As my subject states, I'm a completely new beginner and I wondered if anyone could offer advice on the various videos, books, etc. that are out there. Naturally, I'd prefer a DVD, but it seems there aren't many available (at least in my internet searches). So, any suggestions?
Dear Juni,
Welcome. A lot of beginner questions including my own are archived from the "search" tab above under the "Chandra & David's Indian Music Forums" header. Search under any topic from "beginner", or "DVD" or any of a hundred keywords. Or, just go back to "previous pg. next > below as far as it will go and start reading.
Another good resource are the chandrakantha.com site links in the upper left of this page.
Juni,
You're welcome.
I forgot to ask. . do you have a teacher? If not it would be advisable to begin looking. Where are you located? You might be surprised at how many teachers there might be, and other tabla students, too, just a few miles or a few blocks away.
I live in central Ohio. As yet, I've not discovered anyone locally and am not yet certain whether I'll pursue that avenue. The tablas were gift to me for my birthday. It was my thought to start with a good book and video to see how well "we" connect :-)
Books and videos are fine as a suplement to learning - but when the student does something really ass-backwards - the book or video is unlikely to point it out. Bad habits picked up at the beginning of learning process will haunt you all your life. I speak from experience. Working with a teacher is not just for the "serious" guys. It's what is needed for anyone desiring real satisfaction from the instrument. Having a good pair of tablas and no teacher is like having a Porshe and only pushing it up and down the driveway.
Cheers,
KD
Your point is well taken and I will give it serious consideration. And it warms my heart to hear someone say that teachers aren't just for the "serious" guys. :-) In one listing I found on the internet, for a teacher several hours drive away, it stated that was the only kind of student accepted.
It remains to be seen though, whether or not there's anyone close to me. At this time, driving to another part of the state or a neighboring one is not really an option for me.
My search for books/videos reflects my desire to start learning right away. I do not want this beautiful gift to just sit in the corner unused and unexplored.
Thank you for your advice and concern. I appreciate it.
You might try looking for a local Hindu or Sikh temple. If you have any kind of community of either of these religions in you nearest city there will be a building being used as a temple. That's where I found my teacher (he teaches sitar and tabla in fact, and it's very relaxed - by no means for 'serious players' only :-))
Check 'Places of Worship' in Yellow Pages - seriously!
I assume you've tried David and Chandra's teacher listings?
If you haven't found what you are looking for - try this one which will have some not listed on D+C's
Thank you, yes, I have checked David & Chandra's list. The teacher there was several hours drive away and only took serious, classical students.
Interestingly, Hasu Patel, listed as a sitar teacher on your site, is someone whose website I visited just yesterday. My husband, who plays sitar, has emailed her to see if she travels to our area (her schedule takes her around the state).
He is interested in seeing her perform and also asked for information on sitar classes/lessons. If I remember correctly, her site indicated she also teaches tabla, so I am looking forward to learning of her response to his email.
Thanks, I hadn't thought of that! Actually, I think there's a Hindu temple about 1/2 hour from me! I came across their website once while doing an internet search.
You might try looking for a local Hindu or Sikh temple. If you have any kind of community of either of these religions in you nearest city there will be a building being used as a temple. That's where I found my teacher (he teaches sitar and tabla in fact, and it's very relaxed - by no means for 'serious players' only :-))
Check 'Places of Worship' in Yellow Pages - seriously!
Good luck,
Jerry
Jerry,
That's a terrific suggestion! I hope other newbies are reading this! They could also ask around other Indian and Pakistani organizations in the area and college and universitiy music departments in the area, and with Indian and Pakistani student organizations. Who knows, maybe a young tabla player who's studying here will even swap lessons for a good American home-cooked dinner? Seriously.
