Instrumental course

Hindustani Tabla Classes in Udupi

Learn tabla technique and taals, from basic bols and thekas to solo compositions, in small Junior and Senior batches.

What you’ll learn

From your first bols to solo compositions

Lessons start with sitting posture, hand position and clean strokes on both drums. You learn to say each bol and then play it, building up the thekas of common taals before moving on to compositions.

Syllabus

Two levels, one clear path

Both levels follow the Junior and Senior music exam syllabus of Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, Mysuru, so you can sit the exams when you’re ready.

Junior level

For beginners, leading up to the state Junior exam.

  • Thekas with dugun and chaugun in Teentaal, Jhaptaal, Ektaal, Rupak, Dadra, Kaherva and Chautaal
  • Two kaydas with four paltas and a tihai
  • Mukhdas, tukdas and tihais
  • Four badal thekas per tala, and laggis in Dadra and Kaherva
  • Accompanying a singer and reciting bols
  • Theory: parts of the tabla, the dasha varnas and notation
Senior level

For students who have passed Junior, leading up to the state Senior exam.

  • Vilambit thekas such as Deepchandi, Addha and Ada Chautaal
  • Thekas of Punjabi, Sooltaal, Teevra, Dhamar, Matt and Sawari
  • Solo playing: 20 minutes in Teentaal, 15 in Jhaptaal
  • Kaydas in different gharana styles
  • Accompanying khayal, with laggi and ladi

Practise with past Junior and Senior question papers →

Portrait of P Shriranjan Upadhyaya
Your teacher

P Shriranjan Upadhyaya

Vocalist and percussionist · 20 years teaching

Junior and Senior certified in Carnatic vocal and Hindustani tabla; Junior in Carnatic violin and mridangam. B.Com, MBA (Finance).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Something else? Ask us directly.

No. We provide instruments in class, so you don’t need to buy one to start. Your teacher will tell you when it’s time to get your own for practice.