“Our Ustaads were not just teachers—they were mentors, friends, and caregivers.” —Residency Participant, NYC 2025 When we first met the Saami family, we stepped into a living tradition that has carried the breath of imagination for nearly 800 years. The art of Khayal—meaning “imagination”—is among the oldest forms of Hindustani vocal improvisation,…...
Applications Open: Cohort 3 – Khayal Apprenticeship with The Saami Family
We are thrilled to announce the opening of applications for Cohort 3 of the Khayal Apprenticeship, a rare, four-week intensive with The Saami Brothers alongside their father, Ustad Naseeruddin Saami. This immersive program offers group training sessions and optional one-on-one lessons focused on the fundamentals of voice culture—discovering your true…...
CCV Returns to the Clifden Arts Festival
CCV has just returned from another incredible experience at the Clifden Arts Festival in the stunning Connemara region of Ireland. This marked our fourth year collaborating with the festival to share the rich musical traditions of America’s diverse cultural communities with Irish audiences. This year, we were thrilled to bring…...
CCV Embarks on a Global Apprenticeship Program, Launching in the Cayman Islands
One of the founding principles of the CCV is to ensure that treasured artforms from around the world not only survive but remain vibrant and essential. One of the single most effective ways to support community-based traditional arts and practices is through the support of apprenticeships. For more than two…...
