My expertise lies in the combination of Indian and Western rhythmic concepts.Through my long years of studies in India I aim to bring a
fresh approach to incorporating Indian rhythmic concepts into Western music.
In this area I offer my experience to others and hope to inspire a new generation of musicians. A generation of musicians for who
stylistic genre pigeonholing no longer exists.
Enjoy the free lessons below !
fresh approach to incorporating Indian rhythmic concepts into Western music.
In this area I offer my experience to others and hope to inspire a new generation of musicians. A generation of musicians for who
stylistic genre pigeonholing no longer exists.
Enjoy the free lessons below !
My new Rhythm book is available now!
Advanced Indian Rhythm Studies for Western Musician
In my years of studying the tremendous world of Indian rhythm I always wanted to find ways of making this treasure available for Western musician as well. For my M.A. Degree in Jazz music I set my mind it
For this research I transcribed, translated and simplified one of Indias oldest and most comprehensive rhythm books.
“A New Approach to Tala Calculations“ by S. Rajagopala Iyer.
This book was given to me by my teacher Trilok Gurtu.
The mathematical structures I found in it blew my mind. I worked hard to comprehend them and present them in a simplified way,
understandable for Western musicians.
After many requests of my konnakol Skype students I finally make this document public.
If you would like to get a glimpse you can download a teaser here.
In my years of studying the tremendous world of Indian rhythm I always wanted to find ways of making this treasure available for Western musician as well. For my M.A. Degree in Jazz music I set my mind it
For this research I transcribed, translated and simplified one of Indias oldest and most comprehensive rhythm books.
“A New Approach to Tala Calculations“ by S. Rajagopala Iyer.
This book was given to me by my teacher Trilok Gurtu.
The mathematical structures I found in it blew my mind. I worked hard to comprehend them and present them in a simplified way,
understandable for Western musicians.
After many requests of my konnakol Skype students I finally make this document public.
If you would like to get a glimpse you can download a teaser here.
| advanced_indian_rhythm_studies_for_western_musicians_-_bernhard_schimpelsberger_short_teaser.pdf |
Free Lessons
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Why learn Konnakol?
In Lession #1 I talk about the uniqueness of the Indian rhythmic system and how it is beneficially to every musician, regardless of musical style. |
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An Introduction to Konnakol
Lesson #2: An Introduction to Konnakol, the rhythm language of India In this lesson I give an insight into Konnakol, the rhythmic language of India. What are the syllables, words and phrases and how to put them together. You can download the PDF document with notation for lesson #2 here |
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Basic variations in 4/4
Lesson #3: Basic Variations in 4/4 In this lesson we start exploring a few basic patterns in 4/4 only using the units of 2 and 4. You can download the PDF document with notation for lesson #3 here |
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Special Edition: Quintuplets
Lesson #4: The Power of Quintuplets. Playing 4 over 5. In this Lesson I explain how you can get started on Quintuplets. I demonstrate the variations I have composed for my latest remix, a version of Nirvanas classic song Smells Like Teen Spirit transposed into Quintuplets.. You can download the PDF document with notation for lesson #4 here |
more lessons....
You can find more free lessons on my youtube chanel. click here to watch them
skype lessons
In the midst of a sometimes busy touring schedule I also offer one on one Skype Lessons.These lessons are suitable for all instrumentalists as well as composers. In a personalized curriculum I work with every student on their individual needs for incorporating Konnakol into their music making.
get in touch with me for more info and a price plan.
get in touch with me for more info and a price plan.
Group workshops
The Application of Indian Rhythm concepts into Western music making
My musical journey has lead me deep into the crossover fields between Indian and Western Rhythmic concepts.
I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences and enjoy inspiring musicians and artists, from all areas to broaden their musical visions too.
My workshops are unique opportunities for drummers, percussionists, composers, melody players and soloists to learn about:
- unique insights into odd meters
- understanding the fundamental mathematical structures underlie all musical styles
- Konnakol : the Indian drumming language that allows you to practice and compose anywhere and anytime (even without an instrument at hand)
- rhythmical tone poems which impressively demonstrate the poetic possibilities of rhythm and challenge old ways of looking at rhythm
These aspects of the Indian rhythmic systems and vocal rhythm work can easily be applied to performance, improvisation and composition of any genre of music.
For many years I have specialised on applying these principles in modern day contemporary music and I will explain them in detail with clarity.
Here 3 modules of possible workshops:
1. Indian rhythmic systems
Looking at the Rhythmic vocabulary from North and South India.
Understanding how phonetics, clapping time cycles and a variety of rhythm composition methods can be used in alternative musical settings.
I will also explain and establish a historical, musical and philosophical context of these rhythms today.
2. Indian rhythmic systems applied to drum set
Looking at how some of the aspects above can be applied on drum set in other musical settings such as jazz,rock or electronic drumming.
3.Contemporary composition for world percussion - Rhythm as a universal language
Looking at rhythmic traditions from around the world and seeing how the contemporary percussionist and composer can draw on these rich inspirations of potential, both in performance and composition.
The Workshops are in a lecture / demonstration format and suitable for percussion, drum set or composition students, and any musician wishing to enlarge their rhythmic repertoire.
My musical journey has lead me deep into the crossover fields between Indian and Western Rhythmic concepts.
I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences and enjoy inspiring musicians and artists, from all areas to broaden their musical visions too.
My workshops are unique opportunities for drummers, percussionists, composers, melody players and soloists to learn about:
- unique insights into odd meters
- understanding the fundamental mathematical structures underlie all musical styles
- Konnakol : the Indian drumming language that allows you to practice and compose anywhere and anytime (even without an instrument at hand)
- rhythmical tone poems which impressively demonstrate the poetic possibilities of rhythm and challenge old ways of looking at rhythm
These aspects of the Indian rhythmic systems and vocal rhythm work can easily be applied to performance, improvisation and composition of any genre of music.
For many years I have specialised on applying these principles in modern day contemporary music and I will explain them in detail with clarity.
Here 3 modules of possible workshops:
1. Indian rhythmic systems
Looking at the Rhythmic vocabulary from North and South India.
Understanding how phonetics, clapping time cycles and a variety of rhythm composition methods can be used in alternative musical settings.
I will also explain and establish a historical, musical and philosophical context of these rhythms today.
2. Indian rhythmic systems applied to drum set
Looking at how some of the aspects above can be applied on drum set in other musical settings such as jazz,rock or electronic drumming.
3.Contemporary composition for world percussion - Rhythm as a universal language
Looking at rhythmic traditions from around the world and seeing how the contemporary percussionist and composer can draw on these rich inspirations of potential, both in performance and composition.
The Workshops are in a lecture / demonstration format and suitable for percussion, drum set or composition students, and any musician wishing to enlarge their rhythmic repertoire.