GurdwaraFree
North Shore Gurdwara Sahib
- When
- Sundays from 1:00 PM
- Format
- All ages · Ragi Singhs
Kirtan learning
Kirtan Learning Directory
Our events aim to spark a love of Sikhi through Gurbani Kirtan, and we hope the young people who feel that spark return to share it with others. This directory lists in-person and online places to learn across New Zealand.
A joint initiative by NZ Sikh Youth & Sikh Youth NZ
Where to learn
22 places across New Zealand
Auckland
8 places to learnGurdwaraFree
Dasmesh Darbar Gurdwara Sahib
- Where
- Papatoetoe, Auckland
- When
- Mondays & Thursdays, 5–6 PM
- Format
- All ages · Ragi Singhs
GurdwaraBeginner friendly
Takanini Gurdwara Sahib
- Format
- Group or one-on-one
- Cost
- Contact for pricing
- Contact
- Manjit Singh
GurdwaraFree
Gurudwara Nanaksar New Zealand
- Contact
- Narinder Singh
Professional
Sargam School of Music & Dance
- Where
- 419 Blockhouse Bay Road, Auckland
- Format
- One-on-one: tabla, sitar, harmonium, violin, vocal
- Contact
- Basant Madhur
Classical Indian music training that applies directly to Shabad Kirtan.
Professional
Rhythm School of Indian Music
- Cost
- $120 per 4-week block (30 min/week) + $50 registration
- Contact
- Prof. Manjit Singh
Professional
Raag Naad Sangeet Academy
- Where
- Flat Bush, Auckland
- Cost
- Varies by student needs
Flexible timings. Also works with ISSNZ.
Professional
Private Teaching
- Format
- Private tuition
- Cost
- Varies by student needs
- Contact
- Deep Singh
Hamilton
3 places to learnGurdwaraFree
Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur Ji
- When
- Sundays 2:00–3:00 PM
Except when there is an external Kirtan programme. Please respect the Ragis’ time.
Gurdwara
NZ Sikh Society Hamilton
- When
- Saturdays
- Cost
- $25 per class (Ragi-led)
- Contact
- Harsharn Singh
Professional
Raag Naad Sangeet Academy
- When
- Sundays 9:30–11:00 AM
- Cost
- Varies by student needs
Professional Gurmat Sangeet. Also works with ISSNZ.
Tauranga
2 places to learnGurdwaraFree
Gurdwara Sikh Sangat Tauranga
- Where
- 43 Burrows Street, Tauranga
- Format
- Children and youth
- Contact
- Puran Singh
GurdwaraFree
Gobind Sarvar Gurmat School
- Where
- 61 Te Okuroa Drive, Papamoa
- Contact
- Pavitar Singh
Wellington
1 place to learnGurdwaraFree
Naenae Gurdwara
- When
- Saturdays 3:00–4:00 PM
- Contact
- Harjot Singh
Punjabi class follows from 4:00 PM.
Christchurch
3 places to learnGurdwaraFree
Gurdwara Singh Sabha Christchurch
- Where
- 537 Ferry Road, Woolston, Christchurch
- When
- Sundays
- Format
- All ages
- Contact
- Jagpreet Singh
GurdwaraFree
Degh Tegh Fateh Sikh Society
- Where
- 6 Branston Street, Hornby, Christchurch
- When
- Afternoons after 5–6 PM, 30–60 min
- Format
- Ages 5 and up · informal, with local Ragis
Professional
Gurmat School of Music
- Where
- 3/13 Elizabeth Street, Riccarton, Christchurch
- Format
- Individual or group · all ages · several Canterbury locations
- Cost
- $29 individual · $19 group per session
- Contact
- Jasveer Singh
Dunedin
1 place to learnGurdwaraFree
Gurdwara Singh Sabha Dunedin
- When
- Saturdays · informal classes
- Contact
- Amrik Singh
Online resources
Learn anywhere, at your own pace. Many teachers above can also arrange live online lessons.OnlineFreeBeginner
Introduction to Sabad Kirtan
Sikh Research Institute · course
Self-paced chapters on Gurbani and raag, vocal fundamentals, tal, notation and Simran, with audio, video and quizzes.
OnlineBeginner–Intermediate
Gurbani Sangeet Vidyala
Online platform
Compositions, lessons and videos on instruments and the vocal style of Gurmat Sangeet. Some content is free.
OnlineFreeBeginner–Intermediate
Gur Shabad Keertan
Mobile app
Notation, raag basics, tal and pitch practice to improve Sur and rhythm on your own. Free, with in-app purchases.
OnlineFreeBeginner–Intermediate
Bhai Manbir Singh
YouTube channel
Demonstrations of raag-based Kirtan on rabab and harmonium. Good for ear training and singing along.
Tips for learning Kirtan
Show tipsHide tips
- 1
Start with a teacher if you can
Regular lessons with a professional teacher build correct Sur, Tal and Raag from the start. Gurdwara classes with Ragi Singhs are a wonderful alternative; please respect their time and seva.
- 2
Little and often
10–15 minutes every day beats an occasional long session.
- 3
Listen regularly
Immerse yourself in Raag Kirtan to build your ear and intuition.
- 4
Start with simple Shabads
Choose familiar Shabads with simple melodies before moving to Raag compositions.
- 5
Understand what you sing
Read the meaning of each Shabad so your Kirtan comes from the heart.
- 6
Learn basic theory
Harmonium scales (Sargam) and vocal practice reinforce each other.
- 7
Practise with Sangat
Singing with others builds confidence and deepens the experience.
- 8
Record yourself
Listening back is one of the quickest ways to improve.
- 9
Be patient
Kirtan is a lifelong journey. Trust the process.
Join the Kirtan Learning WhatsApp channel
One channel for all Kirtan learning communications across New Zealand.
- New classes and listings as they are added
- Upcoming Kirtan events and opportunities
- A place to ask questions and meet other learners
- Ask the admins to add or update a listing
