Maharishi Gandharva Veda Musicianship: Developing the silent connection between the song of individual life and the song of creation (MVS 539)

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)

Health Benefits of Maharishi Gandharva Veda (MVS 562)

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 539

Melody in Maharishi Gandharva Veda (MVS 565)

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 562

Rhythm in Maharishi Gandharva Veda (MVS 566)

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 539

Maharishi Gandharva Veda Recital Preparation: Preparing the ground for enlivening the flow of consciousness in others (MVS 572)

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

Maharishi Vedic Science, Sound, and Gandharva Music: Locating the Source of Gandharva Veda in the Self-Interacting Dynamics of Consciousness (MVS 563)

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. The theoretical understanding is supported and integrated with the personal experience of hearing and playing the ancient art and science of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music. Included in the course are daily practice time and regular music lessons in tabla and one of the following: bamboo flute, sitar, or voice, taught by resident performers of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music. (3–4 units)

Maharishi Gandharva Veda Ear Training (MVS 564)

Awareness of pitch and tuning, vocal training, and studying the ten basic scales in Maharishi Gandharva Veda music — these are the main aspects of this course. Students are introduced to the concepts of relative pitch versus perfect pitch, and learn to develop both skills through techniques of “horizontal” and “vertical” listening. Elementary keyboard skills are taught to help support pitch identification. Included in the course are daily practice time and regular music lessons in tabla and one of the following: bamboo flute, sitar, or voice, taught by resident performers of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music. (3–4 units, may be repeated)

Time Theory in Maharishi Gandharva Veda Music (MVS 567)

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. Included in the course are daily practice time and regular music lessons in one or two of the following: tabla, bamboo flute, sitar, or voice, taught by resident performers of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music. Prerequisite: at least one of the following — FA 260, FA 320, FA 403; or consent of the instructor. (4 units, may be repeated)

Maharishi Gandharva Veda Music Studio: Perfecting Your Ability to Flow in Silence and Give Expression to the Unexpressed in Sound and Song (MVS 571)

This course is for students who are well on their way to completing the major in Maharishi Vedic Science with emphasis in Maharishi Gandharva Veda music. It is designed to help students focus on specific aspects of musical development under the guidance of the faculty. Included in the course are daily practice time and regular music lessons in one or two of the following: tabla, bamboo flute, sitar, or voice, taught by resident performers of Maharishi Gandharva Veda music. Prerequisites: at least six Maharishi Gandharva Vedamusic courses and consent of instructor. (2–4 units; may be repeated)