History

Gurbani Kirtan began in the 16th century as the musical expression of divine poetry (shabad) conceived by the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. Following him, all the Sikh Gurus articulated their teachings through music.

The Siri Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s scripture, is organized by the melodic themes (Raagas) in which each shabad was composed. Sikh worship and meditation is based upon the singing of these shabads in a devotional congregation, giving participants the opportunity to experience the words of the Guru on a deep level.

Traditional Gurbani Kirtan emerged in the 16th century, at a time when North Indian music began to be heavily influenced by the Mughal courts. In contrast to Hindustani music, Gurbani Kirtan stayed within the context of worship and maintained the traditional devotional elements of sacred music.

While maintaining this continuity, Sikh music developed as a distinct melodic and percussive system of raags, raag forms, taal forms, and instruments, and of singing and accompaniment styles. The Sikh repertoire includes raags and raag forms unique to the Sikh tradition, the unparalleled partaal (special dhrupad style), the distinctive Amritsari baaj (percussive style), and a definite format for music sessions.

Gurbani Kirtan at Miri Piri Academy

At Miri Piri Academy, every student has the choice to study Gurbani Kirtan or Tabla during the academic day, and may choose to pursue certification by the esteemed Pracheen Kalakendra School of Music. Evening classes with Ustad Narinder Singh Sandhu and Ustad Murli Ji provide a further opportunity for study and mastery.

Students are encouraged to actively participate in leading the school during devotional Gurdwara services, and have the opportunity to lead the congregation both at the school and at numerous Gurdwaras and events to which we are invited throughout the year.