Tabla Basic Course: A Beginner’s Guide to Rhythm & Technique

Q: How much time should a student devote to self-practice on a daily basis?

This course will require practice time outside of lessons. Time spent practicing may vary from 15 minutes per day to an hour, depending on a student’s level of interest. Students who wish to become professional tabla players will need more hours of practice per day using a different set of exercises and materials than students who are seeking to learn playing tabla as a hobby. A detailed structure for home practice for each student will be discussed and explained during class.

Q: What if a student is unable to attend an upcoming class?

The student is required to inform the teacher about his absence from a particular session, two days prior to the class. In such a case, the teacher will reschedule the class and conduct the rescheduled class on or before the end (i.e. Saturday) of the ensuing week or such other time as may be mutually decided between the teacher and the student. In case the student misses to give two days prior notice about his absence to the teacher, then the decision to conduct another class for that student is completely based on the teacher’s discretion.

Q: How long will a teacher take to revert to students’ queries after class hours?

Students should get a response within 24 hours if the teacher is not preoccupied or traveling.

Q: What if the teacher wishes to reschedule a class?

If the teacher is unavailable for the scheduled class, he/she will inform the students two days before the class. The teacher will conduct the rescheduled class on or before the end (i.e. Saturday) of the ensuing week or such other time as may be mutually decided between the teacher and the student.

Beginner

by Durgesh Kanwal

14 Years Experience

A professionally trained percussionist, Durgesh has performed internationally, collaborated with artists across Europe. He is a multi-percussionist skilled in Tabla, Djembe, Cajon, Darbuka, and Didgeridoo.

US $28.8 per class |

for 1-on-1, 40 mins class

Recommended: 1 class per week | 12-16 weeks to level up

Pay as you go, 2 classes at a time

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Instruction Language

: English, Hindi

Course Summary

Teacher's Profile

About the Course

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Course Summary

This comprehensive tabla course is designed for beginners to build a solid foundation in Indian classical percussion. Step by step, you will develop technique, rhythm, and confidence.

You will learn -

Posture and Hand Techniques – Master correct sitting posture, hand positions, and finger movements.
Tabla Language – Learn essential syllables (bols) and recitation (Padhant/Konnakol).
Finger Strength and Speed – Strengthen agility with structured exercises.
Taals and Compositions – Explore Kayda, Tukda, Tihai, and Thekas.
Creative Composition – Learn to craft and improvise your own variations.
Performance Skills – Gain confidence for solo and accompaniment performances.

This course is ideal for absolute beginners, musicians who want to expand their rhythmic skills, students who want to build a strong percussion foundation, and passionate drummers or other percussionists who want to explore rhythm through tabla.

By the end, you will confidently play Tabla, understand rhythmic structures, and improvise compositions. Whether for stage or self-expression, this course unlocks the world of Tabla.

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Teacher's Profile

Durgesh Kanwal

Experience: 14 Years

From: India

Teacher Skill Keywords
Indian Classical Music, Indian Music, Indian Rhythm, Expert Tabla Teacher, Basics of Tabla, North Indian, North Indian Style, Percussion, Tabla

About the Course

The Tabla Beginner Course is a comprehensive and structured learning program designed for those eager to explore the fascinating world of Indian classical percussion. Whether you're an absolute beginner or someone looking to establish a solid foundation, this course provides step-by-step guidance to help you play the Tabla with confidence, precision, and musical expression.

You will learn -

Fundamentals & Technique -

Gain an in-depth understanding of the structure and components of the Tabla – the two drums: Bayan (bass drum) and Dayan (treble drum).
Learn the correct sitting posture and hand positioning for efficient and comfortable playing.
Master basic syllables (bols) such as Na, Tin, Dha, Dhin, Ta, and Ge, along with their combinations.
Develop an understanding of Konnakol, the spoken rhythmic language of Indian percussion, to internalize rhythms better.

Finger Exercises & Speed Development -

Practice specialized finger exercises that enhance dexterity, control, and fluidity in playing.
Build stamina and hand strength to play with clarity and precision.
Learn advanced hand coordination techniques, crucial for smooth and dynamic playing.

Taal System & Composition Structure -

Get introduced to the Indian rhythmic cycle (Taal system) and understand its significance in Indian classical music.
Learn essential Taals like Teentaal (16 beats), Dadra (6 beats), Keherwa (8 beats), and Jhaptaal (10 beats).
Explore key Tabla compositions, including Kayda (structured compositions), Tukda (short rhythmic pieces), Tihai (cyclic rhythmic endings), and Thekas (basic rhythmic frameworks for each Taal).
Understand the mathematical structure behind rhythmic variations and how they create unique musical patterns.

Creative Expression & Composition -

Learn how to compose your own Tabla phrases and rhythmic variations.
Develop the skill of improvisation within a rhythmic cycle, an essential aspect of Indian classical music.
Gain the confidence to experiment with rhythms and express creativity through percussion.

Performance & Accompaniment -

Prepare for solo performances, gaining confidence in playing independently.
Learn the art of accompanying vocalists, instrumentalists, and ensembles in Indian classical and fusion music.
Understand the role of Tabla in different musical settings, including orchestras, bands, and contemporary collaborations.

About the Teacher

Durgesh Kanwal is a professionally trained percussionist with extensive experience in independent and collaborative music projects across India and internationally. His musical journey began at the age of 11, and in 2009, he formally studied classical Tabla accompaniment for Kathak dance at the prestigious Kathak Kendra.

Since 2014, Durgesh has traveled across Europe, attending music camps, collaborating with fellow artists, and performing at renowned festivals in Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Lithuania, France, Spain, and Greece. His global exposure has enriched his musical style, blending Indian classical rhythms with world percussion traditions.

Beyond performing, Durgesh is passionate about music education and cultural exchange. Since 2013, he has actively organized musical residency programs and concerts in India, bringing together talented young artists from around the world. His dedication to fostering musical communities has made him a sought-after mentor for aspiring percussionists.

Durgesh is also a multi-instrumentalist and an expert in crafting and playing various percussion instruments, including Tabla, Djembe, Cajon, Darbuka, and Didgeridoo. Since 2011, he has conducted percussion workshops in schools and institutes, inspiring students through rhythm and hands-on learning.

His ongoing project, 'Indi Shala', is a testament to his commitment to music education, cross-cultural collaboration, and the evolution of world percussion.