The Academy

Tabla is the principal percussion instrument in the Indian Classical Music. It has been recognized as one of the most complex percussion instruments in the world and has been popularized in different genres of music/ensembles including the Western Orchestra and Choir. It can be played both as solo, as well accompanying other instruments, vocals etc. Learning Tabla requires not only to learn how to play the instrument but also chant the compositions or in Tabla terms called "bols". The playing technique is complex and involves extensive use of the fingers and palms in various configurations to create a wide variety of different sounds and rhythms, reflected in mnemonic syllables.

The method of learning the Tabla is by listening to the chant of the bols and then replicating the same on the instrument while reciting to produce similar sounds. The rhythmic structure in which these bols are composed is called the Taal. There are hundreds of different Taals out of which the most popular ones are as follows:

• Teentaal (16 beats)
• Ektaal (12 beats)
• Jhaaptaal (10 beats)
• DeepChandi (14 beats)
• Rupak (7 beats)
• Keherwa (8 beats)
• Dadra (6 beats)

The extensive learning process of the Tabla enhances both the physical and mental well being of an individual in certain ways. Since Tabla playing requires extensive usage of finger tips, they act as acupressure points enhancing various systems within our body. The learning method of Tabla is an ancient (Indian Civilization that dates back over 5000 years) mechanism of learning that enhances the analytical and logical reasoning. Tabla compositions are mathematically framed within the rhythmic framework of the Taal but the melodic aspects of playing brings the artistic excellence.