This is self-paced video course with 6 Modules of Lessons. Each Module is designed to be worked through in 1 week, but you can go at your own pace.

There is a community forum where you can ask questions, get support and post videos of yourself practicing for feedback (optional).

Additionally, there are replays of Livestream Practice Calls with Brent & Sheela where you get tons of extra practice, tips, and listen to Q & A. 

If you purchase this Course a-la-carte, you will have lifetime access to this Course. 

If you purchase the Sacred Sound Lab Membership, you will have access to all our core curriculum & membership bonus content for as long as you're a member.  

We're so glad you asked! No! A harmonium is NOT required. Any keyboarding instrument, like a piano, organ, keyboard, electric piano, etc, will do!

Harmoniums can be finicky instruments, they have wooden parts that can expand or contract with the weather, keys can stick or buzz, leaks can spring in the bellows -- so it's important to start with a high-quality instrument from an instrument importer.

Some things to consider before purchasing: 

• Will you be traveling by plane with the harmonium?
• Will you be taking it outside your home often?
• Are you looking to perform harmonium professionally or record in the studio?

Talk to the owner or staff of the source and tell them your needs and goals, and they will recommend a suitable model for you! 

I have played and owned many types of harmoniums over 25 years, and I am the most impressed with the overall quality and customer service of the following sources. 

1) Ragamala Harmoniums by David Estes - email [email protected] for price list and shipping information. Visit the FB Page.  

Harmoniums in stock! I bought a Ragamala Peti harmonium as a gift for my Mom (who was looking for something lightweight, easy to carry, and that wouldn't strain her neck/shoulders), and we love it! It's a light-weight, ultra-portable, lovely harmonium. The tone and sustain is remarkable given its small size. If you are looking for something light and compact and with a beautiful tone, this is perfect. David personally designs Ragamala® harmoniums inside and out and has them made in India by skilled craftsmen under strict quality control supervision. Email David to find out pricing and models in stock. 

2) Old Delhi Music | 312-869-9092 or [email protected]

Harmoniums are in stock! I own the Bhava Mini, and Panipat Deluxe Studio, and love both of them. The owner, Nic, does an impeccable job sourcing and importing quality instruments. Call to discuss your needs with the store.

Other Options: 

1) Keshav Music in NYC 

I own the DMS 4b and it's a great harmonium for traveling, and works great for home practice as well.

2) Mindra's Harmonium Sales & Repairs | Queens

I have heard good things about Mindra's harmoniums and service, but never bought from him myself. 

3) E-Bay, Amazon, Craigslist, etc - NOT recommended for reasons explained above. However if you are able to check out the harmonium yourself and you enjoy the tone and sustain, and all the keys work, then go for it! 

A-la-carte purchases of Courses are non-refundable and non-transferable.

For terms & conditions for monthly or annual subscription payments to the Membership, click here. 

If you have financial barriers to enrolling, fill out the form below letting us know your interest in scholarships opportunities. 

BIPOC and trans/queer/non-binary people especially encouraged to attend!

In some ways yes, and in some ways no. 

What you learn with me (Sheela) is a unique Indian - Western hybridized style of playing. Like the instrument itself, I am bi-cultural, and so is my style.

Let me explain a bit more.

From a young age growing up in Colorado, I was trained in Indian classical, devotional and Western music (jazz & classical) music. I have been playing the piano since I was 6, and I taught myself how to play the harmonium to accompany our family’s Satsang community when I was 12.

If you peek over my shoulder while playing harmonium at a gig, you will find some blend of the following:  

• Indian classical raga-based melodies  

• Indian kīrtan/bhajan/folk melodies 

• Western & Jazz harmony & chordal movement 

A traditional Indian classical/devotional style of playing uses lots of intricate, beautiful, fast, ornamentation. Players often play in the key of C# for bass voices or A#/B for treble voices. Classical players typically play large concert-sized harmoniums with a scale-changer mechanism if they need to change keys. 

I have found that this style is just not practical for beginning students in the West who are seeking to sing and play in a devotional / bhakti context... for their own spiritual practice or in ashrams, yoga studios, retreat centers, etc. 

In my teaching I use the North Indian sargam (solfege) & ṭhāṭ (scale) system as a framework, and include both Indian and Western components. 

In the beginning 100-level courses:

• you learn foundational kīrtans, bhajans and mantras - both traditionally Indian AND Western-sourced.
• You learn the Indian sargam (solfege) syllables from Indian Classical Music: Sa Re Ga ma Pa Dha Ni Ṡa.    
• You start off playing in the key of C, and in HM 111 you are introduced to playing in A.
• You learn how to play melodies, dyads (2 notes played at once), and dyads + melody tones.
• You are introduced to the idea of rāga and ṭhāt (Indian mode & scale).
• We give you tips on sanskrit pronunciation and easeful use of the Voice.
• We use a contemplative approach emphasizing ease and embodiment while playing & singing.

In future 200-400 level courses, you will be introduced to the concept of ornamentation, you dive deeper into rāga-based bhajans and kīrtan. You become fluent in several ṭhāṭs (Indian scales). You explore standard Western chord progressions and extended jazz harmonies.

Yes.

The Sacred Sound Lab supports Embracing the World's Worldwide Humanitarian Projects, Society for Arts and Culture of South Asia, and other initiatives in alignment with our values & lineages.