TEACHING MUSIC – TABLA, DHOLAK, DHOL, NAAL, PAKHAWAJ

Though Jay's main percussion instrument is Tabla, nevertheless, he is also apt at playing various other Indian percussion instruments such as Dholak, Dhol, Naal, and Pakhawaj.

He is an experienced tabla-teacher and has been imparting Indian percussion lessons for more than ten years. Most of his experience in teaching started off in India, at the Saptak School of Music. Besides Saptak, he also taught at a few other institutions.

» Lessons
Currently, Jay conducts Indian percussion classes in Adelaide, South Australia. He teaches traditional classical as well as non-conventional Indian percussion techniques, depending on the interests of his students. The classes are conducted at both, individual and group level.

All those seeking to learn Indian percussion are most welcome. Classes are conducted at various levels - beginners, intermediate and advanced students alike. Also, those who wish to learn how to play the instruments for bhajans and kirtans (devotional songs), would be taught accordingly.

During the classes, students are trained to play various Bols (syllables played on tabla), Thekaas (basic structures of a rhythmic pattern), and conventional authentic compositions such as Gats, Tukdaas and Relaas.

In his lessons, Jay objects at rendering students with a sound knowledge of the instruments' background and technicalities, such as the ideal way of handling them and also the correct application of techniques. He focuses on improving the tonal quality, clarity, command, and guides his students into creating their own improvisations as tabla-players.

One of Jay's specialities in teaching is that he focuses on helping his students at creating their own Paltaa (variations) and Tihaais (calculated syllables that are played three times in order to finish the rhythmic cycle). This develops their creativity and spontaneity as musicians.
He prefers teaching in the traditional classical manner as he believes this to be the foundation of becoming a sound musician, be it classical or semi-classical.

MUSIC PERFORMANCES – AS A SOLOIST AND ACCOMPANIST

» Solo performances
Jay's solo performances exhibit a sound knowledge of the Benaras-Gharana style of tabla-playing. These include Uthaan, Paraal, Tukdaas, Relaas, Mukhpaath, and various other nuances of the Benaras-Gharana.

» Accompaniment
While in India, Jay has accompanied renowned artists, such as Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Smt Manju Mehta. He has also performed in front of maestros, such as Ustad Zakir Hussein, Pt. Kumar Bose, Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Rajan & Sajan Mishra and many more.

» Australia
Since moving to South Australia in 2006, Jay has made a remarkable name for himself as an Indian percussion artist. He has performed Australia-wide in various festivals and events, and has performed with renowned artists.