T for Tabla with Gurdain Rayatt
Level: Beginners/Intermediate/Advance
Start Date: 2 Sept 2025
Every Wednesday, 5:00-7:00 PM UK Time
1 hr a week
LIVE class, Online
English and Hindi (Devanagari script)
Click below and fill out the form to begin your learning journey
Classes only for at £49/month
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What you'll learn
In this course, you will explore tabla at a level suited to your experience. Beginners will focus on the fundamentals: bols (syllables), hand positions, and simple compositions including basic kaidas and relas to build a solid foundation including recitation and basic taals (rhythmic cycles).
Intermediate students will progress to more complex phrasing, compositions, developing speed, combinations, and creativity. You will learn more complex fixed compositions and further taals.
Advanced learners will refine their artistry through intricate tabla phrasing, variations, compositions, improvisation, and accompaniment skills. Chand and tala concepts including laya/jati will be explored in greater depth. With regular riyaz (practice), you will strengthen timing, clarity, and confidence as you grow step by step in your tabla journey, whichever level!
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for all levels of students wishing to develop their tabla playing. Beginners with no prior experience will find clear guidance and structure to get started. Intermediate players who already keep tala and play basic compositions will gain new repertoire and depth. Advanced students looking to refine performance skills and improvisation will be challenged with complex material. Whether you are just beginning or seeking mastery, this course will help you achieve your next milestone.
Course highlights
✓ Weekly 60-minute sessions with Gurdain Rayatt, disciple of Pdt Yogesh Samsi Ji and the late Pandit Shankar Ghosh Ji
✓ Access to the Darbar Academy students' area for reviewing recorded sessions or catching up on missed lessons
✓ Access to Darbar Academy's students-only Facebook community to stay connected and engage with fellow learners
✓ Individual attention and tailored exercises to improve your playing
✓ Audio recordings and notations to support your daily practice
Our classes have limited seats to ensure maximum personalised feedback – secure your spot now by filling out the form below
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Meet your Teacher
Gurdain Rayatt is a UK-born tabla player recognised as one of Europe’s leading artists, blending traditions of the Benares, Punjab and Farukhabad gharanas. Trained by his grandfather Bhai Gurmit Singh Virdee and father Ustad Harkirat Rayatt, he later studied with Pandit Shankar Ghosh and continues his talim under Pandit Yogesh Samsi. He has performed with maestros including Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Ustad Shahid Parvez, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Niladri Kumar and Anoushka Shankar, appearing at major venues including Royal Albert Hall, Southbank Centre, Abbey Road Studios and Glasshouse International Centre for Music (Sage). His collaborations span diverse projects with Soumik Datta, Kefaya, Michael Messer’s Mitra and Pagrav Dance Company, bringing tabla into contemporary, cross-cultural and dance contexts. Gurdain also maintains a long association with the Darbar Festival, honouring his family’s legacy.
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