reading & studying
The Venue - Maha Yoga Shala
Investment
$555 early bird until May 15th
$655 full price
FAQs
Can I join the training without a harmonium?
Yes but you will need a keyboard with a harmonium setting like this one. Much of the training will be practicing while playing.
Can i do a payment plan?
Yes. The full amount will be due by the 2nd week of the program. Please email us to it set up. support@mahayogashala.com
Where can I buy a harmonium?
Email us - support@mahayogashala.com - and we’ll share a couple resources to buy one!
What if I don’t complete all the practice hours by the end of the training?
You will have 2 months to complete the hours to receive your certification.
Can I miss one of the in-person training days and still participate?
Yes. You can miss 1 day. We will record the class and you can watch the recording.
Can I participate in the training completely virtually?
No. Part of the training is virtual but the majority of the training hours are in person.
The Details
What To Bring With:
Harmoniums
Food - you are welcome to bring food and snacks.
Miscellaneous - camera, cash, etc.
LEAVE THESE AT HOME:
Pets - only licensed service animals are permitted, no ESAs
Worries - As Bob Marley says, “Don’t worry, be happy!”
What else to know
No refunds within 45 days of the training. Due to production costs, there will be no refunds for the training for any reason within this window.
GETTING HERE
maha Yoga Shala is located in downtown Dover at:
1 Washington st, suite 4189, Dover, NH 03820
Parking is not included in the ticket. There is street parking and a public parking garage at 45 Orchard St in Dover.
If you are coming North from Boston area: take I-95 N to NH-16 N and take exit 8E to Dover.
If you are coming South from Portland: Take I-95 S to Wells. Take exit 19. Follow State Rte 9 W and ME-4 S to NH-4 in Dover.
If you are coming East from Concord, NH: Take US-4 E all the way to Dover.
