Harmonium & Kirtan Lessons
Learn to play the Harmonium and lead Kirtan
Learning the harmonium and working with kirtan is an invitation into sacred sound - a practice that calms the mind, opens the heart, and creates space beyond thought. Through rhythm, mantra, simple melodies and steady chords, this practice offers a natural break from the busy, overactive “monkey mind” and invites you into presence.
Rachel teaches a blend of Western musical foundations and Indian classical principles, making harmonium accessible for beginners while remaining rooted in the devotional tradition of kirtan. This is not about performance or musical mastery. It is about steadiness, expression, and allowing sound to become prayer. Whether you are seeking a personal practice, wishing to support group chanting, or feeling called to gently lead mantra in classes or retreats, this is a grounded and supportive place to begin.
What is Harmonium & Kirtan Practice?
Playing the harmonium and singing kirtan are practices of chanting mantras with musical support. The harmonium helps hold melody and rhythm, allowing the voice to relax into repetition and presence. Alongside the practical skills, we will explore the philosophy of kirtan and how to work with intention, allowing sound to support calm, devotion, and inner steadiness. No previous musical experience is required.
In these sessions, you will learn to ...
... play the harmonium with confidence and ease
... understand the foundations of music through a blend of Western and Indian classical approaches
... explore Indian scales alongside simple chords and rhythm
... play mantras such as Sita Ram and the Maha Mantra with melody and steadiness
... develop confidence to sing and express your voice in a supported, devotional way
... establish a steady personal kirtan or mantra practice
Why learn Harmonium & Kirtan?
The practice of devotional mantra chanting supports:
- Mental clarity and calm, offering a natural pause from overthinking
- Expression, using sound and voice as an embodied form of release
- Devotional consistency, creating a simple, sustainable personal practice
- Confidence with sound, understanding what you’re playing and why
It is especially supportive for yoga teachers and retreat leaders who wish to:
- Confidently lead mantra and call-and-response chant
- Use live harmonium sound to create a grounded, supportive atmosphere
- Feel more grounded and confident holding space through rhythm and voice
If you have any questions, please contact Rachel on 0402686063 or via email: hello@rachelheathermason.com
Meet your teacher, Rachel Mason
Rachel is a bhakti yoga practitioner, harmonium teacher, and gentle hatha yoga teacher with a deep love for meditation and mantra-based practices. She leads kirtan and teaches harmonium through a blend of Western musical foundations and Indian classical principles, making the practice accessible while remaining rooted in tradition.
Rachel's approach is calm, devotional, and beginner-friendly, supporting students to find confidence, expression, and presence through sound. For Rachel, working with mantra and music is both a personal sadhana and a way of creating space for others to soften, settle, and reconnect. She is especially passionate about supporting yoga teachers and facilitators who wish to integrate mantras into their classes or retreats.
Cost & payment
Private Harmonium Lesson - 1 hour
A personalised harmonium lesson for beginners, focusing on foundational technique, simple chords, rhythm, and playing basic mantras. Sessions are tailored to your level and interests and may include understanding the harmonium, bellows technique, scale notes, and developing a steady accompaniment for mantra practice.
In person: $90
Online: $80
Shared Harmonium Lesson - 2 people (1 hour)
A shared harmonium session for two people who’d like to learn together. Lessons are adapted to the group and may cover harmonium basics, simple scales, rhythm, and playing mantras in a relaxed, supportive setting.
In person: $60/person
Online: $50/person
Beginner Harmonium Course - 8 weeks
An 8-week beginner harmonium course blending Western and Indian classical foundations to help you play simple mantras with confidence, understand basic music theory, and establish a steady personal kirtan practice.
Online: $520
In person (local to Murwillumbah): $800 (Includes space and room hire)
To book the 8-week course, please contact Rachel on 0402686063 or via email: hello@rachelheathermason.com
Support with choosing and sourcing a harmonium is available if you decide to purchase one.