Kirtan is the divine connection between you and the higher power. It is the key to spiritual healing that anyone and everyone can easily access as in the eyes of the Lord, everyone is equal. This is the holy recital of one’s devotion and love for the almighty. By taking you on a journey of the self, it helps you discover kindness within you both for yourself and others around you.
Fortunately, the avenues for learning this divine form of music are plentiful in this age. Whether you want to go the traditional route of learning it in person or want to take the new-age route of online classes, the world is your oyster. In this space, we are going to provide you with a deeper insight as to which of these two prevalent ways of learning Kirtan is the most optimal one.
The Benefits of Learning Kirtan Online
Technological advancements have allowed us to learn varied forms of art in the comfort of our homes from anyone across the globe. Online classes have gained significant popularity since the pandemic and their relevance was realized more than ever before. At SwaRas Music and Art Academy, we offer online Kirtan classes from world-renowned Kirtan artist Swarupa Daamodar Das.
With three decades of nurturing his passion for music through his association with the Hare Krishna Movement and ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), you get to hone your skills and strengthen your foundation of singing from the best in the art form. Here are some of the prominent benefits of learning Kirtan through online classes.
Freedom of Flexibility
When you are signing up for online classes, you can learn at your own pace and schedule. This allows you to manage your commitments and time better. The privilege of attending classes from the comfort of your home is undeniable. You don’t have to worry about learning a new skill in an unknown environment.
Not Limited by Geographical Proximity
Online classes are not limited by geographical proximity. As such, it doesn’t matter where in the world you are from, you can learn Kirtan from anywhere, anytime. You get to connect with the best of the best in the art form and not have to worry about commuting and restricting yourself due to long distances.
Diverse Learning Courses
With online Kirtan classes, the resources for learning are diverse and varied. They are extremely interactive since they use various advanced practice tools. These digital platforms help integrate their learning and teaching resources to enhance and boost your learning experience, which, in turn, helps you master your skills effectively.
Access to an Extensive Range of Teachers and Professionals
Opting for online Kirtan classes also opens the door to having accessibility to a teaching style that aligns with your needs and preferences. You can interact with Kirtan teachers and instructors from across the globe and fine-tune your skills accordingly. The wide range of teachers and professionals you get is undoubtedly one of its brightest features.
The Challenges of Learning Kirtan Online
As with any mode of learning, there are certain limitations to learning Kirtan online. Although not extremely disadvantageous, we still feel you should know about them in case you want to take up online Kirtan classes.
Reliance on Technology
A poor internet connection and bad quality of audio and video equipment can severely hamper your experience of learning a new skill online. Sometimes, technical glitches and logging connections that are beyond your control can disrupt your learning sessions.
Lack of Physical Guidance
Since people have been accustomed so much for years to learn skills in person, sometimes the lack of physical guidance can be a bit overwhelming. It might take a while for people to get adjusted to taking instructions from someone across the screen.
The Benefits of Learning Kirtan In Person
People have been learning Kirtan in person for centuries. By simple observation and being present, they pick up skills, even if it is a slow process. But, if you sign up for a professional Kirtan class and attend them in person, you can avail of many benefits, the primary among them being the following points.
Instant Feedback
Learning Kirtan in person gives you instant feedback on where you are going wrong. This helps you in rectifying your errors quickly. As you witness physical demonstrations in front of you, it helps in honing your vocal techniques.
Immersive Learning Ambiance
Learning Kirtan in person can help create an ambience that is conducive to concentrated learning. With your teacher and fellow peers in your proximity, you can feel more motivated to stay disciplined and committed.
Customized Interaction
In-person Kirtan classes can have a customized touch to them as they can aid in establishing a strong teacher-student relationship. Teachers can understand your struggles and strengths up and close and provide better lessons that are tailored to your needs.
The Challenges of Learning Kirtan In Person
Learning Kirtan in person can have various challenges, with the most prominent ones among them being the following aspects.
Time and Travel Requirements
You have to devote a big chunk of time to commuting to and from your classes if you are opting for in-person Kirtan classes. Working professionals and students find it extremely challenging to make more time for travelling to learn a new skill.
Fixed and Rigid Scheduling
In the busy daily lives we lead, we often get constrained by our commitments and schedules. In-person classes are rigid and lack flexibility. This means that if you are busy one day for some reason, you end up losing a valuable learning session.
Expensive
Usually, in-person Kirtan classes tend to be more expensive than their online counterparts. This is because the teacher has to pay rent for the physical space they are using to conduct the classes or travel to your place to provide you with lessons.
To Conclude
When it comes to deciding between an online or in-person Kirtan class, it all depends on your needs and requirements. Online classes are more nuanced and offer more flexibility. They are also more affordable and provide a diverse range of learning resources. In-person classes offer a personalized touch and help in creating an immersive environment.
Whichever mode of learning you pick, we encourage you to stay committed and immerse yourself in the holy power. Only then you can master this art and connect to the divine world.
