"We know that pulse preceded melody, and in considering percussion, we are dealing with the most elemental, the primeval constituent of life itself, the rhythm of the universe."

These fun and enjoyable day workshops explore the fascinating world of tabla drumming and North Indian classical music. There will be a wide and diverse range of activities: quiet, focussed listening, stimulating insight into this exotic and sophisticated system, as well as what may well be a new and accessible method of learning an instrument. There will be much hands-on work, and everyone will be part of a structured percussion ensemble. Tabla is, incidentally, an extremely versatile form of drumming, increasingly used in much contemporary Western music.

In a typical day, pupils will:

·  Gain significant insights into playing, reciting and transposing this unique drumming language

·  Experiment with new musical/rhythmic ideas and structures, and then put them into practice, playing together in an exciting percussion/tabla ensemble

·  Be working as part of a group, with much scope for improvisation, new musical and rhythmic experiences.

Pupils will ideally:

·  Be reasonably self-disciplined and self-aware for their age, and be able to work both independently and as part of a group engaging in diverse musical activities. (Children somewhat less contained, with more energy are welcome, as long as they show some of the aptitude outlined below, and can behave appropriately within this sort of learning environment.)

·  Have good physical co-ordination (tabla are hand drums where left and right hands use range of different strokes) and/or enjoy vocalisation - singing, recitation and vocal improvisation - but not involving harmonisation or melody

·  Or perhaps be competent on another instrument, showing a flair for improvisation and accommodation/transposition of other musical ideas/structures, etc. into their playing

·  Be able to keep a steady beat

·  Pupils under consideration may have mathematical and/or linguistic skills as opposed to evident musical skills

·  May have a keen interest in rhythm, drumming, and would and enjoy exposure to a completely new musical experience

Teachers please note - these workshops are not just for musicians and boys!

Pupils will:

·  Learn some basic techniques for playing classical tabla

·  Learn some basic phrases expressed in the classical Indian drumming language, through both playing tabla, and use of other percussion or vocalisation

·  Learn how these phrases are put together to create cyclical rhythmic structures

·  Learn some traditional variations on these basic themes for a 16-beat cycle

·  Have the opportunity to develop some of their own improvisations

·  Understand how this material could be employed creatively on different instruments, including the voice

·  Learn to recognise cyclical structures in Indian classical music

·  Understand a different process of learning - involving copying and repetition - experiencing an internalisation of the beat from the outset