The Discipline of Tabla: Riyaaz and Soundcheck
Before the lights come up and the audience settles in, there is the discipline of daily riyaaz and the precision of a soundcheck. This is where my tabla finds its voice.
Soundcheck at NMACC. Getting the levels right for my set of tablas to ensure every bol is heard clearly.
The stage is set for the show at NMACC. You can see my tablas in the foreground, with the drum kit and other instruments ready for the performance.
A moment of calm during the soundcheck. It's important to feel comfortable and connected with the stage and sound before the audience arrives.
Making final adjustments to the tuning of my tablas during soundcheck. Each drum needs to be perfectly tuned to the key of the performance.
Another view of the soundcheck process, with the sound engineers in the background. It takes a team to put on a great show.
The process of tuning the tabla with a hammer is a crucial part of preparation. This ensures the pitch is perfect.
The groove gets better when the tabla talks. A shot from a studio session, with a simple lighting setup creating a nice mood.
Riyaaz session in Mumbai. The city's energy always inspires me, even during quiet moments of practice at home.
Another angle from my practice corner in Mumbai. The plants and the evening light create a peaceful atmosphere for music.
Lost in the rhythm during a home practice session. This is where the foundation of every performance is built.
About Behind the Music: Riyaaz & Soundchecks
Tuning is not just a technical necessity, it is a meditative ritual. I spend at least 45 minutes before every show with my hammer and ears, aligning the tabla to the specific acoustics of the venue. Whether it is an open-air festival in Delhi or an intimate baithak in Mumbai, these moments ensure that when I finally sit down, the instrument is ready to speak its truth.
For a percussionist, the stage is only half the work. The rest happens in the quiet hours of practice, or 'riyaaz'. My foundation in the Punjab Gharana demands total clarity in every bol, whether it is a complex Kayada or a simple Theka. When you see me in these images, you are seeing the effort that precedes the performance.
The Anatomy of a Soundcheck
Every venue presents a different challenge. In a large concert hall like NMACC, the sound needs to be crisp and cutting, while in a devotional gathering or Gurbani Kirtan, the resonance must be warm and supportive. During a soundcheck, I work closely with sound engineers to ensure my tabla set—tuned to the lead artist's specific scale—sits perfectly in the mix. I look for the right microphone placement (often SM57 or SM58) to capture the depth of the Bayan and the sharpness of the Dayan. It is about creating a dialogue between the player, the instrument, and the space.
Why Riyaaz Matters
'In a world of filters, stay original.' This mantra is what I bring to my practice sessions. When I am at home in Mumbai, my riyaaz is constant. It is the time where I deconstruct compositions, experiment with Pakhawaj Ang, and refine the mathematical precision of my Tihais. This daily commitment is why I can adapt quickly during a live jugalbandi or a spontaneous fusion jam. Whether you are looking for a solo recitalist for your event or a professional accompanist for your next studio project, you are hiring someone who treats every beat as a tribute to the tradition passed down by my Ustadji, Ustad Joginder Singh Ji.
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