North Indian Classical Vocal Music ~ Raga singing of the Kirana Gharana
Nowhere in the world has the science of sound and music been considered with such depth and complexity as in India, where a unique cultural tradition of yoga, spirituality and classical music, raga, has developed. Raga is the timeless melodic language that is the heart of the Hindustani classical music tradition. Raga exists today descended from ancient traditions and artistic disciplines; developed over the centuries and passed on ora
The Khyal style of raga singing is an improvised, yet highly disciplined and devotional musical form. This exquisite and refined musical discipline links body, breath, sound & rhythm with the deep cycles of nature. Its lyric content is concerned with divine love, the separation of lovers, nature and the seasons.
At the request of his teacher, Mr. Stirling offers performances of and instruction in North Indian classical vocal music to individual students and small groups. Michael’s raga singing offerings are accompanied by tambura, the majestic and indispensable drone necessary for Indian Classical Music and tabla, the set of two, highly refined, tuned hand drums, also essential for Indian Classical music.
Michael is a disciple of the late Master of Indian Classical Vocal Music, Pandit Pran Nath (1918-1996) and a student of Terry Riley. Michael began the study of North Indian classical vocal music with Pandit Pran Nath (Guruji) in 1983, subsequently traveled with him to India and became his disciple. After Pandit Pran Nath’s passing in 1996, Michael has continued study and practice of this celestial art form with Guruji’s senior American student, the highly regarded composer and performer, Maestro Terry Riley. Michael has accompanied Pandit Pran Nath and Mr. Riley in classes and concerts in America, at the Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas; in India at the dhargha of Sufi Hazarat Inayat Khan in New Dehli; at Diggi Palace in Jaipur; in California and elsewhere.
Michael has also received instruction from and/or performed with sarangi virtuoso Ustad Hafizullah Khan, with gifted Khyal vocalists Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan, Sri Karunamayee and Lakshmi Shankar; with Dhrupad vocalists, Uday Balwalker and the Gundecha Brothers. Mr. Stirling has taught at Marylhurst University, University of Portland, Portland State University, Reed College, Community Music Center, Amrita: A Santuary for Yoga, Yoga Shala, Beloved Festival of Sacred Art & Music, and elsewhere. Mr. Stirling is on the faculty of Lewis & Clark College teaching Hindustani Classical vocal music (Raga & Tala class and private lessons). Michael has served on the Boards of Directors of Kalakendra and Living Yoga.
Michael offers his deepest pranams with great humility for the countless blessings of his teacher and Guru
Contact: 503. 577. 7528. m54ichael@gmail.com
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