Courses

Berklee Indian Ensemble

Members of this ensemble study and perform Hindustani and Carnatic classical, semi-classical, folk, Sufi, and contemporary Indian music. Students participate in supervised rehearsals for a minimum of four–six hours weekly and gain experience performing and improvising within the Indian music idiom. Emphasis is given to stylistic integrity and accuracy of Indian melodies and rhythms, often set within a Western harmonic context. While indigenous Indian instruments like tabla, mridangam, bhapang, khartal, sarod, sitar, sarangi, and bansuri are often used in the class, traditional instruments from other cultures like qanun, laouto, hulusi, dizi, suona, duduk, and didgeridoo are not only included, but welcomed. Functioning as a professional band rather than simply an academic class, the ensemble tours internationally and also releases music videos every semester, with a special emphasis on original student compositions.

Indian Music Styles and Techniques for Jazz and Contemporary Composition

This class will both survey and expose students to the two main Indian music systems: Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian) along with Konnakol (South Indian rhythmic solfège). Selected Indian film music will also be examined. Students will compose, arrange, and create improvisational models using specific Indian music ideas and techniques as a source. 

Indian Music Concepts in Electronic Production

This course is a creative study of the musical aesthetics involved with composing and arranging in a wide range of popular Indian musical genres, including pop songs, remix hits, and classical forms. Utilizing a variety of electronic programming and production techniques, students will complete a series of guided projects that effectively demonstrate the contemporary application of Indian ragas, musical instrumentation, and popular stylistic repertoire.

Indian Art, Music, and Culture

This course is designed to introduce students to a comprehensive study of the principal thoughts, concepts of beauty, and aesthetics in the art of India.

South Indian Rhythmic Solfège and Jazz/World Music 1

Focused on South Indian rhythmic solfège, this course explores both North and South Indian melodic concepts, the raga system, and the tala system. In addition to Indian rhythms, some West African and Brazilian rhythms will be covered. 

South Indian Rhythmic Solfège and Jazz/World Music 2

A continuation of South Indian Rhythmic Solfège 1, this class continues to work on strengthening basic pulse. Complex polyrhythms are learned by vocal recitations and hand-clapping patterns. These exercises and patterns are then applied to students' instruments and used in improvisation.