Live Tabla Performances
Available across Mumbai
I perform live tabla in Punjab Gharana style for solo recitals, classical accompaniment, and devotional events across India.
Pricing Guide
Classical Accompaniment Service
Core Performance
- Role: Musical accompaniment (Sangat) for one main artist (Vocalist, Sitarist, Flautist).
- Style: Punjab Gharana sensitive playing focused on Theka and Sawal-Jawab without overpowering the lead.
- Repertoire: Support for Khayal, Thumri, Ghazal, or Bhajan formats including Teentaal, Ektaal, Jhaptaal, and Rupak.
Technical & Logistics
- Instrument: 1 Professional Grade Tabla Set tuned to the main artist's scale.
- Sound Check: Arrival 45-60 minutes prior to the show for mic placement and tuning.
- Audio Req: Client must provide 2 microphones on short stands (SM57/58 preferred) and monitor fold-back.
Presentation
- Attire: Traditional Indian Kurta-Pajama with Turban (Pagdi).
- Etiquette: Strict adherence to stage hierarchy and classical decorum.
Traditional Solo Recital
Performance Structure
- Format: Solo performance where the Tabla is the lead instrument.
- Content: Full traditional arc including Peshkar (intro), Qaida (variations), Rela (high speed), and Chakradar Tihai (mathematical endings).
- Style: Rare compositions from the Punjab Gharana featuring open-handed resonance.
Setup & Interaction
- Extended Kit: Multi-tabla setup (1 Bayan + 2 or 3 Dayans) for added tonal texture.
- Engagement: Explaining the bols (syllables) to the audience in Hindi or English before playing.
Requirements
- Lehra Accompaniment: A Lehra player (Harmonium) is required to keep the time loop. This must be hired separately by the client or requested as an add-on.
Premium Commercial Performance
Performance Scope
- Format: Collaborative Fusion or Jugalbandi (Duet) with other musicians (Sitar, Guitar, Keyboard).
- Vibe: Crowd-pleasing, up-tempo rhythms blending classical nuances with modern grooves.
- Flexibility: Includes ability to jam or improvise with a DJ or existing band setup.
Production Quality
- Sound Engineering: Extended sound check (1+ hour) to ensure Tabla cuts through electronic mixes.
- Instrument: Studio-grade resonant drums for high-end event audio.
Visuals & Logistics
- Attire: Premium styling (Designer Kurta/Jacket/Turban) to match luxury event aesthetics.
- Travel: Includes travel within city limits (Outstation travel requires flight, stay, and per diem).
About Live Tabla Performances
Tabla is my way to connect with something deeper—it's not just music, it's a journey. Every performance for me is an ek koshish (my humble attempt) to keep that tradition alive and real. I speak through the bols, hoping you feel the soul in every beat.
What I Offer
- My live tabla shows are rooted in the Punjab Gharana, always leaning into soulful expression and rhythmic grace.
- I’m based in Mumbai and Delhi, but I travel all over India for concerts, festivals, and spiritual gatherings.
Performance Styles
- Tabla Solo Recital (Baithak Style): For those who want to experience tabla in its truest form. Expect classic compositions—Kayada, Rela & Gat, Tihai—and a journey through taals like Teentaal, Jhaptaal, Rupak. Usually, there's a harmonium lehra backing me up.
- Classical Tabla Accompaniment: Whether it’s with vocalists, ghazal singers, or instrumentalists (especially in jugalbandi tabla performance with sitar or even in fusion), I love the dialogue that happens on stage.
- Live Tabla for Devotional Events: For me, playing at spiritual gatherings or Gurbani Kirtan is a blessed haazri. My tabla brings its own vibe to bhajans and kirtans.
My Roots
I’m a student of the Punjab Gharana, shaped by my guru Ustad Joginder Singh Ji. Whatever I play is a blessing from my family and teacher. In a world full of filters, I just try to keep it original. Your blessings, bas wahi chahiye (that’s all I need).
Meet your Expert
Surjeet Singh
376 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Main Surjeet Singh, tabla bajata hoon, zindagi bas sur aur taal hai. Jo kuch seekha, sab Guruji Joginder Singh Ji se. Guru-Shishya Parampara hi asli music ka jaan hai, bina uske sab feeka. Stage ho ya Gurdwara Bangla Sahib ki hazri, music mein sukoon milta hai. Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship Award mila, par main abhi bhi ek student hi hoon. Sab kuch uparwale ka diya, dil se shukriya.
My Work
Tabla Performances & Teaching - I play tabla for classical concerts, solo recitals, spiritual Gurbani Kirtan, and teach sincere students.
Punjab Gharana Style - My playing is rooted in Punjab Gharana tabla, powerful but graceful, with traditional Qaida and Gatt.
Rare Guruji Compositions - I present rare Guruji compositions, mixing Pakhawaj Ang and complex cycles like Teentaal or Roopak.
Concerts & Collaboration - Based in Mumbai-Delhi, I travel for concerts, playing at NMACC, Shanmukhananda, and with many musicians.
