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MIT Balinese Gamelan

 

MIT Bailnese Gamelan MIrahTangi*

 

Gusti Komin, Director

Gamelan is the traditional music of Bali and Indonesia. A Balinese gamelan consists of gongs, bronze metallophones and pots, hand drums and bamboo flutes, creating shimmering layers of rhythmically intricate, lyrical patterns.  Students will learn the basics of this unique musical practice by playing and performing on traditional Balinese instruments, culminating in an end-of-semester performance.  Students will also learn how gamelan fits into Bali’s rich, multifaceted culture. No prior experience is necessary. 

Students will also have the opportunity to rehearse with Community Gamelan, a well-respected Boston-area community gamelan directed by Gusti Komin.  Community Gamelan performs regularly throughout New England, focusing on both traditional and modern Balinese music and dance.  (Student performance is limited to the MIT Spring Concert).  

A six (6) unit performance course credit is available to eligible students.

 

CONCERTS

Spring 2026

  •  Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 -  7 PM - Tull Concert Hall (Building W18)

AUDITIONS

  • There is no formal audition or music experience required for the Balinese Gamelan class; only an interest in learning to play any of these instruments.  MIT students wanting to take the class should register for 21M.450 and attend the first class meeting on Wednesday evening, September 3th from 7 to 10 PM. Classes are held in W18-1202 Music and Culture Space.
  • Anyone wishing to participate only in Gamelan Galak Tika should reach out to Gusti Komin (komin@mit.edu) directly.
  • Instruments are provided; no previous experience is necessary.

 

Audition Information For All Music Ensembles

 

*MIrah Tangi is an exciting new Balinese Gamelan at MIT, born of the MIT Gamelan class and community members. MIrah Tangi means “Purple Diamond”. Purple diamonds are some of the rarest substances on earth, combining great strength and fragility, formed over many years. Their colors range from delicate to deep and vibrant.

 

The sounds of Balinese gamelan, like purple diamonds, are strong, vibrant, delicate and fragile, born over many years of the dedicated and rich music traditions of Bali, considered among the oldest musical traditions still played.

 

Gusti Komin mixes this rich musical heritage with contemporary elements in MIrahTangi. Like the diamond, the group aims to convey the special and beautiful sounds of Bali as well as the unique and exciting experience of playing on the beautiful instruments that make up a Balinese gamelan. If you would like to be a member of Mirah Tangi or have questions about enrolling in the MIT Gamelan class, please contact Gusti Komin at komin@mit.edu.