February 2 – 3, 2019 (Saturday – Sunday)
MA Center
10200 Crow Canyon Road
Castro Valley, CA
Join us for a weekend dedicated to deepening your musical
practice. Experience the joy of learning and applying techniques in Indian and
Western styles of music. You will be learning from world renown musicians on
your preferred instrument.
Beginning a new practice can be daunting, especially if
we don't know where to start. If you are interested in East-West music-deeply
rooted in tradition, but open to personal adaption, this immersion is a perfect
launching point. We look forward to exploring your creativity in the beautiful
rolling hills of San Ramon in a spiritual setting. All adults are welcome –
from beginner to experienced musicians.
Here are just a few of the accomplished musicians who
will be conducting workshops during the retreat.
Hindustani singer Jaya Vidyasagar is
a concert performer who has performed at various prestigious stages like
the Shanmukhananda in Mumbai and has played in the presence of the former Prime
Minister of India. She sees music as a divine gift to spread peace
and connect to the inner self.
David Balakrishnan is the founder and resident
composer of the Grammy Award winning group Turtle Island Quartet. He graduated
from UCLA with a B.A. in music composition and violin. Moving to the San
Francisco Bay Area, he quickly established his reputation as a talented young
improvising violinist, making guest appearances with the David Grisman Quartet
and other famous musicians.
Violinist Raushan Akhmedyarova joined the
SF Symphony in 2006, is a native of Kazakhstan and comes from a family of
musicians.
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Janapriyan
Levine brings a fresh perspective on global fusion to the music industry.
Weaving tradition and innovation, he captures listeners with his unique
compositions. His teaching career includes guitar, jazz band, rock band,
music video production, hip-hop production, and song writing.
Topics include:
·
Foundation of Indian Classical Music: Raga &
Sruti
·
Western Music: Chords & Scale
·
Rhythmic Patterns Through the Lens of Eastern
and Western Styles
·
Application of Ragas and Chords in Bhajans
·
Deepen Your Knowledge of Bhajans & Kirtans
·
Experiential Learning through Performance with
Group
·
Sound Meditations
·
Mindfulness Practice: Essence of Improvisation
·
Expressive Singing and Playing
Food
Enjoy a tasty vegetarian lunch both days. On Saturday, a
delicious vegetarian dinner will be served. Light refreshments, coffee, and tea
will be offered throughout the days. Vegan and gluten-free options will be
available.
A general outline of the retreat offerings:
·
Group sessions on various topics related to
music for both beginner and advanced
·
Hands-on workshops on rhythm, melody and
improvisation
·
Afternoon panels with musicians and a question
and answer session
·
One-on-one support from instructors for musical
guidance
Cost: $120/full, $60/single day
