Classes
BIPA offers weekly classes in all three branches: Jamaica (Queens), Woodside (Queens), and Kensington (Brooklyn) in various subjects. Each subject is designed with a 5 year curriculum focusing on classical and folk genres of Bangladeshi music and literature. After the 5 year course, students are encouraged to join an advanced group of classes designed to promote community involvement.
For schedule & pricing information, please contact:
Annie Ferdous:
Selima Ashraf:
Nilofar Jahan:
Bengali Language
Our language classes consist of learning how to read, write and speak in Bangla. The first years in the curriculum are designed around learning to write the letters, distinguishing sounds between consonants and vowels, and sentence structure. As students progress, emphasis is placed on the history and the cultural traits of Bangladesh. Lastly, students focus on Bengali literature, including work by Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabridanath Tagore.
Vocal Music
Our vocal music classes consist of learning different musical composition of various classical and folk music. The first years in the curriculum are designed around learning sargam, vocal throw, understanding basic taal (beats) and words to famous Bengali songs. As students progress, emphasis is placed on learning different Ragaa with higher taals. Lastly, students focus on the different elements of songs by Rabrinath Tagor, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Atul Prashad Sen, D.L. Roy and Rajani Kantan Sen.
Tabla
Our tabla classes consist of teachings stemming from both North Indian Classical Music and the music of the Bengal region. The first years in the curriculum are designed around learning the various rhythmic cycles, also known as taals, and proper playing technique. As students progress, emphasis is placed on learning intricate tabla compositions, advanced techniques to build speed, stamina, and clarity, and understanding the relationships and differences between the various taals. The curriculum takes a wholistic approach, and aims to provide a student with the tools and knowledge necessary to be comfortable in solo and accompanying environments alike.
Guitar
Our guitar classes consist of teachings stemming from Bengali and Western music theory. The first years in the curriculum are designed around learning chromatic scales and structures and understanding concepts of rhythm and harmony. As students progress, emphasis is placed on chord building and continued studies in music theory and technique. Lastly, students focus on harmonic accompaniment.
Our classes consist of learning different hand gestures, feet movement, and rhythmic patterns. The first years in the curriculum are designed around understanding rhythm and establishing proper posture, balance, coordination and flexibility. As students progress, emphasis is placed on folk dance forms and its history. Lastly, students focus on intricate rhythmic patterns and classical dance forms, including Bharatnatyam, Kathak and Munipuri.
We offer Bharatnatyam and Munipuri classes at the Woodside BIPA location.
Munipuri class is held at 2pm.
Bharatnatyam class is held at 3PM