Bhakti yoga is the path of devotion and love, and kirtan, singing, is one of the main forms of practice. It helps the mind become focused and subdues the emotional storms, ultimately transforming the chords in the heart of grief and doubt and chaos to chords of love and acceptance and peace. The Sanskrit language is full of medicine and delight, just hearing the language can be soothing.
Mythological and astrological stories will be interspersed. No experience is necessary. Chant books will be provided. Coming just to listen and not sing is totally fine, though you may just change your mind.
Allison Dennis:
My interest in Indian music and the Sanskrit language started in 2005 from my time completing 500 hours of Yoga Teacher Training at the Sivananda Ashram. My teacher Prem Sadasivananda helped to create a spark that then got ignited once I received a harmonium as a gift from a friend. I fumbled around with poor pronunciation until teachers helped me realize that the magic of the mantra is in precision, obviously I am still working on it, and am ever grateful to my teachers for their patience.
Once K. Sridhar began teaching me traditional Indian Music by way of the scales and the different talas (time signatures), well, the fire has been burning bright and steady for Indian music ever since.