WHO ARE WE?  Providing instruction to the children and youth of Pengosekan has been a primary goal of Sanggar Cudamani.   Rooted in the conviction that gamelan and dance are a powerful means of developing spiritual discipline,  Dewa Putu Berata and a team of sixteen teachers understand the critical social role the arts can play for youth in a rapidly modernizing world. In 2025 we celebrate 28 years of teaching.  Our education program distinguishes us from other gamelan groups.  The senior members of the professional group began their training as children with Cudamani .  For the past seventeen years Çudamani Summer Institute has extended their educational reach by bringing hundreds of international students to their village Sanggar.

Over the years Dewa Putu Berata has refined his approach to teaching a diverse student body.  His vast experience teaching at University of California, Berkeley and as the Guest Music Director of Gamelan Sekar Jaya provides him with unique insights on teaching non-Balinese artists.  Key to the success of the CSI program is the team of Cudamani master teachers and teaching assistants.  Their pedagogy is unique in Bali and supports the beginning student as well as those who have studied Balinese Gamelan and Dance for many years.  This talented faculty keep the artistic level of every class at a very high level, provide individual instruction, encouragement, and models of excellence. Past CSI participants have included: University music and dance professors as well as students; professional artists eager to extend their creative and performative reach; educators who want to expand their classroom teaching, and young people who have fallen under the spell of Balinese performing arts.

For more than twenty-seven years Çudamani has contributed to the development of  Balinese performing arts  by performing for temple ceremonies across the island, performing at major festivals such as the Bali Arts Festival, and teaching hundreds of Balinese children, youth, and adults.   CSI is your opportunity to be a part of the Çudamani and Pengosekan community.  Villagers young and old look forward to seeing each new class of CSI students-in-residence and appreciate their earnest desire to study Balinese arts and culture.  CSI contribute to temple ceremonies in Pengosekan if the religious calendar allows.

2025  DATES 

CSI-  July 11th(check in);  July 27(check out) 2025. 

Bali Arts Festival Pre-CSI program  July 8 (check in)-  July 11, 2025

In 2025 we are offering something new.  In order for students to witness a broader array of Balinese Performing Art we invite you to a pre-institute program.  While still lodged in Pengosekan, daily trips to the Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar will allow you to see a wide range of performances by groups from across Bali.  The largest festival in all of Indonesia, this festival displays an amazing array to talent and artistic diversity.

2025 ACTIVITIES-

Cudamani Festival @ Musuem Puri Ubud July 11th and 12th  @ 7pm.  Please note this is the check in day for the hotel.  This annual festival and the only time the Cudamani performs for the public in a concert format.    A wide and diverse repertoire provide an orientation to the unique range of Cudamani’s artistic reach. Different programs each night.  Be sure to tell your friends who are in Bali!

Instruction and Cultural Context: in addition to 50 + hours of instruction in gamelan and dance, many special events will be planned.    We plan organized tours to key points of interest such as rice fields, lake and Mt.  Batur, Tampaksiring Temple, etc..  Instruction comes into focus as you share what you have learned by performing at a temple ceremoney in Pengosekan.  Under the guidance of Cudamani, your participation in all our activities will be appropriate and respectful, indeed, your presence is appreciated by the local community. The final day on July 26 brings all our efforts to a close with as we share all the works learned with each other,  gather in a final closing circle, and end the day with farewell party.   Villagers of Pengosekan appreciate your earnest interest and effort as you learn about their traditions.  By the end of the two weeks, you will feel at home in Pengosekan.

The core of the teaching program includes daily gamelan and dance* study.  A hallmark of the Cudamani Summer Institute are the many assistant teachers who are able to offer each student personal support; as a result, even players/dancers new to Balinese performance are able to accomplish an enormous amount in the limited time of the program.  Our senior teachers carefully guide students to a level of complexity that allows each person  to get the attention they need to develop artistically.

Over the years we have taken special pleasure when colleges and Universities bring small groups of students already versed in Balinese performing arts to join the CSI. Special group rates can be arranged for groups of four or more.  The nature of the program easily incorporates musicians and dancers of all levels, including advanced students who wish to refine their skills at the more complicated instruments such as the drum and reyong or dancers wishing to learn more advanced repertoire.

The program is further enhanced by lecture demonstrations by members of Cudamani; invited lectures by guest speakers; and  field trips to cultural sites in our area.  The program concludes with a final performance with CSI students sharing a program with members of Cudamani. After seventeen years of experience Dewa Berata creates a balanced, dynamic and inspiring educational experience that has students returning year after year.

*Note- the dance program will require a minimum enrollment of six students.

It is worth repeating that students are surrounded by a community of artists- ranging from master teachers of international renown, to the senior members, to the young teenage members of Cudamani.    Cudamani Summer Institute is a non-commercial  program as such students feel they are invited into the Cudamani family of artists as well as their village of Pengosekan. International and Indonesian students realize immediately that they are studying at the directors own home.  With children running around, women making offerings within sight, or the home cooked meals at lunch, you understand what life is like in a Balinese family. This intimate context provides rewarding cultural and personal insights that go beyond the technique of music and dance.

Adding to the reward of study is the proximity of the home village of Pengosekan to the vibrant tourist center of Ubud.  We are pleased to work with a locally owned Hotel that is walking distance to Sanggar Cudamani.  You are in  the midst of a wide range options for shopping, evening meals, and tourist performances.  You will soon realize that Cudamani is near this tourist center but is not of the tourist scene.  However, for those looking forward to the relaxation, shopping, even massages, you will find all available to enjoy after class hours.    Plentiful and wide ranging in price, this is a great option for those on a budget.

GAMELAN PROGRAM– Daily sessions in Cudamani’s open air studio teach you the techniques of Balinese gamelan, expand your repertoire and improve your musicality. Under the Direction of Dewa Putu Berata, senior Cudamani players assist in each session.  This ensures individual attention as well as the robust sound Cudamani is famous for.  The range of pieces studied advances the musicianship and musical understanding of Balinese music.  Group sessions focus  on the gorgeous Semarandana instruments.  Breakout sessions offer options to study Balinese drum, selonding, gender wayang, flute, etc..  These small-group sessions allow advanced musicians to refine skills, try new instruments, and learn repertoire, while beginning musicians have time to learn the fundamentals of gamelan in an environment that is challenging yet supportive and incredibly fun.

DANCE PROGRAM- * If you have always wanted to try Balinese dance, but have told yourself, “I’m not a dancer” then send us an email. We have a great program for beginners, and we welcome you.  On the other hand, if you have some experience with Balinese dance, but need to deepen your understanding and repertoire, then this is an incredible learning environment for you as well. You will be working with the masters of the tradition, honing your dance skills, and expanding your repertoire.  The curriculum includes both male and female technique.  In addition to dancing alongside  great teachers you will also be inspired by the company of Cudamani’s talented young performers. No matter where you are in your study of Balinese dance, the program will challenge and inspire you!

* Minimum enrollment six dance students for the 2025 program- if we have too few, we can incorporate dance sessions as part of  the gamelan program.

SELECTION CRITERIA – We invite individuals who wish to study and live in another culture. Participants must be 18 years or older.  With special permission we  can also include children 12 and above  who wish to learn alongside their parent.  Beginners as well as experienced gamelan musicians and dancers are encouraged to apply.  We have had great success with faculty who wish to deepen their understanding of Bali, bring back material for their research and teaching. In addition undergraduate and graduate students have found the program an ideal way to travel to Bali and have a concentrated first hand experience of the performing arts of Bali.  We can provide letters of acceptance for visa and/or grant applications.

• SCHEDULE- (subject to change)
• July 11           Check in Liyer Guest House.  Evening Cudamani Festival  Day 1 Dinner provided
• July 12            Walking orientation Pengosekan
•                           Cudamani Festival Day 2   Dinner provided
• July 13             Introduction to the program – first day of instruction
• July 14-17      Instruction
• July 18            All day tour.  Includes purification ceremony, drive to Mr Batur, rice fields, temples, and cultural sites
• July 20           Rest Day
• July 21-25      Instruction continues
• July  26           Informal performances of all material, final circle, and party with Cudamani members
• July 27            Check out

We will accept applications after these deadlines if space allows.

May 1, 2025            Deadline Application + fee  $25

June 1, 2025            Tuition deposit due $500 

July 1, 2025               Full Payment due– 

CSI Tuition includes program outlined below. (airfare is not included we recommend booking early):

• $2200 USD (16 nights Private room)
• $1800 USD Student rate (18-22 Year)  (16 nights shared room).
• $1800  USD Housing on your own (does not include local transport or airport pick up)
• $1100 USD Minor (14-17) joining parent shared room.

Bali Arts Festival Program Includes: 3 days of activity: 3 nights private room with breakfast; transportation to and from festival; staff support at the venue; approximately 5 hours at the festival each day (admission to the festival is free); other outings may be added; lunch and dinner not included.  Actual Bali Arts Festival program is not published until May 2025

• $300 USD Private room.
• $250 USD Student rate, private room (18-22 Year).
• $ 250 Housing on your own (does not include airport pick up)

Payment on application form.

Alert! Your Passport must be valid for six months after your departure date.

As of March 1, 2023 the Indonesian Government does not require a PCR test upon arrival or a record of full vaccination.

Participants are responsible for checking on latest COVID requirements when  making own travel and visa arrangements to Indonesia.   A free 30 day  tourist visa is available upon arrival for many countries.  If you plan to stay longer- you can apply for a 60 day visa.  please see web site: https://indonesia.visahq.com/  Please also consider travel health insurance.  IMPORTANT:  High season in Bali means very high flights.  The earlier you book your flight the cheaper your fare will be.  If you are unsure, we recommend you look into flights that have a small penalty for cancellation.  It is worth it.