A bestselling devotional music immersion
7-Day Harmonium, Kirtan & Mantra Chanting Course in Rishikesh
Learn harmonium step by step, find confidence in your natural voice and experience the heart of Bhakti through two hours of guided daily practice at Anandmaya Retreat in Tapovan.
Learn to Play, Chant and Express with Confidence
This harmonium course in Rishikesh brings together practical instrument training, devotional singing, Sanskrit mantra pronunciation and the living tradition of Kirtan. You do not need previous musical experience. The course begins with posture, bellows and notes, then gradually helps you coordinate melody, rhythm and voice.
Rather than learning mechanically, you explore how sound can become meditation. In a warm, supportive setting, each lesson builds toward playing and singing simple mantras independently and participating confidently in a Kirtan circle.
A Complete Week of Devotional Music
Upcoming Course Dates: August 2026–January 2027
New seven-day batches begin regularly. Places are subject to teacher and room availability, so please confirm before arranging travel.
August 2026
September 2026
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
January 2027
None of these dates match your travel plan?
Email or WhatsApp us with your preferred dates. We will check whether a private or specially arranged course is possible.
What You Will Learn Each Day
The sequence may be adapted slightly to the student’s pace while keeping the core learning outcomes intact.
Foundations of Sound
- Posture, bellows and hand placement
- Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa
- Finger-strengthening exercises
- Sustained Om chanting
Invoking Ganapati
- Scale practice in C and D
- Basic Sa–Pa–Sa and Sa–Ma–Pa patterns
- Rhythm practice with drone
- Om Gan Ganapataye Namah
Entering Bhakti Kirtan
- Revision of scales and chord patterns
- Hare Krishna Maha Mantra melody
- Introduction to call-and-response
- Playing while chanting
Devi Chanting
- Smoother transitions
- Chord-flow practice across scales
- Jai Mata Kali, Jai Mata Durga
- Voice and rhythm coordination
The Mantra of Shri Ram
- Continuity while playing and singing
- Slow, medium and faster tempo
- Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram
- Confidence and vocal relaxation
Energy of Shiva Shambho
- Learn an uplifting Shiva Kirtan
- Transition between Kirtans
- Lead a chant while playing
- Build a simple Kirtan flow
Offering of the Heart
- Final revision of notes, melody and rhythm
- Asato Ma Sadgamaya closing prayer
- Practise the complete course repertoire
- Closing circle with students leading individually or in pairs
Two Hours of Practice with Your Teacher
Each day includes a focused, practical session designed to help you progress steadily through direct demonstration, repetition and individual correction.
Continue with Self-Practice
When you stay at Anandmaya Retreat, you may use an available harmonium for personal practice on the terrace or in the yoga hall whenever the space is empty. This gives you time to repeat the day’s lesson, strengthen coordination and become comfortable playing independently.
Self-practice space and instrument use are complimentary for resident course students and remain subject to hall schedules and harmonium availability.
Five Foundations of the Course
Harmonium
Bellows control, notes, scales, finger placement, melody and accompaniment.
Kirtan
Bhakti, call-and-response, familiar melodies and supportive group participation.
Mantra
Pronunciation, meaning, repetition and combining sacred chants with music.
Voice & Rhythm
Breath, vocal ease, natural tone, tempo and basic Indian rhythmic awareness.
Nada & Bhakti
An introduction to music as meditation, devotion and mindful self-expression.
Learn with Dr Rohit Chobe
Born in Haridwar, Dr Rohit Chobe grew up close to the Ganga in a spiritual environment shaped by Sanskrit, devotional chants and yoga. Guided by his father, he began learning sacred sound at an early age.
Practising yoga and classical Indian singing since childhood, he brings together traditional mantra, melody, breath and meditation. His calm and patient approach helps complete beginners understand the instrument while gradually discovering confidence in their own voice.
Course Fees
Choose only the training, or stay at Anandmaya for a more immersive week of music, yoga, Yoga Nidra and vegetarian living.
Course Only
- Seven days of training
- Two hours daily with teacher
- Harmonium used during class
- Course learning material
- Certificate of participation
Course + Retreat Stay
- Full seven-day course
- Private AC accommodation
- Vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Complimentary morning Hatha Yoga classes
- 30-minute recorded Yoga Nidra on alternate evenings
- Self-practice access when spaces are free
- Certificate of participation
Please confirm current availability and inclusions before paying. International prices are shown in USD.
Stay, Practise and Learn at Anandmaya
The retreat stay package allows you to remain close to the learning space throughout the week. Private accommodation, nourishing vegetarian meals, complimentary morning Hatha Yoga and recorded Yoga Nidra on alternate evenings create an easy, restorative rhythm around the daily music class.
Created for Beginners, Seekers and Teachers
No musical background is required—only curiosity, consistency and willingness to practise.
Complete Beginners
Learn harmonium from the very first note in a patient, structured and non-competitive setting.
Yoga Teachers
Develop simple musical skills to support mantra, opening chants or community practice.
Bhakti Practitioners
Deepen your personal relationship with Kirtan, sacred mantra and devotional expression.
Travellers in Rishikesh
Use your week in the spiritual city to learn a meaningful skill you can continue at home.
Singers & Musicians
Explore Indian devotional melody and the harmonium as an accompaniment instrument.
Quiet or Shy Voices
Build confidence gently; Kirtan values sincere participation rather than performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior harmonium or singing experience?
No. The course is suitable for complete beginners. Lessons begin with basic posture, bellows, notes and simple vocal practice.
How long is the daily class?
You practise with the teacher for two hours daily, normally from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, for seven days.
Can I practise outside the class?
If you stay at Anandmaya Retreat, you may use an available harmonium for self-practice on the terrace or in the yoga hall whenever the space is empty. Availability depends on other retreat activities and instrument use.
Is a harmonium provided?
Yes, a harmonium is available for use during the class. Resident students may also use one for self-practice when available.
What is included in the retreat stay package?
The $450 package includes the seven-day course, private AC accommodation, vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner, complimentary morning Hatha Yoga classes, complimentary 30-minute recorded Yoga Nidra sessions on alternate evenings, self-practice access when available and a certificate of participation.
What if the published start dates do not suit me?
Send your preferred dates by WhatsApp or email. We will check whether a private or specially arranged course is possible according to teacher availability.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Students who complete the seven-day program receive a certificate of participation from Anandmaya Retreat.
Where does the course take place?
The course is held at Anandmaya Retreat in Upper Tapovan, Rishikesh, near Secret Garden Café.
Visit Anandmaya Retreat
Anandmaya Retreat is located in Upper Tapovan, Rishikesh, near Secret Garden Café—a peaceful base for your week of harmonium, Kirtan and mantra practice.
Open Google DirectionsLearn Harmonium in the Spiritual Heart of Rishikesh
Tell us whether you prefer the course-only or residential package and share your desired start date. We will confirm teacher and accommodation availability.
