FAQ
Who benefits from CSI?
The majority of our participants are music professionals. Professional performers, teachers, students, and active community players have all been inspired by CSI. We also have great success with people who have studied music in the past and long to get back into music. There have also been a few individuals who simply want to be in a Balinese community setting and wish to play on simpler instruments, i.e.to be a part of something aspirational as well as inspirational. This program is not for those who want a tourist experience.
What does a day at the CSI program look like?
Music instruction is our primary focus. Ensemble playing on the 7 tone gamelan semarandana is our primary instrument. We offer small group break-out sessions that provides time to learn particularly difficult instrument and/or other Balinese ensembles such as gender wayang, selonding, flute, dance. We take two days for island tours and special outings. Music instruction averages 6 hours a day with 1 hour lunch break (homecooked Balinese food) and other breaks as needed. We have only one day of rest at the midpoint of the program. Many have likened CSI as a ‘summer music camp’ for adults. Please know that if we have more than six people interested in a dance focus, we can respond with a special course of study in the afternoons.
Who are our teachers?
Master teacher Dewa Putu Berata leads the program. He has a team of 5-8 master musicians who serve as assistant teachers. This full team ensures that every student has the attention of a teacher. Dance instruction is under Dewa Ayu Larassanti. Cudamani is a world class organization that teaches children and youth year round. CSI is the international extension of our on-going commitment to education.
Where does the program take place?
Cudamani is located in the village of Pengosekan. Population approximately 600. Our village is located to the south of the cultural and tourist hub of Ubud. Gamelan classes take place at Sanggar Cudamani, the ancestral home of Dewa Putu Berata. Each day you walk into a traditional Balinese family compound and play on one of the most revered set of instruments on the island.
How do I get to the program?
Fortunately Bali is the most accessible point of entry in all of Indonesia. With some four million visitors a year, the island is well equipped to welcome travelers. (You will be one of the precious few who come to seriously take part in and study ‘inside’ the culture of the island.) Most countries are allowed to obtain a visa upon arrival. From the international airport it is 1.5-2 hour drive up to our village of Pengosekan.
Should I come before or stay after the program?
It is highly recommended that you come to Bali a few days before the program starts. This allow for jet lag and an opportunity to look around. Many students stay nearer the beach area then find their way up the mountain to Pengosekan. Staying after the program is also recommended. Bali offers a wealth of adventure. If you stay after the program you have time to process all that you have learned, you can further explore the rich resources of the island, or have other family or friends join you for an extended vacation.
Is it important to register early or on schedule? Yes very important. We limit our student numbers to insure quality of learning. We accept students as they apply but confirm their space in the program once payment is made. If enrollment does not meet our minimum of 12 students we will cancel the program.
Do you have scholarships?
Our experience has shown that people successfully seek funding from their campus programs, grants from their local arts institutions, or go-fund me initiatives, etc. For those who are accepted into the program and seeking grants we are able to provide documentation and letters of support. We offer two scholarships for Australian applicants from a gift from Gary Watson.
How does Cudamani use the fees I pay them? All the funds raised from the program go to direct expenses. Teachers, administration, and most importantly to support the year round teaching program for our 350 + students. The Foundation for World Arts volunteers service to CSI and does not keep any of the proceeds.
What is the weather like in Bali at this time of year? Bali is a tropical island to be sure. Our program is located in the cooler mountain area. Some will find it hot for others the weather is comfortably warm.
Will I be able to keep in touch with family or my place of work? Bali is fortunate to have widely accessible internet. We use WhatsApp for our phones. Students constantly use their phones for communication with our faculty, fellow students and home.
Who are my cohorts? The diversity of the students is one of the great benefits of the program. A Balinese centered learning experience is able to take a group of mixed backgrounds and musical abilities and create an community of musicians and friends. Dewa Putu Berata has a life time of experience teaching in Bali and the United States. His sensitivity to the needs of each person is extraordinary as are the teachers who have trained under him. This is only exceeded by his understanding of how to build a musical ensemble. Perhaps this is way Gamelan Cudamani is held in such high regard by the Balinese.
What is included in my tuition? We offer private rooms with an option to share rooms. Breakfast is included at the hotel and on teaching days and special events days we provide meals. Airport pick up and return is included if participants arrive or depart within one day of check-in or check-out. Our outings are a special part of the program. Admission to temples or other fees are included. When we go to special Balinese events, our team of teachers accompany the group to be sure you are comfortable and in keeping with custom. Opportunities to perform are a part of the program as well. This may be within our own space or if the temple calendar permits as a part of a temple ceremony.
Who administers this program? The US based 501(c)3 non profit Foundation for World Arts administers the finances of the program. Judy Mitoma, President of the FWA and Emeritus Professor UCLA Department of World Arts and Culture/Dance administers CSI.
Can I bring my family? We have had remarkable success with parents who wish to learn and play together with spouse of children (age 14+). Most often both parent and child are new to gamelan. This creates a level playing field. The diversity of instrumentation (that is instrument differ in technical complexity) insures that every person is set up for success.
