Join Our Beginner Baleganjur Class!

Baleganjur is a dynamic and powerful style of gamelan music from the island of Bali. It is traditionally performed by a marching ensemble and its original purpose was to accompany armies into battle and to strike fear in the hearts of the enemy. Today, baleganjur is no longer associated with warfare and is instead played at festivals, ceremonies and contests.

Rooted in the vibrant cultural and religious traditions of Bali, baleganjur features interlocking percussion rhythms, resonant gongs, and fast-paced drumming that create an energetic and mesmerizing sound. Its infectious rhythms and collaborative nature make it an exciting and immersive experience for musicians of all levels. Whether you're drawn to its rich cultural history or its exhilarating sound, learning baleganjur offers a unique opportunity to connect with Balinese music and tradition.

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About the Teachers:

Matt Dunning
Founder and Executive Director of Nusantara Arts, Matt started playing gamelan music in 2006 while living in Chicago and developed a deep understanding of Javanese performance and cultural practices while living in Solo, Central Java from 2011-2013. Matt has been fortunate to study with some of the best gamelan musicians in Java and the US including Darsono Hadiraharjo, Heri Purwanto, Hartono, and Wakidi Dwidjomartono. Matt just returned from two months in Indonesia where is was able to continue his studies of Javanese gamelan as well as visit Bali for the first time in preparation for the launch of Nusantara Arts new Balinese gamelan music ensemble.

Tom Torrisi

Tom is a professional classical  guitarist, composer, arranger, and Balinese gamelan musician from Clifton Park, NY. Active as both a soloist and chamber musician, Tom has been heard performing throughout the United States and in the UK. Tom is a passionate explorer of non-Western musical styles. This interest  has led Tom to extensive involvement with Eastman School of  Music’s  Balinese gamelan ensembles Gamelan Sanjiwani (gong kebyar) and Gamelan Lila Muni (angklung) and was teaching assistant to gamelan teacher I Nyoman Suadin. Tom is now a core member of Nusantara Arts new Balinese Gamelan program (semar pegulingan and gender wayang styles).