Ever wanted to play karatals (hand cymbals) like the devotees in the temple? Ever tried and failed miserably?! Sometimes what seems like the easiest of all the instruments used during kirtans can be very difficult to get to grips with.

This 2 days workshop suitable for all ages will teach the participant all the basics of playing karatals, including the mood of bhakti, slow and fast tempo beats and how to integrate into kirtan.

The workshop will be led by His Grace Bhagavat Purana das, most famous for being part of the Krishna Balarama Temple’s 24 hour kirtan party. He joined in Boston in 1983 as a brahmacari, he has received training and played alongside Sripad Aindra Prabhu since 1995 until his departure. This is a rare opportunity to take up his association and be trained up by him.

Free Progressive Hand-Cymbal Workshop Includes:

• Sacred Instrument: Tradition, understanding and approach/worship of this underestimated esoteric Sankirtan tool.
• Hands-only for beginners’ approach - no karatalas needed at first: ”Look mom - see? No hands!”
• Tool-control x4: Directions, speed, volume & pitch.
• Up-beat & Down-beat- simple methodology
• Individual straps, position, finger placement (and new cloth or string as opposed to old is best) sanctity and respect!
• Half-speed, please?
• Buying: Time & Patience + Tuning App/and or a good ear. Slower oscillation of the pitch is always optimal.
• Foot control: Keeping the beat is imperative and is an absolute must. Otherwise leave and do your own thing!

Course Dates: Sun 4 - Mon 5 December 2016

Venue: Temple Hall
Course Fee: $10
Days & Timings:
Sunday : 10 am - 12 pm 
Monday : 7-9 pm

You can sign up to this course by registering in the temple gift shop, or send an email to Parameshwar Prabhu at paramesvaradasa@gmail.com