Course overview

In this immersive course, you will learn to play the mridanga (mridang) in the devotional kirtan tradition followed in ISKCON. Under the guidance of Mihir, you will discover the devotional heart of the instrument — not just technique, but the mood and spirit of kirtan.

Who is this for?

• Beginners who have little or no experience on mridanga;

• Intermediate players who wish to deepen their understanding of ISKCON-style accompaniment;

• Devotees of devotional music (kirtan) wanting to participate confidently in the sankirtan mood.

What you will learn

• The basic “bols” (hand-strokes) for the small side (dayan) and big side (bayan) of the mridanga. For example: ta-na, ti-ra, dha, dhin, etc. ebooks.iskcondesiretree.com+2iskconeducation.org+2

• Theka (basic cycle) in common talas used in kirtan: e.g., 8-beat, 16-beat cycles, etc. iskconeducation.org+1

• Developing timing and rhythm alongside chanting and kirtan flow — so you can accompany and uplift the mood.

• Advanced rhythmic variations: combining bols, playing faster tempos, adapting to live kirtan. ebooks.iskcondesiretree.com+1

• The devotional context: how to serve the mood of sankirtan, respect tradition, maintain purity of sound and mood.

Course format & structure

• Duration & Sessions: The course runs over X weeks (or months) with weekly live sessions plus practice assignments.

• Format: Online (via DPlay platform) with live interactive sessions + recorded practice videos + one-on-one feedback.

• Materials: Students will receive downloadable worksheets and “bol chart” pdfs (similar to those used in ISKCON publications) to practice at home. ebooks.iskcondesiretree.com+1

• Practice: Regular home practice is key — the devotional style emphasises daily discipline and sincerity. ebooks.iskcondesiretree.com

• Community: You’ll be part of a group of fellow learners, with opportunities to share recordings, get feedback, and eventually participate in live kirtan practise sessions.

Why join this course?

• You’ll learn from Mihir, who brings both technical expertise on mridanga and devotional insight into kirtan-service.

• The ISKCON approach emphasises not just playing the instrument, but offering your sound in devotion and service — this adds depth and meaning to your practise.

• The course is structured to take you from basics through to confident participation in live devotional settings.

• You gain a special opportunity to apply your learning in a real devotional context, not just a music class.

Who should enrol / prerequisites

• No prior mridanga experience is required (for beginners track).

• Must have a mridanga (or access to one) or a practise pad substituted until you obtain one.

• Willingness to practise regularly (~daily or several times a week) and participate in live online sessions.

• Respect for devotional environment and desire to serve through music.

Outcomes

By the end of the course you will be able to:

• Play basic mridanga bols and keep a steady theka in the context of kirtan.

• Recognise common rhythmic cycles used in ISKCON kirtan and adapt your playing accordingly.

• Accompany a live kirtan, maintaining tempo, adjusting to mood, and supporting the chant with mridanga.

• Participate confidently in sankirtan service, integrating musical skill with devotional mood.

How to join & investment

• Click on Currently available batch and book your place for that batch