Dhrupad Music Institute of America

Dhrupad Music Institute of America aims to promote, propagate and teach Dhrupad, both vocal and instrumental (on the pakhawaj, veena, surbahar, and other instruments), as well as to propagate Indian classical music in general.

Dhrupad is an ancient style of Indian classical music. The nature of Dhrupad is spiritual; seeking not to entertain, but to induce feelings of peace and contemplation in the listener. The word Dhrupad is derived from "Dhruva", the steadfast North Star (Polaris) and "pada" meaning poetry. It is a form of music that traces its origin to chanting of the ancient text of Sama Veda. From this early chanting, millennia ago, Dhrupad evolved into the sophisticated classical form of music, that it is today.

Dhrupad has waxed and waned in popularity over the centuries, and is currently gaining a strong following. Its steadfast, precise, unhurried and improvisational nature is attracting audiences all over the world.