Just Virtual Course Offerings
Indian Ragas
For many years Michael taught devoted students around the world Raga, composition, and the art of listening. His dedication to sharing his knowledge and learning from others resulted in a nurturing, warm and joyful teaching environment. In honor of Michael's dedication to his students, we are delighted to announce that the Foundation will kick off its online series of courses with the following offerings starting in September.
Singing in a Relaxed and Holistic Way with Irene Kurka
Schedule
4 weeks-Mondays, September 7, 14, 21, 28
Cost
$120
This 4-week, zoom-based course will cover breathing, posture and body, and what can support or block healthy singing. Learn how to expand your vocal range to enjoy an easier, more relaxed and a deeper singing experience. All students have an option to sing individually and be coached by Irene.
About Irene
With singular dedication and uncommon courage to break new ground, Irene Kurka has developed programs for soprano solo that embrace the whole performance space. Powerful and at the same time delicate, her clear voice rings out, at times projecting a majestic presence, but other times not shy to take risks by laying bear her voice’s touching fragility. In her lively interpretations, Irene Kurka is always experimenting and seeking new ways to present contemporary and classic music in concert.
As an interpreter of new music, Irene Kurka is an internationally sought-after singer for concerts and stage productions. Numerous composers (such as Eggert, Corbett, Weeks, Muntendorf, Pisaro, Fox, Weeks, Vantzou, Seither, Beuger, Brass, Frey, and other) have written works for and dedicated to her, including works written for CD and radio productions. To date, she has sung over 380 world premieres.
In April 2018 she succesfully started the first independent podcast for new music: “neue musik leben”, cooperating with the nmz (Neue Musikzeitung). German and english episodes are listened to worldwide. Based on her podcast she published three books with “ARE Edition”.
The Architecture of Sangeet: History, Structure, and Improvisation with Jake Charkey
Schedule
6 weeks-Thursdays, September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22
This six-week introductory course offers trained musicians and professionals a clear window into the structural foundations and creative philosophies of the raga tradition. Meeting for 75 minutes each week, the class traces the historical trajectory of Sangeet and explores the foundational concepts that separate the Hindustani and Carnatic systems, with a primary focus on Hindustani music. Participants will be introduced to sargam (the Indian solfège system) and the cyclic nature of the tala rhythmic framework. Through practical vocal exercises, sequencing patterns (palta), and close analytical listening, we will explore the anatomy of raga Yaman, look at basic composition, and demystify the three core pathways of Hindustani improvisation. Each session concludes with 15 minutes dedicated to open question-and-answer and collaborative discussion.
About Jake
Jake Charkey is a pioneering cellist who has developed innovative techniques to adapt the cello to Hindustani music, blending Indian classical traditions with contemporary genres. Described by composer Clinton Cerejo as someone who "redefines the sound of cello," Jake's performances explore the space between these two musical worlds.
Since returning to the U.S. in 2016, Jake has been a strong advocate for new music for solo cello, actively commissioning works that merge Hindustani music with modern compositions. In 2023, he received an award from the New Music USA Creator Fund for his upcoming double album Rasika: Beyond the Bounded Territories, which will be released in 2025. His work with composer, Michael Harrison, was supported by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts in 2025.
Jake’s sound has been featured in over 100 Bollywood soundtracks and songs, as well as on the title theme of the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Sacred Games, season 2 of MTV’s Coke Studio, and multiple episodes of MTV Unplugged. In India, he collaborated with leading musicians such as Zakir Hussain, Hariharan, and Arijit Singh.
Jake has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Center and appeared on radio shows such as WQXR’s Meet the Composer podcast and KEXP. As an educator, he teaches at Marlboro College and serves as Education Director for Brooklyn Raga Massive. Jake holds degrees from Rice University and the California.
Cost
$180
The Listening Circle with Stacy Fahrion
Schedule
90 minutes, monthly- September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4
Cost
$120
The listening circle is a community where musicians, poets, artists of all kinds, and most importantly, listeners, gather to share their work in a friendly, safe and encouraging space. We will begin each session by listening together to music by Michael Harrison, honoring his memory. Then participants are invited to share their creations with ample time for silence and discussion afterwards. The group is inclusive of all, you do not need to be a musician in order to attend, and you may always come to listen. Participants are especially encouraged to share music that is in just intonation or raga-inspired, but all varieties of creativity are welcome!
About Stacy
