LEARN TO PLAY TABLABring rhythm to life!
GSS School of Music offers specially crafted courses for learning Tabla. This course comprise of three levels of difficulty – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Depending on the complexity, background knowledge and practical skills, students can choose a level that suits their method of learning. The only pre-requisites to start learning Tabla are genuine interest in music, dedication to practice, devotion to learn and passion to perform.
LEARN TO PLAY TABLABring rhythm to life
GSS School of Music offers specially crafted courses for learning Tabla. This course comprise of three levels of difficulty – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Depending on the complexity, background knowledge and practical skills, students can choose a level that suits their method of learning. The only pre-requisites to start learning Tabla are genuine interest in music, dedication to practice, devotion to learn and passion to perform.
BEGINNER COURSE
Specially crafted for students and people who have no background in music. The course aims at getting all the basic things right. However, this course is also suitable for those people who can play an instrument but do not know of any theoretical concepts. The basic level of instrumental course ensures that a student is affluent with theoretical concepts of music, is proficient with ear training and has a certain level of comfort and competency with the instrument of choice. In addition to the above, this course also acts as a refresher course for those who have been out of touch with music and their choice of instrument.
Beginner Level Curriculum:
Introduction to Tabla
- Introduction to the tabla and its parts (Dayan and Bayan).
- Understanding the basic hand positions and finger techniques.
- Learning to produce clear and distinct strokes (bols) on both drums.
- Basic exercises to develop finger strength and control.
- Introduction to the concept of “Tala” (rhythmic cycles).
Basic Taals and Rhythms
- Introduction to the Teental (16 beats) and Dadratal (6 beats) taals.
- Basic thekas (rhythmic patterns) for the above-mentioned taals.
- Playing simple compositions using these thekas.
- Introduction to Kaida (theme and variation) concepts.
- Practicing simple tihais (rhythmic patterns that repeat three times).
Introduction to Bols and Accompaniment
- Learning common tabla bols (syllables) and their notations.
- Accompaniment skills, including playing along with vocal or instrumental music.
- Understanding laya (tempo) and layakari (rhythmic improvisation).
- Playing simple compositions with variations.
INTERMEDIATE COURSE
This intermediate course is specially designed for students who are comfortable with their instrument, have a good knowledge of music theory and its concepts, and want to strive towards becoming a perfectionist. However, to join or proceed to this level, students need to present their skills in a skill test that will be assessed by the faculty of GSS School of Music. The intermediate level provides a platform for the students to master previously learnt skills and learn techniques taught by the faculty for better speed and effectiveness. The students will also be provided with a customized course plan by the faculty that they will have to follow.
Intermediate Level Curriculum:
Advanced Taals and Compositions
- Exploring more complex taals like Jhaptal (10 beats), Ektaal (12 beats), and Rupak (7 beats).
- Learning advanced thekas and compositions in these taals.
- Introduction to Tintal (16 beats) and its variations.
- Expanding the repertoire of kaidas and tihais.
Solo Performance
- Developing the ability to perform solo tabla compositions.
- Introduction to Layakari (complex rhythmic variations) and Tala manipulation.
- Practicing longer and more intricate compositions.
- Introduction to improvisation within a taal.
ADVANCE COURSE
The advanced level of instrumental learning courses is a top-tier course that is both performance and evaluation based. This level of learning requires an in-depth understanding and evaluation of music by the students. Needless to say, ascending to this level from the intermediate level requires a pass from the skill test that will be devised by the faculty for students. Apart from learning advanced and complex music, the advanced level goes a step further to train the students to be the best performers that aid them to be professional musicians in the future and further help them compose, record & produce their own music.
Advanced Level Curriculum:
Mastery and Specialization
- In-depth study of complex taals, including Tilwada, Jhaptaal, and other rare taals.
- Mastery of advanced compositions and kaidas.
- Advanced layakari and tihai techniques.
- Exploration of regional and traditional styles (e.g., Benares, Punjab, etc.).
- Specialization in a particular gharana (school) of tabla playing.
Advanced Techniques and Fusion
- Developing the ability to collaborate with other musicians, such as vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers.
- Fusion and experimentation with different musical genres.
- Advanced improvisation techniques.
- Research and exploration of traditional and contemporary compositions.
Performance and Guru Guidance
- Regular performances in front of an audience or with established musicians.
- Seeking guidance from a guru (master) for further refinement.
- Recording and documenting personal compositions and progress.
- Continual practice and mastery of the tabla.