A celebrated percussion instrument of North India, constituting two drums, the Dayan and the Bayan. The drum strokes reflect a variety of Bols depicting the rhythmic framework of a musical piece.
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What is Tabla?
The Tabla comprises of the Dayan, which literally means “right”, and the Bayan or Dugga traditionally played with the left hand. An element that is unique to the tabla is the application of the syahi, a patch of iron fillings mixed with rice paste applied to the goat skin surface of the Dayan and Bayan, assisting their tuning.
Learning Tabla At Sriguruji
The Learning Journey
Tabla has 10 fundamental strokes or Varn. When the varn is spoken out, it is called Bol. Beginners learn connection between the vocal bols and the corresponding producing of sound on the tabla. They learn to play simple kaydas which literally means ‘rules’, in Teentaal.
The kaydas are introduced progressively to a tabla player in such a way that it builds upon the skill acquired in playing the previous kayda.
The Hindustani style tabla is played in two ways: band bol and khula bol which in musical terms are called “tali” and “khali”. Intermediate students are introducted to various taals and avartans understanding their laykari. They learn advanced kayda’s which involve embellishing them with permutations and combinations of paltas and vistaar.
Advanced students achieve efficiency in intricate kaydaas, interesting tukras ending in tihaai and in relas which are typically played in very high speed. Here’s were a students creativity comes to the fore as there are endless possibilities.
The Academy conducts yearly Internal Assessments followed by a Parent Teacher meeting to share the student’s learning curve. Sriguruji students undergo systematic practical and conceptual training and are encouraged to appear for Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Exams. These exams are optional.
Our Tabla Gurus
Vinayak Soman is a Tabla Alankaar from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. Having had the honour of learning from many gurus in the past, he presently trains with Pandit Bhai Gaitonde. He has been teaching Tabla for over 10 years.