Inside the Riyaz: My Daily Tabla Sadhana
The magic on stage is born from countless hours of quiet work. Here is a glimpse into the moments of focus, preparation, and collaboration that happen long before the performance begins.
Just warming up my hands during a rehearsal session for our upcoming shows. The moments before a concert are filled with anticipation and focus.
While practicing together in the newly renovated music room of Samanwaya Sarkar da, we made this short video. These informal sessions are vital for building musical understanding.
A quiet morning practice session. This daily routine is the foundation of my musical journey. It's a conversation between me and my tabla.
Working on an exciting new world music project. Here's a short piece I recorded in between sessions. I can't wait to share the final result with you all.
Warming up for a concert in Ahmedabad. A few minutes of riyaz helps to center the mind and prepare the hands for the performance ahead.
A short practice video and an invitation to my concert in Delhi. My dog often sits quietly and listens to my riyaz sessions.
An old recording from a practice session. It's interesting to look back and see how one's playing evolves over time.
A fun video from a practice session in Delhi. The t-shirt says 'The Spirit of Music', which is what I try to channel every time I play.
Enjoying a moment of practice in the serene ambiance of Sourendro and Soumyojit da's beautiful academy, SA. The environment plays a big role in the quality of riyaz.
About Rehearsals & Riyaz: The Daily Sadhana
My daily riyaz is the quiet foundation of every performance. Whether it is a solo session at dawn or a collaborative rehearsal with a fellow musician, these hours are where I refine the Farukhabad Gharana compositions. It is not just about muscle memory, it is about finding the right mental space so that the rhythm flows naturally when the stage lights finally come on.
The Philosophy of Practice
For me, riyaz is a sadhana, a spiritual practice that goes beyond technical drills. It is a conversation between me and the tabla. While the stage gives me the joy of performing for an audience, the practice room is where I find clarity. I often start my day with a session, sometimes with my dog sitting quietly by my side, which helps me center my mind before the day gets busy.
Collaborative Conversations
Music is rarely a solitary pursuit. Some of the most important growth happens during rehearsals with fellow artists. Whether I am jamming with a sitar player or preparing for a Kathak performance, these sessions are vital for building musical intuition. We focus on the 'sawalo jawab' (call and response), ensuring that we listen to each other as much as we play. It is these moments of exchange that make the final performance feel alive.
Preparing for the Stage
When I prepare for a concert, the technical details matter as much as the music. I dedicate 45 to 60 minutes before every show to onsite precision tuning and instrument acclimatization. A tabla is sensitive to humidity and temperature, so getting the Dayan and Bayan calibrated correctly is essential for achieving that clean, resonant sound the Farukhabad style is known for. This preparation ensures that whether I am playing for a small baithak or a large auditorium, the audience hears the true voice of the instrument.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
The Art of Sitar Practice: My Daily Riyaaz
A Glimpse Into the Life of a Tabla Artist
Sitar Riyaz and Practice Sessions
13
The Discipline of Tabla: Riyaaz and Soundcheck
My Kathak Riyaaz: A Daily Practice
The Art of Riyaaz: A Musical Journey
More from Live Tabla Performance by Debjit Patitundi
More services by Debjit Patitundi