Introduction to Tabla | Hindustani Classical

This course will introduce students to the percussion instrument tabla, its make and maintenance. The course will then, a) Delve into the basic aspects of Tabla, like Counting, Reciting, understanding of different Taals or rhythm cycles and Grammar of Tabla. They will also be taught the basic level of writing, interpreting notations in order to play it on the tabla. Students herein will also get briefed about the frequently used terms in music or music vocabulary as per what is being taught; b) The ensuing sessions in this course would lay emphasis on students to learn finger techniques, sound development and rhythm development; c) Since this short term class is introductory, it will not dwell much into solo Tabla playing, concentrating more on accompaniments with other musical instruments and/or instrumental songs. As such, students will be taught time signatures for bhajans, ghazals or film songs to practice accompaniment. Students, also get familiarised with raags in respect to accompanying instruments - Harmonium and Sarangi - as both of these instruments play as per raags; and d) Further on, students will learn and comprehend ‘bols’ that define taals, vocally.

Further, this course will specifically emphasise on Dadra, Kaharwa, Teen Taal and Rupak taal and their rhythm patterns. On successful completion of this course the student would have learnt to produce the basic syllable on the Tabla. Gained the understanding to follow a 6 and 8 beat rhythmic cycle, enabling them to play any song on the Tabla. Further, the students for the purpose of practise, learn to play few classical songs, bhajans, ghazals or ragas during the lessons conducted in this course. These songs, bhajans, ghazals or ragas will be decided by the Teacher unless the student wants to learn any other specific song or rhythm.

After successful completion of this course, students can gear themselves for the next course by Alpesh Moharir: Basics Of Tabla | Hindustani Classical | Learn To Play Tabla For Beginners

About Alpesh Moharir: Alpesh can easily be identified as someone who was born to excel in playing the Tabla. As with any maestro, Alpesh’s inclination towards mastering the Tabla began at an early age. He evolved into an exceptional Tabla player after undergoing training in the guidance of Guru Shri Sudhirkumar Saxena. The training adhering to the guru-shishya parampara or the teacher and disciple tradition, ensured Alpesh went through the rigors of training while residing with his master. The detailed training helped strengthen the foundation of music and paved the way for him to successfully graduate with a masters in music. His dedication towards music saw him earn a scholarship from Northampton University in the UK to study fusion music. Alpesh served a few years as a faculty, teaching Tabla to primary and elementary level students in the UK. Later, he came back to India to start his own training academy named Sanmuk Music Education, training in Indian classical music as well as western instrumental music. Alpesh has travelled extensively, performing and winning accolades for his exceptional command over Tabla.