The Harmonium is a wind instrument that resembles a portable piano attached to a bellows, and its mellow accordion-like tone has made it a popular instrument in India and across the Himalayas. The Beatles used it in many of their songs (probably the best-known example is ‘We Can Work It Out’), and so have other legendary Western bands and musicians like Pink Floyd and Queen, Elton John and Tori Amos. Fans of Kate Bush will have heard the Harmonium played on her famous song ‘Hammer Horror’ and, more recently, the Irish musician Lisa Hannigan used the Harmonium extensively on her 2008 album ‘Sea Sew’.

My point in telling you this is; the Harmonium may look like an unfashionable instrument, but learning to play it can open up a world of possibilities!

The French brought the Harmonium to India in the 18th century, where it was quickly adopted by Indian musicians as accompaniment for classical vocalists, Tabla players, Qawwali singers, bhajans, and Kathak performances. The fingering method used on the Harmonium keyboard is very different from the Western style, and the basic notes of the Harmonium are Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Śa and Śa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa.

If you’re interested in learning Harmonium, you don’t have to immediately invest in the instrument. You can use a simple full-size electronic keyboard for the first few months until you’re sure you’re fully committed to buying a Harmonium and learning more.

I offer private face-to-face or online Harmonium lessons for beginners and intermediate students. Each student receives my undivided attention for the entire length of the lesson, and either 30 minute or 1-hour sessions are available. I design the lessons according to the students’ own pace and do everything I can to make the lessons as convenient, enjoyable and satisfying as possible.