Culture, Community, and Wellness

Step into the Fall 2026 Qawwali Semester. A journey designed for students to build a practice with Qawwali music, while nurturing community and your personal wellness.

An empowering and learning experience guided by Sonny. Backed by extensive qawwali music expertise and a devoted teaching approach, he brings a powerful blend of artistic instruction and inspiration to eeach session.

What you'll learn

  • Develop your vocal power by merging traditional Qawwali techniques with Yogic breathwork. Master the foundations of Sur and Raag to build an authentic, resonant singing range.

  • Navigate the intentional "architecture" of a Qawwali session, moving from meditative stillness into high-energy vocal peaks. You will learn to use Alaap (slow intro) and Girah (poetic knots) to trigger a deep, cathartic emotional release.

  • Explore the timeless Kalam (poetry) of masters like Amir Khusrow and Bulleh Shah. Discover the Science of Sound, learning how staying in tune (Sur) and rhythm (Taal) regulates your body and mind.

  • Experience the profound mental health benefits of finding your voice within a community. Learn the dynamics of group singing, where the strength of the chorus creates a shared sense of healing and belonging.

Starting your Practice

12-week outline

1: Return 2: Recall
3: Interpretation 4: Improvisation
5: Voice 6: Sangat
7: Listening 8: Expansion
9: Instinct 10: Expansion
11: Practice 12: Practice


The Logistics

Same time, Different places



When: Every Wednesday from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM 

Where: Anjali Center in Sugarland. 

Widening the Circle, respectfully: Separate form the sessions, as discussed, we'll invite our Circle members to have house meetings at their homes to close friends in to experience the our work together. If they fall in love with the practice and wish to stay, they are welcome to join for the remaining semester or just our organizing work. 

Sonny Mehta

Lead Instructor

Sonny K. Mehta is a professional Qawwali musician, cultural strategist, and organizer committed to preserving and evolving South Asian musical traditions in the United States. He is the founder of Riyaaz Qawwali (est. 2006) and the lead instructor at Riyaaz Academy (est. 2022), where he blends classical Qawwali with diverse musical influences to inspire civic engagement and cross-cultural understanding. Mehta is a recipient of major national honors, including the 2025 BIPOC Arts Network Fund Award, 2024 MAP Fund Award, 2024 AAPI Civic Engagement Fund Award, 2023 Joyce Award, and 2022 Mid-America Arts Alliance Innovators Award. His collaborative projects explore interfaith dialogue, racial equity, and LGBTQ representation within South Asian art forms. Supported by the Ford Foundation, Joyce Foundation, Mid-America Arts Alliance, and the City of Houston, Mehta has performed and lectured at Harvard, Dartmouth, University of Chicago, and West Point. His work uses Qawwali as a platform for cultural exchange, education, and social connection across communities.

Pricing options

Choose the payment structure that best fits your personal rhythm and goals. Whether you prefer the total commitment and ease of a single upfront payment or the flexibility of a monthly cadence, both options grant you full, identical access to the community.

Membership includes

A community of like-minded individuals

Enrollment Bonus

  • Morning Riyaaz Toolkit (Tentatively September 18 or 19th)

    $100 value

    A foundational session designed to equip you with practical tools and daily habits that elevate your morning practice. You will learn how to integrate traditional Qawwali vocal warm-ups, grounding yogic breathwork, and simple pitch-anchoring techniques into a seamless routine you can do on your own every morning. This session provides a clear framework for centering your mind, protecting your vocal health, and setting an intentional tone for the rest of your day.

FAQ

  • Do I need prior singing or musical experience to join?

    No, the Qawwali Collective is designed for everyone—whether you have been singing for years or are stepping into your voice for the very first time. Our focus is on the healing, community, and spiritual aspects of singing, and we will guide you through all the foundational vocal techniques and breathwork you need.

  • How do the rotating home locations work? Am I required to host?

    No, you should not feel any pressure to do so. Rather, we are opening up access to those that feel they have that capacity

  • Can I bring a friend or family member to a session?

    In a concentrated effort to respectfully grow our community, you're encouraged to invite friends to house meetings that get scheduled. If they enjoy the vibe and want to continue, they can officially enroll in the membership for the remainder of the three-month cycle.

  • What happens if I miss a Wednesday evening session?

    Missing a week will not leave you behind. Every session offers a complete experience of breathwork, vocalizing, and connection.

  • What is the minimum commitment for the membership?

    To foster a deep sense of community and give the vocal and wellness practices time to truly take root, we ask for a three-month commitment. You can choose to pay for this quarterly immersion upfront ($720) or in 2 installments of $360 each.

  • Is this a religious class?

    Qawwali is rooted in Sufi traditions. This class borrows from both Sufi and Bhakti traditions and this collective is a cultural, musical, and wellness space open to all. We focus on the themes of love, longing, and connection, using the music as a tool for connection, community and mental well-being.

  • Have any more questions.

    Please feel free to reach out to Faryal at 346-528-8072.