Posted on: 02-01-04 23:19:42
I realize that I left out some information in response to some of Jake's questions:
I wanted to mention that something very special and imporant regarding Indian classical music is the improvised element. Yes, there is a very definite structure and performance practice to the music, but the main bulk of the performance is improvised. To me, this is a large factor in the attractiveness of this sort of music.
It implies an ongoing interaction between the two musicians (in the case of a melodic instrument with tabla accompaniment), a constant flow of musical ideas back and forth, and together. Sometimes you get the feeling that you're reading each other's minds and the music just comes out by itself.
It also means that every performance is very different from every other. Each night is different. Each performance will have its own shape and progression that is completely different from every other one.
Additionally, it means that the musician is an interpreter AND a composer all at the same time, and IN REAL TIME. Improvising is essentially composing on the spot.
AND, very importantly, the audience also participates in the composition process - the audience's reactions (or lack of) will influence the musicians' choices!
Shawn Mativetsky
http://www.percussionist.net" rel="nofollow">LINK
Hello Shawn:
I really appreciate for your reply. Yes, I am in Montreal(Beaconsfield) and my Tabla teacher is Prem Lata Mahajan(Leela) from Pierrefonds . Do you know her ?
Also I am in the preocess of buying a Tabla, so that I can practice @ home. But they are too expesive to buy from here (approx. $400+). Do you think that I should be spending that kind of money ? or go for a second hand Tabla ?
Also I have noticed from you emails, the you haven't mentioned anything about Zakir Hussain. He is also appreciated both in the field of percussion and in the world of music at large as an international phenomenon. I love his CD Planet Drum with Mickey Hart.
Thanks once again
Biju
Thats great to hear. I almost bought a tabla this month but decided not for the time being. because i am already trying to learn guitar and too many things at the same time and one will not get to learn anything propoerly. I have spent the last few years playing guitar and all i can say is i am at a very much beginner stage. But i feel great when i play it. It takes away your thoughts from life's realities. I am not too familiar with classical indian music. My favourite indian music is from the 70s...RD Burman style..you get it....Other than that I mostly listen to Rock. Only recently i have started to listen to the percussions in a particular piece of music. i find tabla to be a very beautiful instrument but i also find drums really great too. As the beautiful thing about tabla is that one can play drums and bass on that one thing, unlike western music, like rock etc.. where the Bass and drums are 2 separate instruments....i dont know if i am right here....
But i will buy one soon as i cant possibly buy and play drums in a small appartment. Just too loud. Playign percussion would also give me a sense of "time" in music that i sadly lack.
One day I hope i learn enough so that I can play with other people.
Good luck all who play and all who like to listen.
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Quote:
Orginally posted by bijunsandy
Hello Shawn:
I really appreciate for your reply. Yes, I am in Montreal(Beaconsfield) and my Tabla teacher is Prem Lata Mahajan(Leela) from Pierrefonds . Do you know her ?
Also I am in the preocess of buying a Tabla, so that I can practice @ home. But they are too expesive to buy from here (approx. $400+). Do you think that I should be spending that kind of money ? or go for a second hand Tabla ?
Also I have noticed from you emails, the you haven't mentioned anything about Zakir Hussain. He is also appreciated both in the field of percussion and in the world of music at large as an international phenomenon. I love his CD Planet Drum with Mickey Hart.
Thanks once again
Biju
Dear Biju,
Yes, I do know Mrs. Mahajan. I've been to her house a few times to buy some things. She's a vocalist. I have to admit that I was a little bit surprised to hear that she teaches tabla.
400$ for a pair of tabla is fine, as long as you're getting something of decent quality. Do you know what they're made of, and the diameter of the dahina? If there is a second hand tabla of decent quality, that might be a way for you to save money. But, I haven't seen used tabla for sale very often. If you're serious about tabla, you really need to have your own drums, because you have to practice every day. I don't know how you're doing it now without them. I suppose it must be a little frustrating.
With regards to Zakir Hussein, he is a personality of some controversy in the tabla community. He is definitely very talented, and has done much to publicise the tabla internationally. His work in the various fusion styles has brought the tabla through new musical frontiers. Towards the beginning of my tabla education, he was probably my favourite tabla player. But, as I learned more about Indian classical tabla playing, I discovered other tabla players that in my opinion have more emotional depth and traditional authenticity in their playing. So what I'm saying is - he's definitely one of the great tabla players of the 20th century, but there are other tabla players whose style and interpretation I prefer.
That's part of the whole beauty of Indian classical music. At first, when you learn, you're building up a base of technique and repertoire, but then when you perform, you use this material as the basis for improvisation and development. Every performer is different and every performance is different. Each tabla player has their own musical background, personality, and style. That's what makes this all so interesting. Even students of the same teacher will each sound very different. The same material can be interpreted in so many different ways...
Take care,
Hi Shawn,
Thanks a lot for your deep and insightful answers.
If one is interested in learning the tabla, what do you recommend as far as finding a good teacher, since it is important to have a good teacher. What, according to you, should one look for in a Tabla teacher?
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Quote:
Orginally posted by jake3d
If one is interested in learning the tabla, what do you recommend as far as finding a good teacher, since it is important to have a good teacher. What, according to you, should one look for in a Tabla teacher?
Hello Jake and everyone,
This is a very important point, and it's not always obvious, especially for a beginner. Someone who is a good performer might not necessarily be a good teacher. So here is a list of some points that I think are important. I believe that a good teacher should:
- have years of professional performing experience as an INDIAN CLASSICAL tabla player. No matter what style of music you want to play, having a classical background will give you the best training, and the most flexibility later on.
- have a generally positive attitude. This is with regards to the music as well as the students.
- be open minded.
- be able to critique students in a positive and encouraging manner.
- play in a style that you enjoy listening to.
- play with you in the lesson. This is extremely important. Much of the way we learn tabla is by listening and imitation. If the teacher does not play, then you will never learn the proper inflections and interpretation.
These are just a few things that I feel are important. Of course, it's hard to tell this from a resume or a phone conversation. You may go to a few lessons with your first teacher and just feel that it's not working, perhaps at a personal level. You do have the option of switching teachers. It is important to find a teacher that you get along with well, that you can communicate openly with. You don't want to be afraid to be able to ask questions.
Though, once you do find your teacher, you should be prepared to stay with that teacher for a long time. In the Indian classical tradition, once you and your guru choose each other, it is a lifetime commitment. This is why it is so important that you get along well on a personal level.
Perhaps a few \"do nots\". Signs of a bad tabla teacher:
- The teacher is not a tabla player.
- The teacher doesn't think that it's important to learn to play classical.
- The teacher doesn't play tabla during the lesson.
What is sometimes difficult is that in some regions in the country, there aren't many tabla teachers available. Toronto and Vancouver have quite a lot of choice, less in Montreal. The other major cities have maybe one or two tabla players, or maybe even none.
But, what's important to remember is that tabla is worth it! No matter what the trouble you might have to go through to find your teacher, it's a lifetime of joy that you won't regret!
Take care,
jake3d, biju and BL
Thanks for asking good questions. This gives almost all insight of an Indian Classicial Music for a newbie like me! Unfortunately at this age it is too late to learn Tabla 
Just kidding - computer is my first love and so I would like to JUST listen MUSIC - that'a all 
shawnm,
It's great thing for CanadianDesi to have you. Thanks a lot! Special thanks to Jake for brining you on this board.
It is really nice set of questions and answers. I am thinking to start a new section on this site as "Interviews" and we can put this question answers there. If possible we can have some photos (Provided by you) and some more relevant information.
Please let me know what you think.
Thanks.
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A Proud Indian Canadian
