Live Learning in Houston Immerse yourself in the city's only live Qawwali class. Studies show that learning in person helps you stay focused and master skills five times faster.
Learn from Riyaaz Qawwali's Founder Train with a renowned national artist, Sonny Mehta. Research proves that learning from a real performer builds more confidence than a typical classroom setting.
Explore Two Spiritual Traditions Extract the power and depth from the Sufi and Bhakti traditions. You will discover how these traditions unite into one beautiful and ancient musical language.
Sing for Your Health Group singing is a natural way to heal. Science shows it lowers stress and makes you feel happier by connecting you with others.
Revel in the Culture Explore how your heritage fits into modern life. Using music as a bridge helps you understand your history and your place in the world.
Benefit from Small Group Coaching The class is limited to ten students. This small circle ensures you get personal attention and expert feedback on your unique voice.
What you'll learn
Vocal Mastery & Breathwork 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.
The Arc of Ecstasy 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.
Spiritual Poetry & Sound Science 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.
The Power of the Collective 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.
The One Guiding This Circle
Sonny K. Mehta
Lead Instructor | Riyaaz Academy
Sonny K. Mehta, founder of Riyaaz Qawwali, has spent over 20 years using the power of sacred sound to facilitate emotional and spiritual connection. Having shared this ancient craft at institutions like Harvard, Dartmouth, University of Chicago and NPR, Sonny now creates a sanctuary for students to explore their own voices. Always a life-long student of music, Sonny himself has been learning music for over 35 years. In this 8-week journey, he bridges high-level performance expertise with vocal healing, helping you move from a silent listener to a resonant, grounded artist.
Find Your Tribe Through the Power of Qawwali
Step into a space of shared rhythm, history, and deep connection.
$480.00
What people are saying
Where tradition meets technique: insights from our previous circles.
I joined on a whim, not realizing this would be a soul-filling, life-changing experience... Sonny is an exceptional storyteller bringing Qawwali's rich history... into a beautiful class every week. The spiritual oneness and camaraderie... is rare and hard-to-find... We sang in unison, learned intricate technicalities, and shared the same magic... I cannot recommend this class enough.
April 2026
I would highly recommend this Qawwali group... Sonny is... making us learn history and minute details of how qawwali evolved.
April 2026
Joining the qawwali group has been a spiritual game changer... Reciting and collaborating... under Sonny's guidance has been incredibly inspiring... His humility, talent, stories, and thoughtfulness help me feel... seen in a way I can only feel with like-minded folks.
April 2026
A great launch point to dive into the world of qawwali
May 2026
One of the most unexpected yet healing musical experiences... Singing with others while clapping made me feel safe and accepted... I didn't join looking for it but found this tribe... It's worth a try—you may find something you didn't know you were missing.
April 2026
Joining the Qawwali Circle has been the best possible experience... I didn't have any previous knowledge... but a deep love of music and Sufi spirituality. I've made great friends who share my passions... and built a real, fulfilling community... I was worried I wouldn't fit in, but instead... I was welcomed with open arms from the very first class.
May 2026
I've really loved how Sonny brings Qawwali into the contemporary context, with respect to the religious and spiritual tradition and history. The class has been a wonderful way to honor our cultural musical legacy in diaspora.
May 2026
The Vocal Discovery Journey
Week 1: Awakening the Natural Voice Connect your everyday breath to your first resonant notes. Week 2: Finding Your True Tone (Sur) Stop guessing notes; learn to "feel" when you are in tune. Week 3: The Pulse of the Heart (Taal) Singing in rhythm to steady your mind and body. Week 4: The Storyteller’s Chant Using simple poetry to unlock emotion through your singing. Week 5: The Art of Stillness (Alaap) Slow, meditative vocalizing to build confidence and calm. Week 6: Building Vocal Energy (Girah) Techniques to safely add power and "knots" to your voice. Week 7: Reaching the High Note (Ecstasy) Combining technique and spirit for a cathartic vocal release. Week 8: The Harmony of Us Singing together to experience the joy of collective healing.
Class Flow & Information
Join us for eight consecutive weeks of guided practice and reflection. We will gather every Wednesday from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM in September and October 2026. Opening Session: Wednesday, Sept 2nd To ensure the space is supportive and accessible for all participants, we are committing the location will be in Sugarland.
Start Your 8-Week Transformative Journey
Experience the power of vocal tradition within our private small circle. Join this expert led journey to reduce stress, honor heritage and find your authentic voice.
$480.00
For Any Questions
Feel free to reach out to Faryal at 346-528-8072, to discuss any questions you may have.