Join us at MPA for an individualised course in Music and Kirtan: whether you are a beginner and want to explore and develop your voice through singing, or you want to learn tabla, harmonium or guitar, this course is for practitioners who want to dive deep into their own spiritual development.
Develop your Connection with the Divine through Music, Sound and Shabd Guru
With Mata Mandir Singh, Ustad Narinder Singh and Ustad Murli Manohar
November 1-23, 2025 (3-week course)
or November 1-15, 2025 (2-week course)
At Miri Piri Academy, Amritsar, India
COURSE OVERVIEW
Whether you are a beginner or have a more advanced ear, this immersive experience is designed to help you unlock new depths in your musical journey and express your authentic self with confidence.
🪷 Introduce yourself to the Raga system
🪷 Learn to sing and/or play a Shabd from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib per week (3 Shabds in the 3-week period)
🪷 Daily group classes with Mata Mandir Singh and team.
🪷 Daily private classes in an instrument of your choice (Rabab, Guitar, Harmonium, Tabla or Voice)
🪷 Weekend outings to local gurdwaras
🪷 Train your musical ear by practicing listening to live Kirtan and recognizing the Taal, Raga and other aspects of the Shabd.
🪷 The goal as a group play a shabd in with MPA’s gurdwara or a local gurdwara by the second and third week.
“Kirtan is to change the magnetic psyche of the universe with those vibrations of the word of the Guru, the Naad, so that we can in principle enrich ourselves to a higher potential […] To build that caliber of peace, caliber of love, and caliber of potential power that we can overcome our limitations.”
– Siri Singh Sahib Yogiji
Feb 11, 1981
Your journey into sound begins with an exploration of Sikh musical traditions, from singing and rhythm to classical raga and the deep meanings of Shabds in Gurmukhi. Beyond vocal expression, immerse yourself in traditional instruments with lessons in harmonium, tabla, rabab, guitar, or voice—tailored to your skill level.
With group and individual sessions, this course is designed to build confidence, refine technique, and enhance your connection to the rhythms and melodies of Classical Indian music and the Shabd Guru.
Led by the renowned Mata Mandir Singh and other master musicians, this transformative retreat at Miri Piri Academy offers a serene space for profound learning and growth. Join us and let your musical expression soar!
The MPA Experience
DATES
November 1st – November 23rd, 2025
| Day | Date | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Nov 1 | Arrival Day at Amritsar Airport |
| Sunday | Nov 2 | Visit Golden Temple, Shopping, Afternoon Introduction to Course |
| Monday to Friday | Nov 3 – 7 | Daily Classes |
| Saturday to Sunday | Nov 8-9 | Weekend at Golden Temple. Listening practice |
| Monday to Friday | Nov 10 – 14 | Daily Classes |
| Saturday | Nov 15 | Visit Goindwal and Tarn Taran Sahib |
| Sunday | Nov 16 | Play kirtan at a local gurdwara |
| Monday to Friday | Nov 17-21 | Daily Classes. Closing Kirtan performance at a Gurdwara |
| Saturday | Nov 22 | Visit Golden Temple, Shopping |
| Sunday | Nov 23 | Departures from Amritsar Airport |
Rhythm Fundamentals:
Learn the basics of rhythm through Tals, Bols, and clapping exercises, building a strong sense of timing and coordination.
Melodic Exercises:
Practice Raag and Sargam exercises to enhance your melodic understanding and vocal flexibility.
Introduction to Raags and Shabds:
Get introduced to the meaning, pronounciation and learn three sacred Shabds, deepening your connection to the spiritual essence of music.
Comprehensive Musical Understanding:
Gain a solid grasp of the rhythmic system and how the Raag framework operates, integrating these elements into your practice.
LOCATIONS
Amritsar – Goindwal Sahib – Tarn Taran Sahib – Miri Piri Academy
Amritsar, the “Pool of Nectar”: A city intricately woven around the Sacred Pool of Nectar at the heart of the Harimandir Sahib (The Golden Temple), stands as a testament to spiritual richness. Established by Guru Ram Das, it is often referred to as “Sach Khand” or the Realm of Truth, representing the highest blue ether or heaven. Amritsar is not only home to this spiritual marvel but also hosts Miri Piri Academy, the sanctuary of the global Kundalini Yoga community established by the visionary Siri Singh Sahib Yogi Bhajan in the 1990s.
Tarn Taran Sahib, known for its deep spiritual significance, is home to the Tarn Taran Sahib Gurdwara, founded by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru. The gurdwara features the largest sarovar (sacred water tank) in Sikhism, believed to have healing properties. The Gurdwara is a replica of the Golden Temple. A center of devotion and pilgrimage, Tarn Taran Sahib embodies the rich heritage and unwavering faith of the Sikh community.
Goindwal Sahib, a serene town in Punjab, India, renowned for its sacred Baoli Sahib, the 84 Steps to the Sacred Well. Established by Guru Amar Das, the third Guru of Sikhism, this revered site offers a unique spiritual journey as you ascend each step, chanting the sacred verses of Japji Sahib. Goindwal also holds the home where Guru Amar Das lived and where he chose Jetha to marry his daughter and be his successor as the 4th Guru, Guru Ram Das. Guru Arjan Dev ji was also born in Goindwal.
Miri Piri Academy Campus in Amritsar, is a peaceful and lush sanctuary, providing a tranquil retreat from the intensity of India. Surrounded by greenery, the campus offers spacious accommodations and spaces designed for relaxation and focus. The serene environment allows you to fully immerse yourself in your practice and studies. As the home of Kundalini Yoga in India, MPA is a hub for the global 3HO community, where yogis and seekers from around the world come together to meditate, learn, and grow.
Ustad Narinder Singh
Classical Kirtan Teacher
Ustad Narinder Singh Sandhu, is one of the foremost masters of the art in North India. His style of teaching is that of the oldest tradition of Raagam, which requires deep listening and exact emulation of the teacher on the part of the student. Ragis [the singers of raag] bring the sacred Sikh shabads, or hymns, to life. Ustad-ji’s velvety singing voice and his expansive love for God and all God’s creations makes studying with him a unique experience. He has taught many of the professional Kirtan artists in the west today with his unique style, one-half singing scales and one-half divine transmission. Ustad Ji is also teacher to the Chardi Kala Jatha.
Ustad Dr Murli Manohar Ji
Tabla Maestro
Ustad Dr Murli Manohar Ji, a master of tabla based in Amritsar, is a true inspiration in the world of Indian Classical Music. With 39 years of teaching experience, including 33 years as a Tabla professor for PhD candidates at Guru Nanak Dev University, he has dedicated his life to both performance and education. Ustad Ji not only mesmerizes audiences with his extraordinary skill but also passionately mentors students in Amritsar, nurturing the next generation of tabla virtuosos and preserving the rich traditions of classical percussion.
Rupinder Kaur
Gurmukhi and Gurmat teacher
Rupinder Kaur is a Gurmukhi teacher born and brought up in Amritsar, the holy city of Sikhi. She teaches Gurmukhi and the correct pronunciation of Japji Sahib and Kundalini Yoga mantras all over the world to students of all ages. For the past 14 years she has taught Gurmukhi comprehension, speaking, and writing at Miri Piri Academy.
Mata Mandir Singh
Sound, Mantra and Shabd Guru Teacher
Mata Mandir Singh Khalsa is an internationally renowned teacher of Naad Yoga (Sound Current), Kundalini Yoga and Gatka (Shakti Yoga). He learnt Kundalini yoga under the guidance of Yogi Bhajan for many years and served in many of his projects. He is a gifted musician, pioneer of mantra music, who has recorded over 28 CD-s and cassettes from the 1970s to this day. He is the author of the book Naad Yoga: The Yoga of Sound Workbook. Mata Mandir teaches and plays his music all over the world, mostly in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe and China. For many years, he lived in Amsterdam where he worked as the owner of the Golden Temple Restaurant while pursuing his multifold musical activities. Today, he lives in Germany and serves as Musical Director at Guru Ram Das Aquarian Academy teaching and sharing the beauty of Naad Yoga.
BASIC DAILY SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday
5:00 am: Sadhana
7:30 am: Breakfast
9:00 am: Group Music Class with Mata Mandir Singh (2h)
11:00 am: Tea Break
11:30 am: Individual Sessions (Guitar, harmonium, tabla, singing, rabab) / personal practice 2h
1:00 pm: Lunch & Rest
2:30 pm: Other classes (Pronunciation, Yoga, Gatka or Bhangra)
3:30 pm: Beginner Tabla with Ustad Murli Ji
4:30 pm: Intermediate Tabla with Ustad Murli Ji or Personal Practice 1h
6:00 pm: Dinner
7:00 pm: Singing with Ustad Narinder Singh 1h
Is this course right for you?
This course is designed for individuals of all levels—whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced practitioner looking to deepen your musical practice. It offers a welcoming and supportive environment where beginners can build foundational skills in both vocal and instrumental music, while more experienced musicians can refine their techniques and explore new dimensions of their practice. Regardless of where you start, this course provides an enriching experience that allows you to grow at your own pace and connect deeply with the sacred traditions of Kirtan and Indian classical music.
What’s included in your Experience:
CONTACT US
Optional: Book a 15- minute call with our Continuing Education Lead to answer any questions and see if this is suitable for you or send us an email with your questions.
Registration
3-week Course Early Bird (ends June 1st, 2025): 2000 USD
3- week Late Registration (ends October 1st, 2025): 2300 USD
2-week Course (first two weeks of the course, Nov 1-16th)
2-week Early Bird (ends June 1st, 2025): 1600 USD
3- week Late Registration (ends October 1st, 2025): 1900 USD
*Cost includes pick up from Amritsar Airport, all local transportation including o Goindwal, Tarn Taran and other sites, accommodation in shared rooms and food during the course. Food during shopping trips and certain outings may not included.
*Registration closes October 1st, 2025
*Group discounts and financial aid are available, please book a 15-minute call with Sukhdev Kaur or send an email to [email protected]
Arrival and Departure Info
- Please fly to Amritsar Airport (Guru Ram Das ji Airport).
Arrival date at Amritsar is 1th of November. Departure date from Amritsar 23rd of November. - The course will take place at Miri Piri Academy with outings to Amritsar area.
- MPA staff will pick you up from Amritsar Airport. We suggest you book your plane tickets all the way to Amritsar airport together with your international flights.
- Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6-8 months after your trip to India. You must apply for an e-visa online prior to your trip. We will send you information about visa, travelling tips, what to pack, etc once you complete your registration.
- If you have any questions please send us an email to: [email protected]
