Dave Stringer Kirtan Flight School

A two day retreat with internationally acclaimed kirtan artist and musician Dave Stringer. Dave has taught this workshop around the globe and it's the first time it will be held in the Melbourne area. He will be joined by his drummer Doug Brush (USA/NZ) along with other support teachers.

Set in a beautiful location in Healsville, Victoria with delicious nourishing vegetarian meals provided by Sun Hyland of New Earth Catering.


In Kirtan Flight School, you'll be put in a band with a group of people and you'll learn how to make music out of what you have, with your voice and hands. It's a beautiful spiritual process.


Both experienced musicians and those with no experience at all will walk away with a body of knowledge of how to employ musical devices to deepen the kirtan experience. You may bring your own musical instruments but most important are human voices and hands.


What to Expect:

Introductory Level: Participants are organized into small ensembles. Each ensemble chooses a chant, rehearses it together, and presents a kirtan to the rest of the groups. The instructors rotate through the groups, working closely with the participants to develop rhythmic and harmonic concepts, solve problems, and answer questions. The history and philosophy of kirtan are also intensively explored, so participants learn how to present and discuss the mantras.
Instruction will be offered in playing the harmonium and finger cymbals, and a limited number of these instruments will be on hand for use by all. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own musical instruments with them, but it is understood that the most important instruments are human voices and hands. No previous musical experience is necessary.

Advanced Level: The emphasis is on writing and presenting original kirtan compositions, leading your own ensemble, advanced arrangement and performance techniques and improvisation. Participants should have completed at least one previous Kirtan Flight School at the Introductory Level, or be actively leading regular kirtans with a local community. Proficiency in playing a musical instrument is recommended.

To see Dave talking about Kirtan Flight School check out this video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpPCfMCePkc