Private Harmonium & Vocal Class
Learn Harmonium and Kirtan Singing from the Heart
Have you ever been moved to tears by the sound of kirtan and wished you could sing and play like that yourself? Or perhaps you already play the harmonium, but feel you have reached a plateau and long to go deeper. In a private harmonium and vocal class with Punnu Wasu, you learn directly from a master who has lived and breathed this music for more than 50 years. Whether you are a complete beginner, an intermediate player or an advanced kirtan singer, Punnu will help you grow your skills, find your true voice and discover the joy of Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion.
Punnu's teaching is warm, patient and inspiring. He believes that everyone has a voice worth sharing, and he creates a relaxed and joyful space where you can make mistakes, experiment and grow at your own pace. Many students are amazed to discover a range and depth in their voice they never knew they had.
What You Can Learn
Every class is planned around your level and your goals, so no two students learn in exactly the same way. Depending on what you would like to focus on, your lessons can include:
• Playing the harmonium from your very first notes, including posture, bellows and finger technique
• New rhythms, melodies and techniques to take your playing to the next level
• Opening, strengthening and freeing your voice
• Singing mantras with correct Sanskrit and Gurmukhi pronunciation, and understanding their meaning
• Singing with feeling and devotion, not just correct notes
• Learning to lead kirtan with confidence, including the call and response with a group
Who These Classes Are For
These private lessons are perfect for yoga and meditation teachers who want to bring kirtan into their classes, for singers and musicians who want to explore Indian devotional music, and for anyone who simply wants to sing mantras as part of their own spiritual practice. You do not need any musical training to start. All you need is the wish to learn and an open heart.
Online or In Person
You can take your classes online from anywhere in the world, or in person when Punnu is in Bali or Switzerland. Online lessons work beautifully for harmonium and voice, and they let you learn from the comfort of your own home, at times that suit your life.
If you are new to kirtan and would like to understand more about this beautiful tradition first, read about kirtan and devotional music.
How Your Private Online Class Works
Your private class takes place on a video call, from the comfort of your own home. Before your first class, Punnu takes time to get to know you: your musical experience, your goals, and the mantras or songs you would love to learn. Whether you have never touched a harmonium before or have been leading kirtan for years, your classes are designed around you.
For your class, sit comfortably with your harmonium in front of you, and place your camera so that Punnu can see both your face and your hands on the keyboard. A good microphone or headphones with a microphone will help him hear your voice clearly. If you do not have a harmonium yet, Punnu can give you advice on choosing one, and you can also begin by focusing on voice and mantra.
Each class usually combines harmonium technique, voice training, and learning mantras and melodies step by step. At the end, you will have time for questions, and Punnu can give you practices to continue at home. Many students like to record their classes, so they can practice between lessons. You are free to book a single class or meet regularly, depending on your goals.
Punnu Wasu
Punnu Wasu has more than 50 years of continuous practice of kirtan and has studied Indian classical music for more than 45 years with different Indian masters, including his father, Babaji. He has performed kirtan at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and today he performs kirtan, Xtatic Kirtan, Indian fusion, Indian classical music, Sufi, Bollywood music and sound healing around the world.
He also leads music workshops combined with yoga and meditation, runs his own Kirtan Academy and Sound Healing Academy, and is featured in the documentary The Power of Mantra.
Simple Tips for Practicing at Home
The real growth happens between your classes. You do not need hours of practice to make progress. A little time every day helps your hands, your voice and your memory much more than one long session once a week. Here are a few simple tips to help you get the most out of your lessons.
• Practice a little every day, even 15 to 20 minutes is enough
• Warm up your voice gently with humming and slow, deep breaths before you sing
• Sit tall and relaxed, so your breath can flow freely
• Start slowly and only increase the speed when a melody feels easy
• Listen to the recordings of your classes and sing along
• Never force your voice: if it feels tired or strained, rest and drink some warm water
• Learn the meaning of the mantras you sing, so your singing comes from the heart
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own harmonium?
It helps, but you can start without one. Punnu can advise you on choosing a good harmonium, and in the meantime you can focus on your voice and on learning mantras.
I have never played music before. Can I still join?
Yes. Many students start as complete beginners. Punnu teaches you step by step, from your very first notes, at a pace that feels good for you.
How many classes do I need?
That depends on your goals. Some students book a single class to learn a few mantras or get feedback on their playing, while others meet regularly to build their skills over time.
Can I record my class?
Yes. Many students record their classes so they can practice between lessons.
Can I also take classes in person?
Yes. Besides online lessons, you can take private classes in person when Punnu is in Bali or Switzerland.
Private Class Prices
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: USD 250 / EUR 220 / CHF 230
Available online from anywhere in the world, or in person in Bali and Switzerland.
Have a Question Before You Book?
If you are not sure where to start, or you would like to talk about your goals before your first class, we are happy to help. Please email us and we will get back to you soon.
Punnu is truly an amazing and authentic kirtan singer and wonderful music teacher. He is one of the best in the kirtan scene I have ever come across after searching for more than 10 years. He has helped me increase my vocal range and unlock areas of my voice I did not know I had and I could dive so much deeper into playing harmonium. I am just blown away by Punnu's magical voice, teaching ability and his being in general! The experience has been extremely transformational, confidence building and of course a whole lot of fun.
MIREILLE MARTIN, FRANCE