Dhrupad workshop: an Indian music morning in the Ashram
By Ek Ong Kar Kaur
Ten participants explored Dhrupad, a style of Indian music practised as naad yoga, with teacher Daniela Birschel.
On the 19th of January 2019, Daniela Birschel offered a workshop about the Dhrupad technique in the lounge of the Ashram.
We were 10 participants and learned from Daniela (Dhrupad teacher) about this specific style of Indian music, which is considered a spiritual practice and naad yoga (sound yoga).
We started the workshop with a warm-up, observing the breath and the body as a vessel for music. Daniela continued with a short introduction to Dhrupad, Raga (Indian scales) and Taal (rhythm), and then focused on three voice techniques within Dhrupad: Kharaj Bharna, Aakar and Polta. We explored each of them through practical exercises in the group or by taking turns individually.
In the last hour we were introduced to one specific Indian scale, Bhairav Raga, and experimented with it as a group and individually, with our voices and the Dhrupad technique.
Throughout the practices Daniela guided us, adjusted us and gave us tips to improve. The workshop gave a small glimpse of the whole world of Indian music, and we had the chance to experience, for little moments, the “complete immersion and total surrender of self to God” that Dhrupad can offer when practised continually.
Sat Nam!