The tabla is a pair of hand drums originating from the Indian subcontinent. It has been the principal percussion instrument in Hindustani classical music since the 18th centur
The tabla consists of two drums: the smaller dayan (or tabla) and the larger bayan (or dagga). The dayan produces treble and tonal sounds, while the bayan provides bass1.
The tabla is known for its complex playing technique, which involves extensive use of the fingers and palms to create a wide variety of sounds and rhythms1. It is used in various musical genres, including classical, popular, and folk music, and is an essential instrument in bhakti devotional traditions and Sufi music.
The mridangam is a traditional percussion instrument that plays a central role in Carnatic music, the classical music of South India. It is known for its deep, resonant sound and intricate rhythmic patterns.
Hindustani and Carnatic singing are the two main styles of Indian classical music, each with its own unique characteristics and traditions.
"Classes taken by Swapnil S, a writer, poet, singer and Indian percussionist. Takes Vocal and percussion Indian music workshops, training with special focus on Tabla, Mridangam, Hindustani and Carnatic vocal music."
Early Life:
Swapnil started his musical journey, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. At a tender age
of 6 years, he started learning Tabla under Shri Sanjay Mishra.
In his young years his mother was a guiding force and helped him learn music,
she herself was a violinist and sister a professional Hindustani vocalist. His father
is a gifted musician as he has profound knowledge of ragas though not trained
professionally. Many of his extended family members are also professional
Hindustani musicians.
After completing his 10 years course in Tabla from Indira Art And Music
University, Khairagarh- Swapnil continued his Musical Tabla learning under Shri
Suresh Samant Ji of Pune for a period of next 5 years.
Musical Life:
Swapnil continues to learn with his Guru Bhai Shri Dhaivat Mehta Ji, under their
Guru Dr. Aneesh Pradhan Ji from Mumbai for last 15 years for his advanced Tabla
studies.
His Son is a budding Carnatic Flute and Hindustani Bansuri player and daughter
training in classical dance forms.
Swapnil’s exposure to Carnatic music was limited, which gained pace sooner he
travelled to down south at Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Thrissur and Chennai. He
decided to make his base residence and now lives in Bengaluru for over 18 years.
He is trained in Mridangam under the Vidwaan Late Dr. Nandyala Ramamurthy
Garu, of Nadabhrama Thyagaraja Ashram centre for Music and Performing Arts,
Bangalore.
Exposure to and formal training in Mridangam and Carnatic Classical later after
Hindustani Classcial Music, has widened his musical horizons.
He has been performing in various programs and musical ensemble,
accompanying artists for Instrumental, Vocal, Kathak, Bharatanatyam and
Contemporary dance forms are a few of his many activities he is engaged from
time to time.
He spends his time devoting to teaching students who wants to understand
music of India and world, Language of Music, Science and Art of Percussion,
Understanding and Singing folk, devotional, ghazals, bhajans, kirtans, qawwalis,
dhrupad and prabandh gayaki, khayals, dancing with rhythms, and play one or
more percussion instruments as appropriate to the style, emotions, and
repertoire as per their interests and needs.
Teaching and Performing:
He owns the responsibility of planning a custom program as per the student’s
needs and skills to perform to their best, organising workshops and tours,
promoting events and music, and setting up regimen for taalim, rehearsals etc.
He especially believes music to be a catalyst to change oneself and for healing
due to its various traditional and research based therapeutic effects.
