Besides helping the students understand the literature and glossary of this instrument, the curriculum of this advanced-level course covers the following:

• Introduction to the history of the Tabla, its music and works of famous musicians
• Traditional compositions of different gharanas
• Introduction to short cycled Taals like Keharwa, Dadra etc 
• Melodic compositions in Tintaal, Rupak, Jhaptaal, Ektaal to play as an accompanying instrument to vocals and other musical instruments- Ateet, Anagata, Peshkar its variations, Qayedas, Chalan, Chakradars of different types, Relas
• Playing the Tabla solo in Madhya Laya

Expert Shailendra Mishra has been nurtured and seasoned for Tabla playing by eminent Indian gurus like Shri Arjun Rai, Pandit Anand Gopal Bandopadhyay, and Pandit Sameer Chatterjee. 

He also received valuable guidance from Late Pandit Shyamal Bose. He represents both Banaras and Farrukkhabad Gharanas. At a very young age, he carved a niche for himself and is one of the most talented percussionists in India.

His playing reflects the authenticity of the Gharanas he represents, clarity and dignity to the ‘Bols’, his complete control over ‘Laya’, and a good understanding of the underlying complexities of ‘Taal’ and ‘Laya’. His repertoire is rich and varied, indeed. Winner of many prestigious contests, he also has a Master’s Degree in Music (percussion).

He has also participated several times in the ‘National Programme of Music’ on AIR and Doordarshan (Indian T.V. channels). He has conducted workshops as well as ‘Lecture Demonstrations, covering various topics on music, especially the Indian rhythm and related aspects of the art of Tabla playing. 

Shailendra has accompanied stalwarts like Ustad Amjad Ali Khan (sarod), Pandit V.G.Jog (violin), Pandit Shrikant Bakre (vocal), Pandit Rajan Sajan Mishra (vocal), Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar (vocal), Vidushi N.Rajam (violin), Smt Laxmishankar) (vocal), Pandit Surinder Singh (vocal) and a host of eminent vocalists and instrumentalists in India and abroad. His solo performances and Jugalbandi concerts, including the Carnatic percussionists, have been greatly admired and applauded by critics and connoisseurs.

Of late, his exploration of fusion music has turned out to be one more feather in his cap. He has also worked with jazz musicians like Lewis Pragasam, Greg Lyons, and ‘Gamelan’ (a group of Malaysian traditional instruments).

On invitation from the ‘Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India, he has toured different places in India and abroad to perform and propagate the art of Tabla playing. 

ICCR, Government of India had deputed him as third secretary(culture) in the Cultural Centre, High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur. There he was not only teaching this art to the people of Malaysia but also propagating and spreading Indian culture through musical performances, workshops, and seminars.