Named for the 'gong,' or the most fundamental instrument of the ensemble, gamelan gong kebyar is the most prevalent form of gamelan music in Bali, performed on an orchestra of bronze-keyed instruments. Gong kebyar music is known for its virtuosity, acoustic brilliance, with both sudden and gradual contrasts in tempo and dynamics.
In this six week class series, Guest Music Director and master artist I Dewa Putu Rai will guide students in exploring interlocking “kotekan” patterns, mallet technique, expression, and the role of each instrument in the gamelan ensemble. No prior musical training or gamelan experience is required - just bring your enthusiasm. This class is also a great opportunity for students with gamelan experience to improve their skills and try playing new instruments.
Students must be at least 12 years old. All class participants are required to be fully vaccinated and to wear masks while inside the GSJ banjar community center.
Ferbruary 13 - March 20 (6 weeks)
Sundays 10am - 11am , GSJ Banjar (indoor)
Sliding scale class fee for six sessions.
When choosing your sliding scale rate, please keep in mind that GSJ depends on the generosity of its community to support high caliber artists and programming.
I Dewa Putu Rai is an internationally recognized teacher, performer, and composer of traditional gamelan music from the village of Pengosekan in Bali, Indonesia. A graduate of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts in Denpasar, Indonesia’s premiere higher education institution for Balinese traditional performing arts, Pak Dewa Rai has performed and had his compositions premiered on stages from Bali to Japan to the United States. He is now a musical leader of Gamelan Cudamani, one of Bali’s most active and respected performing ensembles. Cofounded by Pak Dewa Rai and his brother, I Dewa Putu Berata, Gamelan Cudamani is known for its central role in preserving Bali’s vanishing performing arts traditions, and for welcoming women into the traditionally male-dominated field of gamelan musicianship.
