Classes
Although Siswa Sukra means ‘Friday Students’, our classes currently happen on Wednesday evenings at the Indonesian Embassy in Westminster, London.
We run three, ten-week terms per year during the Autumn, Spring and Summer for intermediate and advanced players.
All classes take place at The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, 30 Great Peter Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 2BU
Foundation Course in Javanese Gamelan (10-weeks)
Time: Thursdays 6-8pm.
Course Fees: £160 (Concession for retired, unwaged and students - £135).
Come and learn Javanese gamelan at the Indonesia Embassy this autumn! On this 10-week course you will learn foundational techniques on the various bronze instruments, as well as the basis of gamelan music theory and structure.
We will learn by listening and playing together, learning some pieces by memory, and some using gamelan music notation.
By the end of the course, we will be able to play several traditional pieces together. This course can be repeated several times if desired by students.
No previous experience is necessary.
Autumn Term Dates:
September: 24th,
October: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd
November: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
December: 3rd.
Intermediate Class
Wednesdays: 5.30pm-7.00pm
Course Fees: £135 (Concession for retired, unwaged and students - £108).
These intermediate gamelan sessions are for adults with some experience of playing Javanese gamelan, with at least 1 year's worth of learning, or the equivalent experience.
The sessions will focus on more advanced aspects of technique and repertoire. They will include studies of various playing styles of bonang and kendhang (drum), for different types of pieces. You will develop your ability to 'garap' (how to interpret) the basic structure of a piece and create your part from it.
Developing these skills and understanding will open doors to play more varied types of repertoire over time.
The teaching element will bevfrom 5.30-7.00pm. You are welcome and encouraged to stay beyond 7pm to listen and participate in the advanced session where it is possible. This will help put into practice some of the skills learnt, and hopefully in time, give you the experience and confidence to join the advanced group.
These sessions are not for complete beginners.
2026 Autumn Term Dates:
September. 23rd, 30th,
October. 7th, 14th, 21st, (HALF TERM Oct. 28th)
Novemeber. 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th,
December. 2nd.
Advanced Class
Wednesdays: 7pm - 9pm
Course Fees: £160 (Concession for retired, unwaged and students - £135).
These advanced sessions are for adults with at least 2 years of playing in the intermediate group or the equivalent experience of a community, university or college gamelan group.
These sessions will include advanced study on bonang, vocal and drumming styles as well as longer gendhing, including repertoire for dance and wayang shadow theatre.
We will also use these sessions for preparation for performances that happen from time to time and which we hope you will take part in.
2026 Autumn Term Dates:
September. 23rd, 30th,
October. 7th, 14th, 21st, (HALF TERM Oct. 28th)
Novemeber. 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th,
December. 2nd.
For all classes:
Participants must be at least 18 years old.
Payment is required in full before the course begins. We are not able to run the course on a ‘pay per session’ basis.
Access: Playing gamelan involves sitting on the floor. You are welcome to bring a cushion or small stool if that helps. Due to the gamelan being positioned on a small riser and with limited space, unfortunately we are unable to accomodate wheelchairs at this time.
To sign up please complete this form: https://forms.gle/oFtG5qDJ6YrvMW7N6