Have you ever listened to the soaring voice of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan or the Sabri Brothers and wished you could truly understand the layers of devotion, poetry, and meaning behind every verse?

Most listeners never move beyond the surface, the languages, symbolism, and cultural depth remain hidden. Qawwali, one of the most profound Sufi traditions of South Asia, has been misunderstood, simplified, or politicized for decades. This course opens the doorway to the real Qawwali, the poetry, aesthetic, structure, and spirit that unite hearts beyond borders.

About the Course

This is not another surface-level introduction. It is the result of decades of performing, studying, and teaching Qawwali, distilled into one powerful learning experience. Each module blends history, language, performance insight, and spiritual philosophy into a seamless journey. You will gain access to exclusive materials, recordings, and cultural perspectives that cannot be found anywhere else. When you enroll, you also become part of Riyaaz Circle, our private learning community where students connect, exchange ideas, and continue exploring Qawwali together. It is a growing circle of learners across the United States who are reviving and celebrating the timeless message of this art form.

In Qawwali 101, you won’t just learn about the music, you’ll experience it. Through 9 expertly crafted chapters and over 60 immersive lessons, you’ll:

 

Decode Qawwali’s poetic languages - Urdu, Punjabi, and Farsi, without years of study.

Understand the spiritual and cultural origins of the genre.

Learn the structure of a live Qawwali performance and what each section means.

By the end, you’ll listen with new ears, sensing the emotions, histories, and dreams woven into every.

This course opens the doorway to the real Qawwali, the poetry, structure, and spirit that unite hearts beyond borders. Enroll Today and Start Learning Instantly Limited-Time Offer: Now $159 (Regular Price: $250)

$159.00

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What You’ll Get

9 comprehensive chapters with 60 on-demand lessons

Learn at your own pace through a structured journey that transforms casual listening into deep cultural and spiritual understanding.

Access to Riyaaz Circle - a community for discussion and practice

Join an exclusive network of fellow learners and practitioners where you can share insights, ask questions, and grow together.

Lifetime access and a certificate of Completion

Return anytime to refresh your learning and showcase your mastery with a recognized certificate from Riyaaz Academy.

Course Curriculum

9 Chapters · 60 Lessons

  1. 1

    Welcome Module

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome to the Qawwali 101!

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Qawwali 101: Course Overview

  2. 2

    Module 1 - Culture of Devotional Music in South Asia

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      1.1 Module Introduction

    2. 1.2 Genres, Origins, and Subjects of devotional hymns Free preview
    3. (Included in full purchase)

      1.3 Bhajans and Shabads

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      1.4 Intro to Qawwali

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      1.5 How Qawwali is different

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      1.6 Evolution of Qawwali

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      1.7 The different styles of Qawwali, aka Gharanas

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      1.8 Modern State of Qawwali

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      1.9 Recent Innovations in Qawwali

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      1.10 Conclusion of Module 1

  3. 3

    Module 2 - Poets and Poetry

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      2.1 Module Introduction

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      2.2 Introduction to Poets and Poetic Themes

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      2.3 Language Exercise

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      2.4 What is language?

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      2.5 Poets of North Indian sub-continent

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      2.6 Poetic themes in Sufi poetry

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      2.7 Deep dive into love

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      2.8 Deep dive into the Theme of Intoxication

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      2.9 New Themes in Contemporary Qawwali

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      2.10 Riyaaz Qawwali Additions

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      2.11 Conclusion of Module 2

  4. 4

    Module 3 - Musical Elements and Aesthetic of Qawwali

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      3.1 Module Introduction

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      3.2 Qawwali Categorization by Riyaaz Qawwali

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      3.3 Major Musical Elements defining Qawwali

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      3.4 South Asian Devotional Musical Genres

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      3.5 Structure of a Qawwali song

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      3.6 Culture within a Performance

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      3.7 Critiques of Qawwali

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      3.8 History of Qawwali in USA

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      3.9 Capturing and connecting with the Audience

  5. 5

    Transition: From Understanding to Listening

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Up Next: Listening with new ears

  6. 6

    Module 4 - Chaap tilak by Amir Khusrow

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      4.1 Module Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      4.2 The Basics

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      4.3 Musical Notes

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      4.4 Chorus by Abida Parveen

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      4.5 Verse 1 by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

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      4.6 Verse 2 by Ameer Ali Khan

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      4.7 Verse 3 by Fareed Ayyaz

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      4.8 Verse 4 by Sabri Brothers

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      4.9 Bahut Kathin Hai

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      4.10 Controversy and Criticism

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      4.11 Conclusion of Module 4

  7. 7

    Bonus

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Lal Dedh

  8. 8

    Module 5 - Mera piya ghar aaya by Bulleh Shah

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      5.1 Module Introduction

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      5.2 Theme of Interfaith

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      5.3 Famous Poems by Bulleh Shah

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      5.4 Use of Kaafi by Bulleh Shah

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      5.5 Themes within his Writing

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      5.6 Theme of Inner reflection

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      5.7 Singing the Kalaam Mera Piya Ghar

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      5.8 Chorus by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

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      5.9 Verse 1 by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

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      5.10 Verse 2 by Sher Ali Mehr Ali

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      5.11 Verse 3 by The Sabri Brothers

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      5.12 Folklore around Bulleh Shah

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      5.13 Other Important Poets

  9. 9

    Course Summary and Reflection

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Course Summary

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Looking Ahead : Continuing your journey with Qawwali

Meet Your Instructor: Sonny Mehta

Hey there! I’m Sonny K. Mehta, a Qawwali performer, educator, and cultural strategist passionate about helping new audiences experience the depth and beauty of South Asian music. Over the past two decades, I’ve performed across the U.S. and abroad, lectured at Harvard, Dartmouth, and the University of Chicago, and led Riyaaz Qawwali, America’s only professional Qawwali ensemble. My work has been recognized by the City of Houston, the State of Texas, and featured in The New York Times, NPR, and the Huffington Post. I created Qawwali 101 to open the doors of this incredible art form and to make its poetry, structure, aesthetic and spirit accessible to anyone curious about its message of love and unity. Together, we’ll explore how Qawwali continues to inspire across faiths, languages, and generations, and why it remains one of the most powerful musical traditions in the world today.

Ready to Dive In?

Don’t wait - The introductory $159 pricing is available for a short time. Once the first enrollment phase closes, tuition increases to the full price. Transform how you hear, feel, and understand Qawwali - forever.

$159.00

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