About the Teacher

Kenny Clarys (born 1983) is a Belgian musician, composer, and music producer, currently based in the Netherlands. His musical journey began at the age of seven when his father returned from India with a harmonium. That single event sparked a lifelong passion for Indian music. Though raised in a Western family, he was immersed in Indian music from an early age, growing up with the sounds of ragas, shlokas, bhajans, and qawwalis as part of his daily life.

From childhood, he absorbed the essence of Indian music, regularly playing at collective gatherings. Alongside his deep connection to Indian classical music, he developed a strong foundation in Western classical music, studying violin and piano from the age of eight. His pursuit of Indian music led him to study under esteemed teachers, including Pt. Prabhakar Dhakde, in Belgium and Italy. Over the years, he performed alongside renowned Indian musicians, accompanying them on the harmonium.

Since 2008, Kenny has been teaching music theory, piano, and harmonium. For a long time, he was one of the very few—if not the only—harmonium teachers in Belgium and the Netherlands, drawing students from far and wide. As demand grew, he responded by creating the Harmonium Evolution course, a comprehensive program that encapsulates his decades of experience in both playing and teaching.

What sets Kenny apart is his unique ability to bridge the Western and Indian music systems. By blending these two worlds, he empowers students to explore a vast spectrum of musical possibilities—rich harmonies, dynamic variations, and expressive colors that transcend traditional boundaries. His mission is not just to teach but to inspire independence in his students, allowing them to express the music that lives within them.

"My goal is to make the student free and independent in their playing so they can express the music in a beautiful way, that is living inside of them and so create beauty and joy for the world."