Indian Tabla | Summer 2023

SOAS is extraordinarily privileged to have an ongoing affiliation with the viruosic tabla maestro and Head of the Banaras Gharana, Sanju Sahai. Join us for a spellbinding five-day Tabla course for beginners and intermediate players, led by Sanju Sahai.

When: Mon 3rd - Fri 7th July, 18:30-20:30 BST

Where: Room TBC

Delivery: in-person

Known to be the world's most expressive drum, Tablas with their unique and powerful melody are the backbone of Classical North Indian (Hindustani) music. This course is an introduction to basic drumming techniques and rhythmic structures (taal) of Indian music. It's got everything to have your back: theoretical lessons, hands-on sessions, and all instruments given.

About the instrument

Tabla drums are played in pairs: The lower-pitched bayan is a copper/clay drum with a 10” head, whereas the higher-pitched dayan is wooden with a 6” head. Legend says the Tabla was born 500 years ago in India when a larger, two-headed drum was dropped and broken into two pieces.

Meet the teacher

Sanju Sahai, also known as Vishnu, is one of the finest tabla players in the UK. As the son of legendary Pandit Sharda Sahai, he represents the 6th generation of Tabla players in the Benares Gharana lineage. A child prodigy, Sanju gained his Bachelor of Music at the age of 13 and a Master of Music by the time he was 18. Over the years, he has been combining his Tabla skills with different genres such as Jazz, Egyptian, Flamenco, Opera, hip hop, and folk whilst collaborating with famous international musicians to deliver the mesmerising music he delivers.