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INDIAN MUSIC FORUM ARCHIVES: Tabla Forum: Best Tabla Book

 

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Amar
Best Tabla Book Nov 21, 2003 08:16 p.m.

Which is the best tabla book out of the following?:

Learning the Tabla Book/CD Set
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0786607815/qid=1063173486/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-0077288-2610452?v=glance&s=books

Learning Tabla with Alla Rakha (Book and Videotape ed.: NTSC American video standard)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0964369427/ref=pd_sim_books_1/002-0077288-2610452?v=glance&s=books

Advanced Theory of Tabla (The Complete Reference for Tabla)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0963444794/ref=pd_sim_books_2/002-0077288-2610452?v=glance&s=books

Fundamentals of Tabla
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0963444786/ref=pd_sim_books_1/002-0077288-2610452?v=glance&s=books

Or are there any books better than these?

--------------------------------------------------
Objectivism
http://www.aynrand.org/objectivism/video_io.html
Hypertrophy-Specific Training (HST)
http://www.hypertrophy-specific.com/hst_index.html
aanaddha
Re:Best Tabla Book Nov 21, 2003 11:07 p.m.

Ask your teacher or guruji.

Aanaddha
djwow
Re:Best Tabla Book Nov 22, 2003 01:46 p.m.

I have a lot of tabla books. .an outstanding one not many know about is Percussion Text Volume 2: Indian Influence (tabla perspectives). It's a long name but I assure you it's a vast, informative text, 145 pages of information, technique, instruction, history, and compositions. Here's the website:

http://www.rhombuspublishing.com/vol2.html

Peace
djwow
Re:Best Tabla Book Nov 22, 2003 01:49 p.m.

Sorry to post again, I just realized there are actual excerpts of the book on the above website. .cool!

Peace
Amar
Re:Best Tabla Book Nov 22, 2003 06:47 p.m.

I would but I'm now self-taught.

aanaddha (Nov 21, 2003 11:07 p.m.):
Ask your teacher or guruji.

Aanaddha

--------------------------------------------------
Objectivism
http://www.aynrand.org/objectivism/video_io.html
Hypertrophy-Specific Training (HST)
http://www.hypertrophy-specific.com/hst_index.html
Amar
Re:Best Tabla Book Nov 22, 2003 07:02 p.m.

Is it better than the ones listed above?

djwow (Nov 22, 2003 01:46 p.m.):
I have a lot of tabla books. .an outstanding one not many know about is Percussion Text Volume 2: Indian Influence (tabla perspectives). It's a long name but I assure you it's a vast, informative text, 145 pages of information, technique, instruction, history, and compositions. Here's the website:

http://www.rhombuspublishing.com/vol2.html

Peace

--------------------------------------------------
Objectivism
http://www.aynrand.org/objectivism/video_io.html
Hypertrophy-Specific Training (HST)
http://www.hypertrophy-specific.com/hst_index.html
swansongji
Re:Best Tabla Book Nov 27, 2003 07:07 a.m.

I have the alla rakha book/video, which is rather crude but sufficient if you have no access to a teacher. The kaidas presented are rather difficult I think for a beginner and the book doesn't do the best job of explaining bols but the notation is excellent. The patterns are well drawn out and easy to follow, though the techniques such as sur dha and bayan accents are still a bit mysterious and poorly elaborated.
I would like to get the courtney tabla book just because it has so many taals, though I think I have my hands full with the 3 tintal kaidas, rela, and laggi that were given to me by my teacher Abhiman Kaushal.
rod
Re:Best Tabla Book Nov 27, 2003 09:10 a.m.

I think the book posted by djwow above at first glance looks very good. I loved the tukras and the Banaras Kaida. The rhythmic cycles are really good ones to get to know well. I will consider getting it for sure.
aanaddha
Re:Best Tabla Book Nov 27, 2003 11:43 a.m.

I am well aware that my views are not always the most popular ones, and this one will likely disconcert many.
However, for the sake of presenting another approach I would suggest that learning from a book is not the wisest choice you can make.
I will go so far out on a limb to add that attempting to learn from a book will, in fact, be detrimental to your progress if you should ever find a real teacher.
Books can be an excellent adjunct and reference, yet I can gaurantee that in attempting to learn from a book you will only reinforce incorrect habits all of which will haunt you for the life of your practice and future progress.
Ask anyone who has studied with a teacher for a length of time and they will certainly tell you that correcting previously incorrect habits is four tmes more difficult than learning one thing new correctly, and ten times more frustrating.
In short, bad habits are both mentally and physically painful to lose, whereas gaining the most minute knowledge from a teacher can be the most joyful experience imagineable.
Put you efforts, your money, and focus on finding a teacher even if it's only for one lesson. Be willing to travel a hundred miles for one lesson. (I know a tabla student and a sitar student who both travel 250 miles twice a month for an hour lesson.)
In the meantime go to concerts or watch video concerts closely, learn to count the taals along with the music, learn the history of tabla, learn more about all of the forms of hindustani music and about ragas. Learn about Indian culture, learn to sit still on the floor yoga style for an hour comfortably. Learn to meditate and to focus your attention. Learn patience. Learn true humility and when you find a teacher that will be far more impressive to others and give you more joy than anything you will have copied from a book

Aanaddha.
shawn122
Re:Best Tabla Book Nov 27, 2003 12:08 p.m.

Well said yet again.
Nothing is better than learning from a guru.

Shawn
Aanaddha
Re:Best Tabla Book Nov 27, 2003 12:22 p.m.

Allow me to add, however, a very important area of study that can be achieved along with a book, (and even without a set of tablas) yet is too often ignored;
Recitation, and memorization.
For me, the person who can recite the bols correctly is as accomplished as the person who can play them. I know of no tabla players who hasn't wished he or she had developed a greater ability and better habits in this form.

Aanaddha
djwow
Re:Best Tabla Book Nov 28, 2003 12:40 a.m.

Amar, in answer to your question, I have seen all of the books mentioned here and more, and I think the book I mentioned will be the most helpful to you, given your situation. I have never used a book alone. .it is impossible to learn everything from a printed page. I have always had good teachers which of course is the preference. And I have traveled many miles to do this, in three different cities, so I do not take teaching lightly (my present teacher uses said book as a supplement).

However, if you cannot find a teacher, or cannot rebirth yourself in India immediately and study from infancy, and don't want to give up, I will give you some encouragement and an option: find a good book in the meantime. Check out the Leake book!
Amar
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 03, 2003 12:16 p.m.

I've learned from a teacher for about 4 yrs, but now I'm interested in teaching myself to reach more advanced levels. There's a language barrier between me and my teacher, plus he's more into the classical stuff than the new-age stuff. I want to learn both on my own now that he's given me the core teachings of tabla.

aanaddha (Nov 27, 2003 11:43 a.m.):
I am well aware that my views are not always the most popular ones, and this one will likely disconcert many.
However, for the sake of presenting another approach I would suggest that learning from a book is not the wisest choice you can make.
I will go so far out on a limb to add that attempting to learn from a book will, in fact, be detrimental to your progress if you should ever find a real teacher.
Books can be an excellent adjunct and reference, yet I can gaurantee that in attempting to learn from a book you will only reinforce incorrect habits all of which will haunt you for the life of your practice and future progress.
Ask anyone who has studied with a teacher for a length of time and they will certainly tell you that correcting previously incorrect habits is four tmes more difficult than learning one thing new correctly, and ten times more frustrating.
In short, bad habits are both mentally and physically painful to lose, whereas gaining the most minute knowledge from a teacher can be the most joyful experience imagineable.
Put you efforts, your money, and focus on finding a teacher even if it's only for one lesson. Be willing to travel a hundred miles for one lesson. (I know a tabla student and a sitar student who both travel 250 miles twice a month for an hour lesson.)
In the meantime go to concerts or watch video concerts closely, learn to count the taals along with the music, learn the history of tabla, learn more about all of the forms of hindustani music and about ragas. Learn about Indian culture, learn to sit still on the floor yoga style for an hour comfortably. Learn to meditate and to focus your attention. Learn patience. Learn true humility and when you find a teacher that will be far more impressive to others and give you more joy than anything you will have copied from a book

Aanaddha.
Amar
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 03, 2003 12:21 p.m.

I'm looking for like the "bible" of tabla. I want to refresh my beginner techniques that my teacher taught, but I also want to learn more advanced techniques to teach myself. I also want the book to present everything in a clear, logical manner. So do we have a general consensus that the book you mentioned is the "bible" that I'm looking for?

djwow (Nov 28, 2003 12:40 a.m.):
Amar, in answer to your question, I have seen all of the books mentioned here and more, and I think the book I mentioned will be the most helpful to you, given your situation. I have never used a book alone. .it is impossible to learn everything from a printed page. I have always had good teachers which of course is the preference. And I have traveled many miles to do this, in three different cities, so I do not take teaching lightly (my present teacher uses said book as a supplement).

However, if you cannot find a teacher, or cannot rebirth yourself in India immediately and study from infancy, and don't want to give up, I will give you some encouragement and an option: find a good book in the meantime. Check out the Leake book!
aanaddha
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 03, 2003 01:57 p.m.

David Courtney's books - the ones you see advertised on the lower left hand column of this page are in my unbaised estimation the most concise and informative and current books on this subject available in the english language.
Where ever did you get the idea that there is such a thing as a tabla "Bible" !? Do you think that there is a "Bible" for vocalists?; for sitarists? This is precisely why you need a teacher.
Aanaddha
aanaddha
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 03, 2003 01:57 p.m.

David Courtney's books - the ones you see advertised on the lower left hand column of this page are in my unbaised estimation the most concise and informative and current books on this subject available in the english language.
Where ever did you get the idea that there is such a thing as a tabla "Bible" !? Do you think that there is a "Bible" for vocalists?; for sitarists? This is precisely why you need a teacher.
Aanaddha
rod
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 04, 2003 12:13 p.m.

I am not sure about "Bible" but I know that there is a great great book written by Pandit Chote Lal of Banaras. It is written in Hindi and is not available to buy. Many people in India (Banaras ) and even my guruji Pt Sharda Sahai told me that there is no book on tabla like that one. I don't remember the title but even if I knew then you would have to ask directly to Pt Chote Lal to get you one. . .

aanaddha (Dec 03, 2003 01:57 p.m.):
Where ever did you get the idea that there is such a thing as a tabla "Bible" !? Do you think that there is a "Bible" for vocalists?; for sitarists? This is precisely why you need a teacher.
Aanaddha
Amar
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 11, 2003 10:02 p.m.

Which of David Courtney's books is the best?

aanaddha (Dec 03, 2003 01:57 p.m.):
David Courtney's books - the ones you see advertised on the lower left hand column of this page are in my unbaised estimation the most concise and informative and current books on this subject available in the english language.
Where ever did you get the idea that there is such a thing as a tabla "Bible" !? Do you think that there is a "Bible" for vocalists?; for sitarists? This is precisely why you need a teacher.
Aanaddha
Randeep
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 12, 2003 12:40 p.m.

Please don't use words like "best" that completely oversimplify what the authors have tried to establish. Every book has it's purpose and they are all an individual piece of art.

If you are interested in a balanced academic and pragmatic look at the art of tabla, then read book 1 and then book 2 in sequence, back to back. If anything, this reading will increase your thirst for tabla knowledge rather than quench it. These books transformed me from a half hearted weekend warrior type to an absolute devout student and fan of the art.
Amar
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 23, 2003 02:17 p.m.

Randeep (Dec 12, 2003 12:40 p.m.):
Please don't use words like "best" that completely oversimplify what the authors have tried to establish. Every book has it's purpose and they are all an individual piece of art.

If you are interested in a balanced academic and pragmatic look at the art of tabla, then read book 1 and then book 2 in sequence, back to back. If anything, this reading will increase your thirst for tabla knowledge rather than quench it. These books transformed me from a half hearted weekend warrior type to an absolute devout student and fan of the art.

Well if I had to choose one, then which one should I choose?
ChrisG
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 23, 2003 03:20 p.m.

aanaddha (Nov 27, 2003 11:43 a.m.):

Ask anyone who has studied with a teacher for a length of time and they will certainly tell you that correcting previously incorrect habits is four tmes more difficult than learning one thing new correctly, and ten times more frustrating.

Aanaddha.


I would like to verify with complete enthusiasm what Aanaddha has just said. I studied with a good teacher for about 5 lessons several years ago, and quite playing in frustration. He was good. I never would have made any progress with a book or video!

Then about 1 year ago I began study with Pt. Samir Chatterjee. He's been coming to Boston about once per month. I've maybe had 10 classes with him. I cannot beleive what a difference it has made. Studying with a real teacher is less about learning something than it is about opening yourself up for the Guru to fill you with his essence. Then the tabla playing unfolds almost magically on its own. This is the only way you'd ever learn to be a decent tabla player. I speak not as a decent tabla player myself, but as one who has recognized the way to get there.

All the best,
Chris
Roopak
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 23, 2003 05:43 p.m.

One excellent book is "Tabla" by Pt. Arvind Mulgaonkar (leading student of U. Amir Hussain Khan). I have read the book in the Marathi language. I do not know if there are translations in other languages.

It provides good ample theory and samples of all forms of compositions, solo and acompaniment rules, practice tips, tuning tips, etc.

http://www.musicindiaonline.com/MIO-Artists/HinIns/Pages/ArvindMulgaonkar.html
djwow
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 25, 2003 02:46 a.m.

I'll spell it out in black and white: GET THE LEAKE BOOK.

Happy holidays!
djwow
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 26, 2003 03:20 a.m.

Do yourself a favor, get the Leake book.

Peace
The Bad Ustad
Re:Best Tabla Book Dec 26, 2003 10:37 a.m.

Hey there all,
Why get yourself into a tizzy on this one? Obviously Amar feels incapable of making a decision and you are all letting yourselves be taken prisoner by his indecision. Maybe now is the time to stop posting thereby forcing him to come to a conclusion. The only reason to continue posting on this thread - is the love of the sound of your own voices. Now THAT is an unpopular viewpoint.
Amar
Re:Best Tabla Book Jan 10, 2004 01:30 a.m.

Bump
nemo
Re:Best Tabla Book Jan 12, 2004 06:23 p.m.

Check out the books on Alokedutta.com.
good information and compositions,
Amar
Re:Best Tabla Book Jan 22, 2004 06:11 p.m.

Bump
sibi
Re:Best Tabla Book Jan 23, 2004 03:49 a.m.

Hi everybody!
I am residing in India, so please mention where can I purchase Courtney's tabla book (please enclose the address)
Shawn
Re:Best Tabla Book Jan 23, 2004 09:57 a.m.

Sibi,

Just look at the lower-left portion of this web page and there are direct links for all of the books. Or, look in Products and Services in the menu directly to the left.

Shawn
http://www.percussionist.net
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