Deep Dive

Beyond first impressions and comparisons, let's take a deep dive into understanding Hindustani, or north Indian classical, music on its own terms. Join Joel 'Veena' Eisenkramer, award-winning Indian slide guitarist, for a series of interactive workshops that will provide you with the information you need to become a rasika or informed listener of Hindustani music.

"The purpose of these sessions is to illuminate some of the structure, performance practice and other salient features of Hindustani or north Indian classical music so as to enhance our enjoyment while listening and to open a realm of deeper interaction with the music. This music is deep and multilayered, meaning that as one studies the music and gains more familiarity, they become aware of additional layers of meaning and complexity. Our goal here is to give you the basic tools for understanding and appreciating the music that will allow you to experience, examine and reflect on great recordings and performances. As your understanding grows and you connect some of your prior expertise, you may find, as I have, that the study of Hindustani music is in harmony with a journey for personal growth."   - Joel

There will be 3 sessions on Zoom at 12pm Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4), Sundays April 14, 21 and 28. Each session will be approximately 75 minutes and include opportunities for interaction and feedback. The format will be a lecture with visual and audio examples interspersed with brief discussions and group listening exercises. Each session will be recorded and made available to watch afterwards for those who are not able to attend live. You will be provided notes from the sessions and a recommended listening and reading list as well.

Those who complete all three sessions will receive a certificate, acknowledging their achievement of becoming a 'level 1 rasika'; someone knowledgeable enough about Indian classical music so that they can make intelligent observations about the music and understand the basic format of a performance.

About the teacher...

Joel has been traveling back and forth between India and Vermont, USA since 2007 to study and perform Indian classical music on the 20-stringed Indian slide guitar.  In addition to touring and recording, he is also an active teacher and writer in the Indian music space. Since he has learned the music as an "outsider", he is uniquely equipped to demystify the music in a way that is accessible to a wide range of audiences. In addition to being steeped in the oral tradition of Hindustani music, Joel is also proficient in western music theory and practice; playing several other instruments and holding a minor in electronic music from UC Santa Cruz.

“We really enjoyed the classes.  Both of us grew up with Carnatic  music but without the same familiarity with Hindustani classical music.   The class was particularly timely for us.  Thanks to your teachings, we  will enjoy an upcoming Vidushi Kala Ramnath concert at NYC much more  now. Thanks again.” - V & R Iyengar

“Thank you so much for offering this class! Dare I say, I think you are under-pricing it for the valuable knowledge.” D Keller

“I have always loved Indian classical music and after hearing Joel Veena perform I was inspired to take some lessons with him on Indian slide guitar. I was blown away by his ability to explain and coach me through this in this vast and ancient tradition of Hindustani music. Joel is a patient and caring teacher with a wealth of knowledge and experience in this improvised art form. In our lessons he would de-mystify the music and offer clear and digestible action items that allowed me to progress quickly. I would highly recommend Joel to anyone interested in exploring Indian music, slide guitar in particular! He is the real deal. That is coming from someone who has decades of experience as a full time professional teacher and performer of music.” - Stu Fuchs, Ukulele Zen founder