Punjab Gharana Tabla Lineage and Training
Music is a dialogue between generations. My training in the Punjab Gharana is a direct link to the teachings of my Ustadji, Ustad Joginder Singh Ji, and the legacy of the great Ustad Allarakha Khan Saheb.
A moment of pure respect and gratitude with my Ustadji. The Guru-shishya tradition is the soul of our music, and his blessings are my greatest strength.
On Guru Purnima, I pay my respects to my Ustadji. This image shows him during his own practice, a source of endless inspiration for me.
Another view of my Guru, Ustad Joginder Singh Ji, immersed in his music. His dedication shows the path for all his students.
A close-up of my Ustadji playing. You can see the lifetime of dedication and knowledge in his hands. It is a blessing to learn from him.
This is my Dada Guru, the great Ustad Allarakha Khan Saheb, the Khalifa of the Punjab Gharana. His genius and contribution to tabla are immeasurable, and his legacy lives on through our parampara.
With the respected Ustad Fazal Qureshi ji, son of Ustad Allarakha. Being in the presence of such masters is always a profound learning experience.
A cherished, smiling moment with the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain ji. His artistry has inspired millions, and his humility is a lesson in itself.
Seeking blessings from the master, Ustad Zakir Hussain ji. These moments of 'charan sparsh' are deeply meaningful, connecting me to the highest form of the tradition.
Sharing a happy moment with Purbayan Chatterjee ji, a master of the sitar. The dialogue between melody and rhythm is central to our classical music.
This graphic tells a bit about my musical background, from my first lessons with my father to my formal training in the Punjab gharana under my Guruji. It shows my degrees in music and my journey so far.
About The Punjab Gharana Lineage
In my lessons, I do not just teach the rhythmic cycles; I focus on the 'Nikass'—how you produce the sound from the skin. It is the signature of our Gharana. We spend time perfecting your hand placement first because if the base is not clean, the 'Bol' will never speak clearly. If you are serious about understanding the weight and grace of the Punjab style, we start there.
The Punjab Gharana is known for its incredible combination of power and fluidity. It is not just about speed; it is about the 'Tehzeeb' (etiquette) of the instrument and the clarity of every note you strike. When I teach, I carry forward the 'Guru-Shishya' tradition that was gifted to me. This means we move away from generic, one-size-fits-all training.
What we focus on
- Nikass (Sound Production): Learning how to hit the tabla to get that distinct, resonant sound unique to our lineage.
- Bol Clarity: Ensuring every syllable, whether 'Dha', 'Dhin', or 'Na', is crisp and intentional.
- Rhythmic Cycles: Moving from fundamental Teentaal to the more complex cycles and compositions I learned from my Ustadji.
This is not a casual hobby class. I am looking for students who understand that 'Ryaaz' (daily practice) is a spiritual necessity. Whether you are a beginner picking up the tabla for the first time or an advanced student looking to refine your technique, my goal is to help you find your own voice within the strict, beautiful discipline of the Punjab Gharana. We will work on your posture, your hand fatigue, and your understanding of the Pakhawaj-ang (pakhawaj style) compositions that make our Gharana so dynamic.
Surjeet Singh
I am Surjeet Singh, and for me, the tabla is not just an instrument but a spiritual path. My playing and teaching are rooted entirely in the Punjab Gharana, passed down directly from my Guru, Ustad Joginder Singh Ji. I am here to share that discipline and the joy of this rich tradition with you.
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