My Musical Journey & Lineage: Learning from the Masters
For me, tabla is more than music; it is a spiritual journey. This path has been shaped by the grace of my Gurus and the rich heritage of the Punjab Gharana.
A selfie after being awarded the Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship for the second time. I am holding the award, feeling immense gratitude to my Gurus and my family.
A closer look at the honor. The portraits I wear are of the great musicians M.S. Subbulakshmi and Bismillah Khan, paying homage to the legends of our music.
A group photograph with all the talented awardees at the Shanmukhananda Auditorium. It was an honor to share the stage with them.
Receiving the award on stage. A moment of immense pride and humility, bowing in respect for the honor.
Being presented with the fellowship award. These recognitions are a responsibility to uphold the tradition with even more dedication.
With a fellow awardee and the President of Shanmukhanand, Dr. V. Shankar ji. Sharing these moments with peers and elders is a blessing.
Performing a tabla solo in front of the esteemed Pandit Mukund Bhale ji in Khairagarh. Playing for such a knowledgeable master was a true test and a great honor.
Another clip from the informal performance for Pandit Mukund Bhale Ji. These baithak sessions are where you receive invaluable feedback and blessings.
Golden moments with Pandit Mukund Bhale Guruji. Here we are in a more relaxed setting, sharing music and conversation.
A collage of the memorable evening spent with Pandit ji and other musicians. The atmosphere was filled with music and learning.
About My Musical Journey & Gurus
Everything I play on the tabla—from the intricate Qaidas to the powerful Pakhawaj Ang—comes directly from the oral tradition of my Guru, Ustad Joginder Singh Ji. When you train with me, we focus on this authentic lineage; you aren't just learning rhythm, you are learning the 'Nikass' (sound production) and discipline that make the Punjab Gharana unique. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your solo performance, my teaching bridges the gap between traditional technique and your own personal expression.
The journey of a tabla player is lifelong. My music is rooted in the Guru-Shishya Parampara, a sacred relationship that goes beyond classroom learning. It is about 'Ryaaz' (disciplined practice) and internalizing the 'Bols' until they become a language of their own.
My training under Ustad Joginder Singh Ji, a disciple of the legendary Ustad Allarakha Khan Saheb, has given me the foundation of the Punjab Gharana—known for its combination of power, grace, and technical precision. My recent recognition with the Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi Fellowship Award (2024, 2025) is a reminder of this responsibility. These moments on stage at the Shanmukhananda Auditorium, or the intimate 'Baithak' sessions with esteemed masters like Pandit Mukund Bhale Ji, are where the true lessons happen.
In my classes, I try to recreate this environment for you. We focus on:
- Foundational Clarity: Proper hand placement (Nikass) and sound quality.
- Rhythmic Mathematics: Mastering Teentaal, Jhaptaal, and complex cycles.
- Performance Grooming: How to construct a solo, build speed, and manage fatigue.
- Philosophy: Why we play matters as much as how we play.
If you are looking for a mentor who treats tabla as a spiritual commitment rather than just a hobby, let’s begin your journey.
Surjeet Singh
I see tabla as a spiritual journey, an 'ek koshish' to honor the tradition I come from. My teaching is deeply rooted in the Punjab Gharana, where I focus on personal discipline and helping you find your own musical voice.
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