Oh, how I love this instrument! My lifelong love of piano has easily transmitted to this beautiful, compact little Indian gem. Except one of the first things I've learned in taking my Kirtan lessons is that the harmonium is actually a European instrument and not originally Indian. It was made as a tiny organ (standing with foot bellows instead of on the floor) in Denmark and Paris, used mostly in churches. The British brought it with them to India and the Indians loved it so much, they made it their own, putting it on the floor and nixing the foot bellows for hand ones instead.
The harmonium became so popular among folk singers and musicians that trained Indian classical musicians banned the instrument because they felt it wasn't "refined" and sophisticated enough. This division caused the harmonium to be used prominently in kirtan (worship) and that's why it became one of the main instruments used and associated with yogic chant! So fascinating!
So far, I am really impressed with Daniel Tucker's lessons. I had originally wanted to go to Kripalu and take his training, but the timing right now just won't allow that, so his online courses at the Bhakti Breakfast Club are just perfect for me. Every night after Bodhi goes to sleep, I take a lesson or two. So far, I've completed three courses, each with several lessons a piece. I really like Daniel's teaching style (and especially that he wears t-shirts with squirrels playing guitar on them). He is the kind of teacher I'd want to have locally if I could, so I feel grateful that I found this alternative.
The last thing I must mention - the sharp Ma (what we know as F Sharp) was banned in medieval times because its sound was so menacing, church authorities were certain it was the Devil's note. Church composers were forbidden from using it in any of their music. This is why in the history of western music, you don't have a lot of F sharps! I love it.
And I love the harmonium and getting to know it. I'm still such a newbie to it, but feel like I'm slowly becoming acquainted with it and can't wait to learn some real Kirtan songs and someday share them with others in my yoga classes. If you're reading this, I'd like to ask you to think about an instrument you'd like to learn and why. What's stopping you?
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