Learn Dholki - The Rhythms of Maharashtrian Tamasha and Lavani
All Level
5/5
by Swanand Sanjay Karandikar
8 Years Experience
An accomplished performer at All India Radio and top cultural festivals, Swanand excels in fusion music and rhythm accompaniment for musical dramas.
US $24 per class |
for 1-on-1, 45 mins class
Recommended: 1 class per week | 12-16 weeks to level up
Pay as you go, 2 classes at a time
You can choose your time slots in the next step. ipassio has thousands of happy learners from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Europe, UAE, and India.
Instruction Language
: English
Course Summary
Dholki is a popular drum from Maharashtra, used in traditional music and dance. It is an important part of Powada, which tells stories of brave warriors, and Tamasha, a lively folk theatre. Most famously, Dholki is played in Lavani, a fast and expressive dance form that shares stories about life, beauty, and spirituality. In old Marathi films, many songs and scenes were inspired by Tamasha, making Dholki even more popular. Today, it is played both as part of folk performances and as an independent musical instrument. Also known as Dholak or Nal, this barrel-shaped drum continues to be loved by musicians.
This beginner-friendly Dholki course will teach you how to play the instrument in a traditional Maharashtrian style. You will learn:
The history and importance of Dholki in folk music.
The correct techniques to play Dholki.
Different beats, rhythms (Taals and Thekas), and patterns (Tode and Laggis).
How to play Lavani and Powada performances.
How to improve step by step and gain confidence to perform.
By the end of this course, with regular practice and dedication, you will be able to play Dholki and even perform in front of an audience!
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Teacher's Profile
Teacher Skill Keywords
Artist, Indian Music, Indian Rhythm, International Artist, Folk Music, Expert Tabla Teacher, Basics of Tabla, Percussion, Tabla
Education
Batchelor of Arts (Hindi) from Mumbai Hindi Vidyapeeth
Tabla Visharad (equal to graduation of a university degree program) from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, Mumbai
Work Details
Tabla, Dholak, Dholki Teacher & management of the organization.. - Swar-Taal Sadhana, The School of Music, Pune
Tabla Teacher - School of Holistic Department’ operating under ‘MIT ADT University
About the Course
The highlights of this course include -
- Rhythm exercises will be taught that will improve your rhythm sense, timing, and coordination.
- You will learn to listen to different songs and try to recognize the underlying beat and rhythm patterns.
- You will learn by clapping your hands and counting the numbers in single, double, triple, and quadruple speeds while maintaining an equal time interval.
- You should develop the habit of practicing rhythm with your hands randomly on different surfaces like the table or on your thighs. Also use Dhol-Tasha (drum beats) to play the beats on the table.
- Introduction to Kharj (Base) and Taar (Treble) sounds. (b) Rhythm Lagori.
- Introduction to Taal – Dadra (Waltz – 3 beat rhythm) - (Ghe, Ta, Ta,) & Taal Keharva - (4 beat rhythm) -(Ghe -, TaTa, Ghe -, Ta -)
- You will learn in depth about music theories.
- You will learn about the instrument - Dholki
- You will have the conceptual and practical knowledge on Laya, Taal, Theka
- You will learn the correct sitting posture while playing the Dholki. The correct way of keeping the instrument and the method of holding fingers on it.
- You will also learn Detailed information about how to play alphabets/ letters and their practice- Dhum Pan, Chati Pan, and letters which are played simultaneously on Dhum and Chati and how to practice them.
- The words and language of the Dholki language and their practice.
- Detailed information and playing techniques of Taal, Thekas and Bols - Dadra (6 beat Taal), Rupak (7 beat Taal), Deepcahndi (14 beat Taal), Keharwa (8 beat Taal), Theka, Laggi, Sarpat, Tod etc
- You will learn to play Dholki with simple songs.
If you want to explore other percussion instruments, you can check out the course - Learn to Play Dholak.
About the Teacher
Swanand Sanjay Karandikar is a Solo Artist, Accompanist and Percussion Teacher who specializes in Tabla, Dholki, and Dholak. He has trained under maestros Pandit Suresh Talwalkar, Pandit Ramdas Palsule, and his father Shri Sanjay Karandikar. He holds of a Bachelor of Arts (Hindi) and a Tabla Visharad certification from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal. Swanand is an accomplished performer at prestigious platforms, including All India Radio and cultural festivals. Adept at fusion music and rhythm accompaniment in musical dramas, with a strong commitment to preserving and innovating Indian percussion traditions.
... Read More
The rich, high-quality sound of the Dholki is influenced by the physics and craftsmanship of its time.
Understanding Taal Shastra (the study of rhythm) helps develop mathematical precision and timing in music.
Regardless of your profession, being a Dholki artist gives you a unique identity and recognition in society.
Playing the Dholki is not just about rhythm; it also offers a deeply meditative and immersive musical experience.
... Read More
Before starting this course, you should have:
The Right Mindset – A willingness to learn with patience, a clear purpose, determination, perseverance, concentration, and confidence.
Commitment to Practice – Regular attendance, dedication to consistent practice (Riyaaz), and an openness to gaining experience in accompaniment for steady progress and mastery.
... Read More
Available For All Age-Groups
2 Online live sessions completed
Our teachers recommend customized classes for an effective learning experience. Here's why!
Every individual
Has a unique learning style
Is at a different learning stage
Has different posture and instrument holding style
Has different mind-hand coordination
Has a different understanding of rhythm and melody
And a different GOAL!
Available For All Age-Groups
2 Online live sessions completed
Our teachers recommend customized classes for an effective learning experience. Here's why!
Every individual
Has a unique learning style
Is at a different learning stage
Has different posture and instrument holding style
Has different mind-hand coordination
Has a different understanding of rhythm and melody
And a different GOAL!
What you get?
World-class masters as teachers
Personalized & Interactive 1-on-1 classes
Course studio that amplifies passion learning
Access to global creative community
Pay as you go - 2 classes at a time
Milestone-based learning for best results
Statement of Accomplishment
Teacher's performance bits for reference
World-class masters as teachers
Personalized & Interactive 1-on-1 classes
Course studio that amplifies passion learning
Access to global creative community
Pay as you go - 2 classes at a time
Milestone-based learning for best results
Statement of Accomplishment
Teacher's performance bits for reference
FAQs
Additional Resources
What Makes ipassio Your Best Fit?
Online, real-time classes
From the comfort of your home, 1 on 1 online interactive classes are scheduled at your convenient time.
World class performers as educators
Award-winning teachers customize the course just for you. Their structured learning methodology lets you always track your progress.
Pay as you go
No long-term commitment. Pay for as few as 2 classes at a time. When you can't make it for the class, you can mutually reschedule with ease.