Services
What We Offer
Q: When can I register?
At Guru Jas Academy, once your registration form is submitted and acceptance is confirmed, classes will commence.
Q: What is the schedule for classes?
Our Kirtan classes are conducted on a weekly basis, each session lasting for one hour, and continue throughout the entire year without any breaks, totaling 52 weeks.
We understand that occasionally there may be weeks where attendance is not possible due to various reasons. In such instances, we encourage our students and parents to communicate the missed sessions and arrange for online makeup classes within the same week when feasible. It’s essential to us that all students have the opportunity to cover any missed content and maintain continuity in their learning journey.
Should it not be possible to accommodate makeup sessions during regular class times due to scheduling constraints, we are committed to arranging alternative makeup sessions online. This ensures that students have ample opportunities to make up for any missed classes and stay on track with their learning objectives.
Q: What materials will a student need to bring to each class?
We strive to provide a comprehensive learning experience for our students in Kirtan classes. To facilitate this, we require all students to come prepared with the necessary materials each week. These materials are essential for effective participation and engagement in the learning process:
- Binder: A dedicated binder will help students organize their class materials, handouts, and assignments in an orderly manner, facilitating easy access and reference.
- Sheet protectors: These will help protect important documents, lesson plans, and other printed materials from wear and tear, ensuring their longevity throughout the course.
- 1/2 inch small round white stickers: These stickers may be utilized for various purposes, such as labeling music sheets, marking important sections, or indicating progress within the coursework.
- Pencil: A pencil is a fundamental tool for note-taking, annotation, and completing assignments during class sessions.
- Harmonium/Tabla: Students are expected to bring their harmonium or tabla to class for practical application and hands-on learning experiences.
- Chunni/Scarf or head covering: As a sign of respect and tradition, students are encouraged to bring a chunni, scarf, or head covering to wear during class sessions.
- iTablaPro app from Apple App Store: This app is absolutely necessary to use with homework practices, in efforts to understand the various rhythm and beats of the Shabads properly and efficienty.
Additionally, access to a printer is indispensable for students to print out weekly lesson materials provided by the instructor. These printed resources will serve as the primary reference for learning and practicing Kirtan techniques and repertoire.
During class sessions, the instructor will guide students through the material, providing instruction and clarification as needed. Students will then have the opportunity to complete assigned tasks and exercises, with any remaining material designated as homework to reinforce learning outside of class.
By ensuring that students come prepared with the required materials, we aim to foster a conducive learning environment that promotes engagement, participation, and progress in Kirtan studies at Guru Jas Academy. If students have any questions or concerns about the materials or coursework, our instructors are readily available to provide assistance and support.
Q: What is your grading policy?
- A: 90-100%
- B: 80-90%
- C: 70-80%
- D: 60-70%
- F: Below 59%
- Participation: 50%
- Homework: 50%
- Active engagement in class activities.
- Asking questions and contributing to discussions.
- Maintaining exemplary behavior.
- To receive full points, students must actively participate and engage in class, ask questions, and demonstrate respectful behavior.
- Completion of assigned tasks or assignments.
- Submission of printed assignments in protected sheets in the binder for the following week.
- Full points are awarded for completing each part of the assignment or the entire assignment as instructed.
- Binders must be properly maintained and not left on the ground to maintain respect to the Shabad Guru and the wisdom it holds.
- Any binder found on the ground will result in an automatic 0% for the day.
- Any missed homework will also result in an automatic 0% for the day.
- Misconduct or disruptive behavior will result in a strict pink-slip detention, leading to an automatic 0% for the day.
- Each student will be assigned a PIN number to check their grades online.
- Grades will be regularly updated throughout the year to provide students with ongoing feedback on their performance.
Q: What is your fee structure?
At Guru Jas Academy, we offer both in-person and online classes to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of our students. Upon successful registration, here are the details regarding fees, locations, payment methods, and invoicing:
- In-person classes: $75-$100 per class, depending on the location.
- Online classes: Fees remain consistent regardless of location.
- Currently, we are not accepting in-person students residing 30 minutes outside of Sacramento, CA.
- Online classes are available to anyone, regardless of location.
- We exclusively accept PayPal as our payment method for both in-person and online classes.
Invoicing and Cancellation Policy:
- At the end of each month, invoices will be generated listing the attended classes and their fees. Any missed classes must be made up within the week, otherwise, will count as a class. If student misses more than two consecutive classes, their scheduled time and day will not be guaranteed and will depend on instructor availability. Additionally, cancellation requests during the year must be made 30 days in advance, and re-registration is not guaranteed and depends on instructor availability.
- For any inquiries or additional questions regarding payments, feel free to reach out to us directly for assistance.
- Previously disqualified students are not eligible to re-register. We reserve the right to accept or refuse services to anyone based on our discretion and capacity.
Q: What is the curriculum structure?
- Students will learn Kirtan, encompassing sargams (musical compositions) and notations.
- Translation of Shabads into English, accompanied by stories related to the Shabads to provide context and deeper understanding.
- Engage in various learning activities including worksheets, projects, and tests to reinforce learning and assess progress.
- Students will start at Level I, where they will build a strong foundation in fundamental concepts and skills.
- As they progress through the years, they will advance to Level II (intermediate) and ultimately to Level III (advanced).
- The material becomes progressively more challenging as students move through the levels, requiring a solid understanding of the basics to advance effectively.
- Guru Jas Academy provides access to thousands of Shabads for students to study and practice.
- This extensive library ensures students have ample material to explore and learn from throughout their journey at the academy.
- Understanding the basics taught in Level I is crucial for students to advance successfully through the program.
- Mastery of foundational concepts and skills provides a strong framework upon which students can build as they progress to higher levels.
We are committed to providing a structured and progressive learning experience in Gurbani and Shabad related studies. Our curriculum empowers students to develop their musical abilities, deepen their understanding of Gurbani, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for Kirtan. Through dedicated practice, engagement, and guidance from our instructors, students can achieve proficiency and mastery in this sacred art form.
Q: What else is offered at Guru Jas Academy?
In efforts to expand one’s horizons, we also offer tabla and vocal classes on the Tanpura or surmandal upon request. Please contact us for more information regarding these special classes.
Q: What is the Guru Jas Academy Kirtan Darbar?
- The annual performance is not a competition but an opportunity for students to comfortably sing a Shabad in front of their classmates and parents.
- It aims to foster confidence and determination in students to sing freely in a group setting.
- Additionally, the program serves as a means to seek blessings from Guru Granth Sahib.
- The performance typically lasts three hours.
- Each student joins the sangat and performs a Shabad.
- The program is held at the homes of students who graciously have volunteered to host, creating an intimate and supportive environment.
- All students are required to stay for the full duration of the program.
- This ensures that students support their peers and fully engage in the communal experience.
- Following the program, Guru ka Langar is served, emphasizing the spirit of community and sharing.
- More details about the program, including logistics and expectations, will be shared in a PDF file within our social media group chat.
- New parents will be automatically added to this group chat upon successful registration and admission.
- If any parents wish to host the next program, they are encouraged to contact us to express their interest.
We are dedicated to providing not only a comprehensive education in Kirtan but also opportunities for students to grow personally and spiritually within a supportive community. Our annual performance program exemplifies our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are confident in expressing their devotion through music and Shabad.