This experiential and fun workshop is aimed at those new and relatively new to the harmonium with the aim of being able to play and sing some simple chants. This might be for your own personal practice, to share with your friends and family, to incorporate into a yoga class or, in time, to lead a public Kirtan.
To begin the workshop we will spend a short while getting to know the instrument and learning how to navigate the keyboard as smoothly and easily as possible. We will look at the different ways of playing the harmonium and learn about playing chords and also chord inversions which can make life a lot easier for us. We will learn to play a few simple chants and begin to see how easily we can play any number of chants once we have grasped the basics and know a few chords! You will be provided with a chant sheet to go away and practice with and support you in the following weeks and months. This workshop is only the beginning as there is no substitute for practice!
As we learn the instrument we will also chant together. Many of us have some anxiety and judgement about our voices, and by chanting together we begin to let go of the mental reactivity and simple enjoy our voices for the beautiful expression that they are. To lead Kirtan we need to sing from the heart, allowing our love and devotion to flow freely, unhindered by the unhelpful chatter of the mind.
This is a small group limited to just three participants so advanced booking is essential. I have 3 spare harmoniums that can be borrowed by anyone wishing to learn without their own instrument. Please contact me to reserve a harmonium.
Tim Chalice has been leading Kirtan for well over 15 years, appearing at many bhakti and yoga festivals, gatherings and retreats, as well as releasing two Kirtan CDs. Tim is also a Naked Voice Graduate and has trained to facilitate the transformative Naked Voice practices.
"Tim is a dedicated pilgrim of prayerful chant and song. His devotional heart sound and meditative mantras, penetrate your mind, inspire participation, and awaken your heart." - Chloe Goodchild - Singer, Founder of The Naked Voice
Venue: The Light House, 145 Robertson Road, Bristol, BS5 6LB
Date: Wednesday 23rd April 2025
Time: 10am-1.00pm
Cost: £50
Previous Workshop Testimonials:
"I have long felt drawn to playing the harmonium, and I am deeply grateful to Tim for providing such a special opportunity to learn. I loved the sacred space in which we practiced, the intimacy of the small group, and how effortlessly Tim guided us in playing and chanting together. His teaching made the experience truly joyful. Thank you, Tim—this is a gift for life!" - Julia Jeremiah
"I just wanted to thank you again for the amazing workshop today. I’m feeling hopeful and excited and it’s all down to the Bhakti you so generously facilitated!" - Mischa Yogui
"An inspiring day where I learned so much!" - Francesca Giusti
"What a wonderful balanced, informative, love-filled day." - Kalyani
* Unfortunately I am not able to offer refunds for this event. Depending on circumstances I may exercise discretion and offer to transfer the booking to a future event at the same venue - just give me as much notice as possible in case I have a waiting list and can re-fill the place. If this event is Sold Out ("Out of Stock") and you would like to be on the waiting list, or would like me to organise another workshop soon, please email me at om@timchalice.com.