Courses for the minor in Maharishi Gandharva Veda music

Music Appreciation: Appreciating music as the art of giving adible life to the harmonious structure of Natural Law (MVS 235)

This course investigates the nature of music through the study of western classical masterpieces, music theory, piano lessons, and Maharishi Gandharva Veda — the classical music of North India originating from the ancient Vedic civilization. Students explore the mechanics of transformation of consciousness into audible sound, and the fulfillment of music's supreme quest to establish harmony within the musician and in the environment. (4 units) (Distribution Area: Fine Arts or Humanities)

Maharishi Gandharva Veda Musicianship: Developing the silent connection between the song of individual life and the song of creation (MVS 340)

What is beauty? Can musical talent be developed? Can we learn to perform without stage fright? These are some of the fundamental questions explored in this course—both theoretically and through practical experience. Students hear a colorful palette of Maharishi Gandharva Veda ragas as well as music from other cultures and time periods, to gain appreciation of the subtle, underlying principles of perception and aesthetics that govern ragas—and all music. Includes instruction in either bamboo flute, tabla, sitar, or voice, according to availability. (4 units)

Maharishi Vedic Science, Sound, and Gandharva Music: Locating the source of Gandharva Veda in the self-interacting dynamics of consciousness (MVS 343)

Music has a powerful impact on human awareness. This course presents the profound correlation between sound, music, and consciousness. Special emphasis is given to the Shruti aspect of the Veda as the most coherent and primordial sound value in creation, and the mechanics of consciousness manifesting as sound and transforming into matter. Students read excerpts of the Sanskrit texts on music from the Vedic Literature. Includes instruction in either bamboo flute, tabla, sitar, or voice, according to availability. (4 units) Prerequisite: MVS 340

Maharishi Gandharva Veda Ear Training: Culturing refinement of hearing from the level of pure awareness at the basis of sensory perception (MVS 344)

Awareness of pitch and tuning, vocal training, rhythm, and studying the ten basic scales in Maharishi Gandharva Veda are the main aspects of this course. Elementary keyboards skills are taught to help support pitch identification. Includes instruction in either bamboo flute, tabla, sitar, or voice, according to availability. (4 units) Prerequisite: MVS 340

Maharishi Gandharva Veda Recital Preparation: Preparing the ground for enlivening the flow of consciousness in others (MVS 452)

This course gives students the opportunity to polish their performance skills in preparation for a student recital. Practical considerations are also covered, such as advertising, stage preparation, sound checks, etc. Includes instruction in either bamboo flute, tabla, sitar, or voice, according to availability. (4 units; may be repeated) Prerequisite: at least 3 Maharishi Gandharva Veda courses and consent of instructor

Other courses

Health Benefits of Maharishi Gandharva Veda (MVS 342)

Exploratory research indicates that the effects of listening to Maharishi Gandharva Veda music include an increase in brain wave coherence, more integrated behavior, and a tendency of mental activity to settle down and experience finer states of awareness. Students become familiar with this research and perform related studies of their own. Includes instruction in either bamboo flute, tabla, sitar, or voice, according to availability. (4 units) Prerequisite: MVS 340

Melody in Maharishi Gandharva Veda (MVS 345)

The goal of this course is to develop fine awareness of pitch, and study how the uniquely sequential unfoldment of tones in a raga give rise to melody. Topics include musical form, composition, interpretation, improvisation, embellishment, and cognition. Includes instruction in either bamboo flute, tabla, sitar, or voice, according to availability. (4 units) Prerequisite: MVS 340

Rhythm in Maharishi Gandharva Veda (MVS 346)

Students become fluent in the 5 major Gandharva rhythmic cycles and their variations, and study basic principles of rhythmic improvisation in Maharishi Gandharva Veda music. Rhythm is explored in light of its fascinating correlation with the verses of the Veda and with rhythmic cycles in nature and in life. Includes instruction in either bamboo flute, tabla, sitar, or voice, according to availability. (4 units) Prerequisite: MVS 340

Time Theory in Maharishi Gandharva Veda Music (MVS 347)

Time Theory prescribes specific ragas to be performed at corresponding times of day or seasons. Several ragas for various times will be studied in detail, to learn to differentiate the melodic patterns and subtle musical characteristics of each one. Includes instruction in either bamboo flute, tabla, sitar, or voice, according to availability. (4 units) Prerequisite: MVS 340

Maharishi Gandharva Veda Music Studio (MVS 451)

This course is for advanced students who focus on specific aspects of musical development under the guidance of the faculty. Includes instruction in either bamboo flute, tabla, sitar, or voice, according to availability. (variable units; may be repeated) Prerequisite: at least 3 Maharishi Gandharva Veda courses and consent of instructor