Tabla Syllabus Overview

Junior Diploma (Years 1–3)

• Junior Diploma 1st Year (Theory: 50; Practical: 100)

  • Lay knowledge: practice of Vilambit, Madhya, Drut, Dugun & Chaugun with claps

  • Recitation & playing of Teentaal, Jhaptaal, Ektaal, Chartaal & Dadra in Thah & Dugun

  • Qaida practice (4 Qaida, palta, mohra, Tihai), small pieces in Jhaptaal, Ektaal, Chartaal; Dadra & Keherwa

  • Theory: definitions (Lay, Matra, Tali, Vibhag, etc.), parts/history of Tabla, writing theka in taal‑lipi, Bhatkhande & Vishnu-Digambar concepts.

Junior Diploma 3rd Year (Theory: 50; Practical: 100)

• Advanced lay practice in Dugun, Tigun, Chaugun, Ada lay

• Combine Tabla + Pakhawaj, accompaniment practice

• Recitation & performance of Mukhda, Tihai, Qaida, Paran across Teentaal, Jhaptaal, Ektaal, Chartaal, Sooltaal, Teevra, Ada Chartaal, Jhumra, Dhamar, Dadra & Keherwa

• Theory: writing theka across various lay forms, definitions, history/comparison of Tabla & Mridang, essay topics on tabla/music, biography study

Senior Diploma (Years 4–6)

• Senior Diploma 5th Year (Theory: 50; Practical: 50)

• Focus on advanced repertoire, lay variations, tala knowledge, writing compositions in Dugun/Tigun/Chaugun

• Essays on topics like music & arts, gharanas, biographies of historic maestros

• Detailed study of instruments and their evolution

Senior Diploma 6th Year (Theory: 50 + 50; Practical: 100)

Theory Papers:

• Comparative study of instrumental gharana styles, Western vs Eastern baaj

• Analysis of raga evolution, Shruti‑Svar history, Western scale integration, gharana overview

• Biographies (e.g. Kadu Singh, Hussain Khan, Parvat Singh), essay topics including music education & criticism

Practical:

• Solo vadan in Teentaal, Ektaal, Jhaptaal, Dhamar, Pancham Sawari, Chartaal, Sooltaal, Gajjhampa, Teevra, Rupak, Lakshmi Taal

• Kaid, Farodast, Kumbh, Basant, Sawari volumes; laykari practice in various taals

• Accompaniment of dance, veena, gat repertoire; knowledge of gharana‑specific baaj

Outcomes of this course 

Completing the Tabla course from Prayag Sangeet Samiti (especially up to Senior Diploma or Prabhakar) can lead to several academic, professional, and artistic opportunities. Here's a clear breakdown of the outcomes:

Educational & Academic Recognition

1. Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree:

   • The Prabhakar (6th year) diploma is recognised by many Indian universities as equivalent to a Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.).

   • It allows you to pursue an M.A./M. Mus. in Tabla or Indian music from recognised universities.

Eligibility for Government/UGC Music Programs:

• You can apply for UGC NET (after postgraduation) or junior fellowships from institutions like CCRT, Ministry of Culture, etc.

Music Teaching Opportunities:

• Eligible to teach Tabla in:

  • Schools (especially CBSE/ICSE, where Tabla is an elective)

  • Colleges/Universities (after Master’s degree)

  • Private music institutes or academies

 Professional and Artistic Outcomes

1. Performance Opportunities:

   • Solo Tabla artist or accompanist for vocalists, instrumentalists, and Kathak dancers.

   • Eligible to audition for All India Radio (Akashvani) and Doordarshan grading.

2. Recognition in Classical Circles:

   • Prabhakar holders are taken seriously in Gharana-based training and music festivals.

   • Can participate in state - and national-level music competitions.

3. Freelance/Online Teaching:

   • You can start your own Tabla classes, online or offline.

   • Create a YouTube channel or online learning course.

Certification & Cultural Prestige

• You receive an official diploma certificate from Prayag Sangeet Samiti (recognised by U.P. Govt. and many central institutions).

• Prestigious for music portfolios, artist bios, scholarship applications, and collaborations.

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