Workshop | Kanjira, Konnakol and Carnatic Music from South India with Ganesh Kumar & Visaga Trio (Chennai, India)
The MWF mid-summer retreat continues its exploration of the rich musical culture of the Indian subcontinent, focusing in this edition on the Carnatic tradition typical of South India. The kanjira is a small frame drum that, despite its apparent simplicity, is capable of supporting all the subtleties and rhythmic complexity of this fascinating repertoire.
The kanjira masterclass will be led by Ganesh Kumar, a great virtuoso of the instrument and a tireless ambassador and teacher of India’s musical traditions, through courses and concerts that regularly take him on tour around the world.
This workshop is open to all — musicians, percussionists, curious minds, and lovers of Indian rhythms — and will explore:
🔸 Advanced kanjira techniques: from split finger control to groove development, with hands-on exercises in accompaniment and improvisation.
🔸 The study of konnakol 🗣️ — the South Indian art of vocal percussion: rhythmic syllables, traditional compositions, and practices involving complex cycles and odd meters.
🔸 Core elements of Carnatic music 🎼, with practical applications for percussionists and other instrumentalists alike.
This will be a highly interactive session, with collective exercises designed to help participants internalize the rhythmic patterns of South Indian tradition.
🎤 No prior experience is required — bring your instrument or your voice and get inspired!
INFO & SCHEDULE
The masterclass includes two group lessons each day (morning and afternoon).
Additional small group sessions may be scheduled by the instructors, based on a personalized teaching approach developed with the participants.
PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL LESSONS can be requested via email. Feel free to contact us for any questions or additional information: retreat.mwf@gmail.com
For those who wish to attend the masterclasses without taking part in the full residential retreat, from July 30 it will be possible to book the masterclasses only. You may choose to attend the full 4-day course or single lessons.
Single lesson: €30
Full course: €200
Note: The “JUST the MASTERCLASS” option does not include access to the venue outside class times, nor participation in the shared meals at Femminamorta. To join the full retreat, please refer to the PASS options.
SCHEDULE
WED 13/08 to SAT 16/08
10:00–12:00 Morning lesson: Vocal rhythm exercises and instrumental technique
16:00–18:00 Afternoon lesson: Introduction to Carnatic music repertoire and ensemble practice
The masterclass may include a short final performance by the students during the concert on Saturday, August 16, as a way to share the work developed during the retreat.
Biography
Ganesh Kumar is one of the world’s leading kanjira players. A tireless innovator and educator, he is known for bringing this small South Indian frame drum to international stages 🌏, collaborating with renowned artists such as Béla Fleck, Max Roach, Victor Wooten, and Glen Velez.
Active across Europe and the United States, he has received several prestigious awards 🏆, including the Fulbright Fellowship from the U.S. State Department and the Maryland State Arts Council Fellowship in folk arts.
He has also designed a signature line of instruments with Cooperman Drum Company and released the instructional DVD “The Art of Kanjira.”
Together with the Visaga Trio —
Sarvesh Sankar, ghatam virtuoso and rising star of Carnatic music, and Vignesh Shankar, an innovative guitarist blending Carnatic, jazz, and fusion 🎸 —
he will guide participants through a shared journey of exploration and hands-on practice in a natural, community-based setting 🌿.
