I have always been intrigued by tabla and sitar, but lately I've found a special interest in learning tabla. Although, a late starter, I feel I can learn this instrument and am looking for a teacher. It is so difficult to locate a school, I'm a VA resident and would like some input if anyone knows of any good teachers or schools in the area. Thanks very much.
Waheed,
Unfortunately the list of 'teachers and performers' for Virginia from the chandrakantha.com site map isn't up-to-date. VA is also a large state, send me your location and I might be able to help you out.
Here's a few names you can look through. If the tabla teachers listed aren't close to you, try calling the other teachers. Sitar players don't live in vacum - and generally will know tabla players/teachers in their vicinity.
I am saddened to report that Shri Subhash Karmarkar of Great Falls, Va., a student of Ust.Ahmedjan Thirakawa passed away on Jan.9, 2004. A memorial service Shraddhanjali will be held:
2:30 PM, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
BOHRER PARK, SUMMIT HALL FARM
GAITHERSBURG, MD.
[quote]Keshav Das (Feb 16, 2004 08:28 a.m.):
Here's a few names you can look through. If the tabla teachers listed aren't close to you, try calling the other teachers. Sitar players don't live in vacum - and generally will know tabla players/teachers in their vicinity.
VIRGINIA
Subhash Karmarkar - Tabla/Pakawaj
karmarkar1@cox.net
Great falls (703) 759-3979 / (301)227-3985
. . .
Of the other tabla teachers on Keshav's list I can certainly recommend Shri Dev Nayak. Also, Pt. Samir Chatterjee (see listings for New Jersey) teaches group classes on a regularly scheduled basis in Potomac, Md., close to Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia.
A quick appendage to Aanaddha's comment. . I'm a northern VA resident, and I have a few friends who learn from Pt. Samir Chatterjee. I would reccomend looking elsewhere, as he does not come on a regular basis and has large classes, which together make it very difficult for students just beginning tabla. Other teachers in the northern VA area include
Daniel Prabhakar at the JCCNV, a very good teacher, especially for those just starting tabla
and also Shyam Pai, Sant Keshavdas' son, in Loudon County. . but I don't know if he's taking students at this point
Vivek (Feb 20, 2004 01:03 a.m.):
A quick appendage to Aanaddha's comment. . I'm a northern VA resident, and I have a few friends who learn from Pt. Samir Chatterjee. I would reccomend looking elsewhere, as he does not come on a regular basis and has large classes, which together make it very difficult for students just beginning tabla. Other teachers in the northern VA area include
Daniel Prabhakar at the JCCNV, a very good teacher, especially for those just starting tabla
and also Shyam Pai, Sant Keshavdas' son, in Loudon County. . but I don't know if he's taking students at this point
feel free to contact me if you need more info
To the contrary; Pt. Samir Chatterjee's classes are scheduled weeks in advance, as are regular practice sessions, seminars, and group performance opportunities, including those for beginning students.
In general, the group classes are relatively small (8-10 students at most) and benefit the newer student not only in the lower cost of lessons compared to private tutoring, but also in the mutual support and friendships that are encouraged between the various learning levels - there is no favoritism here.
My wife has been a piano teacher for thirty years, and from my comparitive observations (I am also a student of guruji), his teaching skills and methods are equal to, and no less than his more obvious abilities as a musician and performer.
By all means, you should certainly check out Vivek's recommendations as well, before making a decision.
I apologize if my advice came off as uninformed, and I hope I didn't offend anyone. I was basing it on what I've heard from a close friend of mine who is one of Pt. Chatterjee's students. He was telling me that the classes were reduced to once every three weeks, and then later to once a month. Another friend of mine began lessons with him not too long ago and commented that he didn't feel he was getting enough personal attention for him to really learn properly at this stage. Everything I'm telling you is based off of experience and advice from friends, so it may be somewhat opinionated, but I'm merely offering it in hopes that you may consider it when making your decision.
Vivek (Feb 21, 2004 11:44 p.m.):
I apologize if my advice came off as uninformed, and I hope I didn't offend anyone. I was basing it on what I've heard from a close friend of mine who is one of Pt. Chatterjee's students. He was telling me that the classes were reduced to once every three weeks, and then later to once a month. Another friend of mine began lessons with him not too long ago and commented that he didn't feel he was getting enough personal attention for him to really learn properly at this stage. Everything I'm telling you is based off of experience and advice from friends, so it may be somewhat opinionated, but I'm merely offering it in hopes that you may consider it when making your decision.
To be honest, I've had (and I suspect everyone has) periods of difficulty with my teacher about what I felt my progress should be, or about how my particular wants and needs were addressed, or that other people were getting more attention. .etc., etc. (I'm embarrassed now to even recall) I'd even begun to think that maybe tabla might be a mistake for me and that I would never progress beyond the amateur level if at all.
Digging a little deeper I discovered that not only were these truer reflections of my own impatience and pride; but more importantly that it was these incessant voices that were keeping me from listening to what my teacher said to everyone's benefit and progress including my own.
I am quite convinced now that it takes at least as much talent to listen as it does to play well.
A good teacher will say or demonstrate something once and never again - and that thing will be the one thing you need to see or hear to get to the next level or progress as a person in any discipline. He may even be looking the other way and not at you. .
This is why I encourage everyone to find a teacher - and to stay with them - as you can never challenge yourself to the degree that someone with greater knowledge can, who sees you not as a self-reflection but as who you really are, with abilities beyond your own limited imagination.
Dear Vivek, forgive my digressions but I thought that this might be relevant to your friend�s experience. I hope it is not also your own.
I'd even begun to think that maybe tabla might be a mistake for me and that I would never progress beyond the amateur level if at all. .
Dear Vivek, forgive my digressions but I thought that this might be relevant to your friend?s experience. I hope it is not also your own.
Sincerely,
Aanaddha
There is nothing to forgive Aanaddha, as I personally am intrigued to hear this perspective on the issue. Thank you for bringing it to light; it's definitely something worth thinking about. I am happy to say this has not been my personal experience, but I see your point that not everyone's that lucky. It's probably just that I have gotten spoiled with a teacher who manages to motivate me more than any other I've ever had, while still having only the highest expectations from his students (in terms of our learning/listening) and who also makes it a point to crush our confidence on a regular basis so that we don't develop any semblance of arrogance. Sorry if I'm getting a little long-winded, but thanks again Aanaddha for bringing your points to light.
