IRC India
January 4 through 13, 2024
The IRC India is a musical and cultural trip to South India for continued rhythmical and musical study at the source of Carnatic music. The 10 day course will take place in three locations with a program of classes and visits to concerts and cultural sites. For those who are up for it, we will prepare pieces to be performed on several fusion musical concert.
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This is an opportunity to experience authentic Carnatic music and Indian culture in a carefully organized program where all the logistics are taken care of.
The course is led by Ned McGowan and B.C. Manjunath in collaboration with Dr. Mysore Manjunath, Dr. Suma Sudhindra and the Indian Music Experience.
For more info: write to Ned McGowan.
Schedule 2024
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The trip will be divided into three parts.
The first part will take place in Mysore, in collaboration with one of India's greatest violinists, Dr. Mysore Manjunath. Here we will begin the rhythm classes with BC Manjunath and Ned McGowan, playing music together and visiting cultural sites such as the Mysore Palace. On the 6th of January there will be an optional fusion concert.
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For the 2nd leg of the journey we will be in residence at the Indian Music Experience (IME) Museum in Bangalore, in collaboration with veena player Dr. Suma Sudhindra. Next to visiting the museum we continue the classes and have lectures by Dr. Sudhindra, Manasi Prasad and Anoor Anathakrishnasharma.
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The third part of the trip will take place at the beautiful Ashram of Sri Sathya Sai University, to the north of Bangalore. We will continue the classes here, likely perform a concert and visit the holy sites of the Ashram.
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The trip will end on the 13th with a concert at the IME, back in Bangalore. After the 13th you are free to stay in Bangalore, go someplace else, or return home.
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Logistics
First of all, each participant is responsible for their own international travel to and from Bangalore. We recommend getting there a few days early, and we can organize a pickup from the airport and a place to stay if desired. Getting to Mysore from Bangalore for the beginning of the IRC is very easy via bus or train.
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Costs
Lodging in Mysore and Bangalore will cost between €25 (standard European quality) and €80 (luxury) per night, depending on your choice from several options we will present. Some meals will be taken care of and there will be many others when people can choose their own dining, which can cost from €2 to €8, or upwards by choice. Local and inter-city transportation is mostly very cheap. There are no costs for the Ashram.
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We estimate the room, board and transportations costs to be a approximately €250 for the duration of the course, or greater based on your dining and hotel choices.
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The tuition cost of the program is €350, to cover the organization and guest teachers.
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Individual study
For each person who attends, we can also help to make connections with local experts who would be interesting for your specific interest, whether it be a specific instrument, theoretical or spiritual subject, or other discipline. Depending on the subject this can be organized during the week, or before or after.
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Reflections from participants 2023
- "The IRC opened up new vistas. It was an intense dive into Bangalore's vibrant Carnatic music world, with access to major musical forces and festivals. An unforgettable adventure, and a musically rewarding one too."
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- "It has been a great experience both rich with music, flavors, colors and impressions. Being fully immersed in the culture gave me a deep insight about culture and about the music itself. Human connections and music altogether created a beautiful vibe very hard to to forget."
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- "IRC is all, you never thought about. IRC gives different experiences in cooperation with one of the best Carnatic humble and kind musicians in Karnataka. You will never forget it in your life."
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- "This course is overall a great experience. You learn a lot from Indian culture and you will meet great musicians from very different backgrounds who are all very open minded."
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- "IRC India was a unforgettable whirlwind experience. It was a joy to see so much great music played with love and devotion, and even more to have the chance to collaborate on new music with great Carnatic musicians in beautiful locations. Very inspiring!"
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- "To have my first experiences with the real India through the IRC India has provided me with an immediate deep dive inside the culture, the people and their music! An unforgettable experience!"
Carnatic Music
The Carnatic system of rhythm with its practical approach to complexities, forms the International Rhythm Course's (IRC) basic method for both a foundation and a structured exploration of rhythm in music. The IRC teaches the traditional approach to rhythm from the Carnatic perspective and places it both theoretically and practically next to Western methods. B.C. Manjunath will teach the basics of proper Konnakkol syllables and pronunciation, and the rhythmical approach of his pieces take a prominent role in the course materials.
For whom is the IRC India?
The Course is designed for professionals, college-level students, and experienced amateurs. A high rhythmic proficiency level is not necessary, as theory, exercises and homework are given in a way that the participants can choose their appropriate difficulty. Performers of all instruments and composers are welcome regardless of style (i.e. Classical, improvised or non-Western musics). Existing ensembles and bands are welcome to apply as a group, as well as other rhythmical art forms (dance, rap, etc...) . If there are any doubts or questions about qualifications, just write for more information.
