TABLA CLASSES: 
 

Our Tabla Academy is led by Shri. John Ball, with Mehar-Jot Singh Sagoo also supporting the teaching. Taster sessions are available throughout the year, giving new students an opportunity to attend a class, meet the tutors and get a feel for learning tabla before joining for the term.

Students begin by learning how to produce the different sounds on the tabla using their fingers and hands. They work on basic bols, coordination and simple rhythmic patterns, gradually building a strong sense of taal and timing.

As students progress, they learn a wider range of taals, compositions and traditional tabla patterns, while developing their technique and understanding of rhythm. They also begin to explore the role of tabla both as an accompanying instrument for vocal and instrumental music and as a solo instrument.

At intermediate and advanced levels, students work on more complex compositions, improvisation and solo playing. Students who are ready can also progress into 1-to-1 lessons, allowing them to work more closely on their technique, repertoire and individual development.

Throughout their learning journey, students are introduced to the work and legacy of world-renowned Tabla maestros such as Ustad Alla Rakha, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit Yogesh Samsi and Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, as well as leading UK-based artists including Pandit Sanju Sahai, Ustad Shahbaz Hussain, Sudarshan Singh and Upneet Singh.

Program Details

Fees: £120 per term (10 weeks) / £360 annual fee (30 weeks)
Duration: 45 minutes or 1 hour
Age: 4 years and above
Classes: 10 classes per term
 

Class Timings

Sunday                                                                        Tuesday                                                                    
Tots: 4:00pm – 4:45pm                                                 Foundations: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Juniors: 4:45pm – 5:30pm                                            Intermediate: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Foundations: 5:30pm – 6:30pm                                    Advanced: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Intermediate: 6:30pm – 7:30pm                                    Adult Class: 8:00pm – 9:00pm

Taster Sessions

Any Queries?

Please contact Dhivya Sundararaman (Education & Learning Coordinator)
WhatsApp: +44 7570393470   |   Email: dhivya@saa-uk.org

Financial Assistance Available

Financial Assistance Available: Bursaries are available for those facing financial hardships

Click here to read the Bursary Guidelines: Bursary Guidelines 2026-2027 PDF

Click here to apply for Bursary: Bursary 2026-2027 - Google Form

For more information about the SAA-uk Music Academy, including other programmes, discounts and the full term timetable, please visit the Music Academy main page.