Introductory Tabla Classes for Kids

This beginner course for kids focuses on developing the love for tabla, a primary impetus for kids to pursue the instrument in the future. It includes an introduction to the following: Taal Structure, Literature of tabla, Taal exercises, Basic finger techniques kaidas, and a few fixed compositions. The course will be an introduction to this beautiful instrument, sitting posture, different parts of the Tabla, and the hand positions the enrolled student would need to learn to play the instrument. Recitation of the taals is very important in this stage. So in the beginning, while practicing at home, children will not forget with which finger and with which hand they have to play those syllables.

After learning the basic kaidas and some compositions, they will be taught the required basic phrases. In this way of teaching by Unmesh Banerjee, students will learn Tabla very systematically with no tension and they will enjoy playing and practicing. Your instructor for this course, Unmesh is passionate about sharing the knowledge that he has received from his masters with fellow rhythm enthusiasts. He has been training tabla students since a young age. He has also been training drummers, singers, and instrumentalists of various genres from across the globe and introducing them to the magic of Indian rhythm - The Carnatic system and the North Indian system.

About the instructor: One of the most promising tabla players of his generation, Unmesh Banerjee hails from a family steeped deep into North Indian Classical Music. Unmesh was also fortunate to receive guidance from the legend Acharya Pandit Shankar Ghosh and from Pandit Bickram Ghosh. He received taalim in raga music from his mother Smt Bharati Banerjee Nanavati. Unmesh endeavors to infuse interest and respect of the traditional art form in the hearts and minds of the younger generation. With his crisp hand, sharp brain, and flair for rhythm he has been performing tabla solos and accompanying various artists across India right from the tender age of 6. He has been an artist of All India Radio and recipient of the CCRT Scholarship and an ICCR approved artist. He has been part of a cultural exchange program in Dublin, Ireland representing his alma mater, St.Xavier’s Collegiate School, Kolkata. Unmesh has performed with veterans like Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan, Ustad Rashid Khan, Talat Aziz, Pandit Amiya Ranjan Bandyopadhyay, Pandit Somnath Mardur, Pandit Atul Upadhye, and many other such veterans and music legends. 

He has been a part of festivals like Sangeet Research Academy, Kalashree Music Circle, NCPA, CCRT unity in diversity meet, Legends of India, Aradhana Sangeet Academy, Lokmanya Samajik, Sanskriti Kendra Yuva Pratibhotsav, Hampi Utsav, Mahindra Kabira Festival, Facebook Promo, Genexx Annual Conference, Dumru Emerging Talents, etc. Unmesh is often featured as a guest artist for Zee-Bangla Saregamapa, a popular reality show. He was also featured as a guest artist in the famed guitarist Harri Stojka's popular band The Indian Express and toured Austria with his band. Unmesh was felicitated by Bangiya Sanskriti Samsad, Pune for his contributions in the field of music in Pune.

Unmesh is currently the Head of The Department of BEATS, the rhythm department of Ustad Rashid Khan Saheb's academy The Fifth Note Global Center of Excellence. Unmesh also shows a keen interest in experimental music, rich in its content. His initiative, The Ki Ta Dha Project, is a collaborative project to portray the magic of Indian rhythm. Unmesh is organic with almost all percussion instruments including the Kanjira, Cajon, and the Bongo.