Classes and Workshops Offered
Classes Offered
1. Indian Music Classes – Raga Academy of Indian Music
Hindustani classical vocal music, light music (such as bhajans, ghazals, popular songs), harmonium and keyboard classes are offered for children, youth, and adults. Classes for children five years and up, teenagers and adults are held once a week for 60 minutes and there are four classes per month. Students are taught in a small class size format where individual attention is given to each student. Private lessons are also available for advanced students. Online classes are offered for students in remote areas.
2. Yoga and Pranayam Class
Yoga with Yoga + You: Get your yoga mats ready. Yogini Heera invites you to learn techniques of self-healing & being more mindful through controlled breathing, yoga postures, short guided meditation & relaxation. Taught by Heera Kulkarni, Yoga Shiromani, a certified yoga instructor from International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, India. Every Wednesday at Sierra 2 Center for Community & Arts.
3. FREE Vedanta & Gita Study class
FREE Vedanta & Gita Study class is conducted in English by a dynamic teacher – Bharati Sundararajan from Chinmaya Mission, Sacramento. Host: Heera Kulkarni. All adults are welcome to this FREE class. Call (916) 686-5785 for more info.Fridays at 7:30 pm in Elk Grove
4. Book Cal Koyals’ Band/Choir Group for Live Indian Music Performance
Vocals: Adults & youth accompanied with percussion and other instruments from India Devotional music, Classical music, Ghazals, Folk music, Regional music and Popular songs. Adult and youth groups are available.
5. FREE Science Club - Heera's Science Heroes
Mrs. Kullarni's love of science & a Bachelor's Degree in Biological sciences & Chemistry has prompted her to start this Science Club. "FREE of COST" mentoring group & Heera's Science Heroes Club has started meeting from June 24, 2015 at 10:00-11:30 am at the Valley-Hi Public Library. The Y.E.S. Club or Youth Engagement for Success Club will work on Math & Science with Mrs. Kulkarni. We will meet on selected Wednesdays during the summer break. Once school starts in August we will meet on Tuesdays from 3:30-5:30 pm at Valley-Hi Public Library. Future plans are to start a "Robotics Club".
6. Hindi Language Lessons
One on one or group lessons in Hindi language - basic spoken Hindi or detailed instruction in Hindi language are available from a native speaker of the language who was born & brought up in Delhi, India.
Workshops Offered
My sole mission is to propagate Indian classical music/dance, Culture of India & literary arts of India in U.S.A. I wish to educate the now generation & the next generation in the music & culture of India. This is also an excellent way to bridge the cultural gaps existing in our communities.
1. Demonstration of "Music of India"
Suitable for all ages from children to adults. Participants will learn the basics of North Indian music. Besides those topics such as "How to cultivate voice" and "How to work with various rhythms" will be shared. Tips will be given on how to do "Riyaz" or practice music at home. Participants will also learn a Hindi song to perform as a whole group. Introduction to the instruments of India such as Tanpura, Sitar, Harmonium, Tabla drums, Manjira, etc. Question and answer session at the end.
2. "Reading Time - Rhythm Time" Read to Rhythms of India
Suitable for ages ranging from Pre-school children to Adults. As a recently retired elementary school teacher I will be selecting appropriate short stories and books to read to the children from preschool age to teenagers. I am also an approved artist of Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission. In between telling stories or reading stories, I will be playing different styles of Music of India with various types of beats. Rhythm meters of 3, 4, 7, 8 & 16 will be demonstrated. The audience will be invited to learn the steps and dance to the rhythms of India.
3. Bollywood to Folk Dance Residency
Was offered in conjunction with Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission at Pannell Community Center in 2011 and Girls & Boys Club of Sacramento in 2010.
4. "Ancient Tales - Timeless Wisdom"- Panchatantra Storytelling with Indian Music
Enjoy the ancient stories of Panchatantra from India written in 200 BC with Heera Kulkarni, a storyteller, musician & retired educator from EGUSD. The presentation will be enhanced by the use of Indian music. Appropriate for all ages.
5. Culture of India
Many aspects of Indian culture will be shared ranging from how do you tie a Saree or why do you wear a Bindi, to brief history of India, Yoga, classical & folk arts, food, customs, games & festivals of India will be discussed. Appropriate for all ages.
6. Vegetarian Cooking
Presented by "Chef in a Saree". Healthy vegan dishes will be demonstrated along with the recipes. Healing properties of Indian spices & herbs will be taught.