Tabla Accompaniment for Indian Classical Music
Sangat is a musical conversation. I focus on listening and responding, creating a cohesive rhythm that enhances your melody.
The joy of a musical conversation. Here I am sharing the stage with santoor artist Shantanu Gokhale, lost in the flow of the performance. A great sangat is about listening and responding to create something beautiful together.
A magical outdoor concert under the moon. The setting of a performance adds so much to the mood of the music. This was a beautiful evening of Hindustani classical music.
A moment of intense listening while accompanying a santoor recital. My role in sangat is to anticipate and complement the melodic artist's phrasing.
A happy moment on stage. The energy and rapport between co-artists is something the audience can always feel.
Interacting with young students after a performance with fellow artist Shantanu Gokhale. It is always a pleasure to share our passion for Indian classical music with the next generation.
A post-concert photo with flautist Rasika Vartak and santoor player Shantanu Gokhale. Collaborating with such talented artists is always a learning experience.
Another shot with my fellow musicians. Getting three artists to look at the camera at the same time is sometimes harder than playing a concert.
Sharing the stage with my dear gurubhai, Yashwant Vaishnav. Performing a tabla duet is a unique challenge that requires perfect understanding and synchronization.
About The Art of Sangat: Musical Conversations
When I accompany a vocalist or instrumentalist, the first step is always tuning my Dayan to match your specific pitch, whether it is A#, B, or C. This ensures the tabla feels like a natural extension of your melody. It is not just about keeping the beat. It is about actively listening to your phrasing and responding dynamically so the rhythm supports your performance rather than sitting underneath it.
The Art of Sangat
In Hindustani classical music, Sangat is far more than providing a steady time cycle. It is a dialogue. My approach, rooted in the Punjab Gharana tradition, focuses on 'Nikas'—the clarity of sound—and dynamic balance. When I am on stage with a Santoor player or a vocalist, my priority is to complement the mood of the Raag rather than overpowering the lead artist.
Technical Precision
Music requires collaboration, and that begins before the first note is played. To achieve the right sound, I arrive 45 to 60 minutes early for a detailed sound check. I require specific microphone placement, usually SM57s or similar, to capture both the high-frequency crispness of the Dayan and the deep resonance of the Bayan. This ensures that the improvisation and rhythmic conclusions, or Tihais, cut through the mix without needing to be loud.
Why Collaborate
I have spent years learning to anticipate the breathing and phrasing of lead artists. Whether we are performing at a large festival or an intimate baithak, the goal remains the same: a seamless connection between the instruments. If you are a vocalist or instrumentalist looking for a partner who understands the nuances of Indian classical accompaniment, let us connect and see how our styles might align.
Onkar Todkar
I'm Onkar. I believe good Sangat is about having a musical conversation, not just keeping time. I focus on balancing the sound so the tabla complements your melody rather than overpowering it.
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