This all-level course on the musical instrument Dholki is conducted by Sanjay Karandikar, a celebrated tabla and dholak player. It will cover all the basics of the Dholak in the initial few classes and will then swiftly move on to how the instrument is played in the Maharashtrian folk style – playing styles, solo and group placements, and so on. The customization of this course will increase retention and enjoyment for any student. By the end of the 24 weeks, the enrolled students will have a strong foundation of knowledge and technique from which students can grow and build on. The Dholak is a popular percussion instrument in Maharashtra, where it is more commonly called the Dholki. The Dholki is associated with the poetic tradition of singing the heroic Powada of the knights, but it also accompanies the Lavani form, which presents all subjects from beauty to spirituality through poetry. There was a time in Marathi films when the narratives were adopted from Tamashas or street plays. It is from this foundation that the Dholki found popularity and was also popular as an independent musical instrument that musicians pursued, apart from the popular ones. The Dholak/Dholki, also commonly known as the Nal, is a drum with a barrel-shaped shell.  

About the teacher: Your instructor for the course is Sanjay Karandikar, who as a Tabla, Dholak, Dholki, and Dimdi teacher, has 33 years of professional teaching and playing experience. He is a disciple of Late Pt. Madhav Karandikar, Late Pt.Shashikant Bellare, Late Pt. Vikas Datar and Pt.Ramdas Palsule, Pt. Dattatraya Bhave, Pt. Vivek Joshi. Sanjay is a prominent Tabla and Dholki (Maharashtrian folk instrument) artist since 1992. He is the founder & Director, Swar-Taal Sadhana, The School of Music, Estb.1993. So far, he has had over 2000 past and present students from India and abroad. An accredited artist for All India Radio and Television, he had been selected by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), for deputation abroad as a Tabla teacher and performer in 2004. Sanjay has published a series of books [including audio-visual media] on Tabla & Dholki & different percussion, which are extensively used by students. He has also been a solo and ensemble artist as well as an acclaimed accompanist of Tabla & Dholki and has performed with eminent artists in various musical genres to name a few. He has also performed for music tracks of regional films, documentaries, and television serials. He participated in the series "NaadYatra" as a content expert and performer – showcasing the intricacies of different folk percussion instruments. The series was produced by EMRC, University of Pune, and was telecasted on television. Sanjay was selected for the award of Senior Fellowship for Sub-The language of rhythm instruments, by the Centre for Cultural Resources (CCRT) by the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.