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music classes

Tabla Class

Beginners instruction includes tuning, basic maintainance and care of the tabla, the learning and practicing of basic patterns using both hands, exercises in coordination, recitation of the tabla-syllables (padhant), writing of the tabla notation and simple exercises and compositions (khaydha, rela). We will be dealing with the basic rhythmic structures of the common cycles of 7, 10 and 16 beats.

Intermediate students will learn more demanding exercises and compositions as well as complex patterns, having fully absorbed the basic rhythmic material of Hindustani classical music. The standard compositions of the Farrukhabad style will be examined in detail and the basic techniques of dance and instrumental accompaniment. Exploration of the history of tabla playing in the Indian subcontinent and the main styles (gharana) of playing will be undertaken. The basic patterns (theka) of the other cycles (taals) will be practiced. Fast compositions like tukra, chakradhar, paran will be studied.

Advanced teaching, building upon firm knowledge in theory and practice of the basic repertory of tabla, will be aimed at refining the necessary ability to provide accompaniment for dance, instrumental and vocal music and ultimately, solo performance.

tutor: Ravi Srinivasan