Join Nusantara Arts Beginner Javanese Gamelan Class. Nusantara Arts 6 week courses are designed to get new gamelan players off the ground running.

In Beginner Javanese Gamelan I we teach students the basics of technique and music theory of Javanese gamelan. Beginner classes can be taken on their own, or in preparation to join Nusantara Arts Community Javanese Gamelan group, it can be repeated as desired by students.

Schedule: Sundays from 6:30pm-7:30pm

First Class April 28th
Last Class - June 2nd

Class Fees:
Class Fees are sliding scale to ensure people with any economic status may participate.

For participants age 13 and higher. No experience required.

Teacher: Matt Dunning
Founder and Executive Director of Nusantara Arts, Matt started playing Javanese 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.

Our Instruments: Bronze Javanese Slendro/Pelog. Our set of bronze Javanese gamelan was purchased in 2020, replacing our iron set for in house classes and performances. It is a beautiful double set of instruments with complete gongs, and kenong. Complete Javanese gamelan sets have two distinct tuning systems that are played independently of each other. The set features various melodic and punctuating instruments that take the shape of bronze gongs or bars. The Javanese gamelan orchestra also features hand drums, bowed and plucked string instruments, flutes, and a wooden xylophone