Hari Kul Music School

The Newar are considered to be the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley. They are renowned for their rich musical tradition. This highly developed culture has a long history of social progress through art and music. Newar inhabitation of the Kathmandu valley is so ancient that it extends beyond recorded history into the realm of legend. People of all walks of life cherish their music.

As a child, Newari musician Hari Kul was taught to make madal drums by his famous drum-making father. Madals are a rhythm-keeping drum for folk songs in Nepal as well as northern India. They are made of wood and both heads are played, holding the madal drum horizontally. The drum averages two feet in length and six inches in diameter. The skin is similar to the skin of tablas. Black dots made of iron filings, flour and egg are burned on the skins in the center, giving the skin weight that causes the tone to reverberate like a low pitched bell.

Today Hari literally invents some of the most unique percussion instruments, wind instruments and string instruments you have ever heard. When children ask for music lessons and if they do not have money he will not turn them away. Hari is the living embodiment of music and its potential for healing.

For years Hari has taken on numerous disadvantaged children who have no means of support, and freely teaches them music. He and his wife, son and daughter operate a humble music shop in the picturesque Lalitpur district. He personally makes and provides most of the music instruments utilized in our Nepali music programs. What strikes us most about Hari is his insatiable desire to educate the disadvantaged. Three orphaned boys have had the good fortune of being invited to stay in his home and work in his shop for their keep. Hari passionately teaches them music notation in the morning before they leave for school each day.

This remarkable musical family will often sit on the rooftop taking in the Himalayan skyline while discussing music, healing and life. Local musicians casually stop by for tea and delightful conversation. Music is the motivator for all. The view is indeed breathtaking. Prayer flags rustle in the wind overlooking Durbar Patan Square. Children are laughing. Families gather for supper. There is a sense the day is done and it’s time for community and family. We are fortunate to have partnered with such a generous spirit.