For new beginning students, please fill out the registration form and you will automatically receive the registration fee to get started.

 

FAQ

Where do you teach?

Toronto: Kula Yoga Centre on 304 Brunswick Avenue every other Sunday between 11 AM and 2 PM. Online weekly, please check the schedule for all the information.
London, Ontario: Springbank Gardens Community Centre on 205 Wonderland Road every Saturday between 12:30 – 2:30 PM.

Do I need to get my own tabla set?

Yes you do. You can rent them from Long and McQuad and if you are ready to purchase we can help you find a set if needed. You will need to bring your set to class along with a notebook.

What are the fees?

Tabla classes are paid by monthly or annual membership. Included in the membership is a weekly tabla class online or in-person. Monthly memberships can be canceled at any time, annual members will receive refunds within 6 months of cancelation. Current memberships are $129 per month and $1,380 per year + $25 registration fee. 
Monthly memberships can be canceled anytime or paused for one month or more, one month notice is required.

 
How long are the classes and how many per week?

Classes range from 30 – 60 minutes one class per week, depending on group size and student level. 

 
Where are you located?

We are located in Toronto and London, Ontario. Teaching locations at Kula Yoga in Toronto and Springbank Gardens Community Centre in London, Ontario. We also teach online through zoom.

 
What happens when I miss a class?

If you miss a class it is your responsibility to obtain the material from a class mate and practice before next class. We are unable to offer make-up classes as each class is customized to the students. In case we miss a class we will coordinate a rain check. 

 

What is your refund policy?

Classes are paid by monthly or annual membership. We do not offer refunds for monthly memberships as these can be cancelled at any time. Monthly memberships may also be paused with a one month notice. Annual membership will receive a 50% refund on remaining months within 6 months of annual membership activation.

 
Do you sell tabla sets?

We do not directly sell sets but we can help set up with a supplier in India. You can purchase one at Kala Kendar or rent one through Long and McQuade . 

 
What is the format of the classes?

All students are taught in the traditional North Indian Classical system and will learning kaydas, relas and tukras passed down from Ritesh Das’ teachers (Pandit Shankar Ghosh, Ustad Zakir Hussain and Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri). Each student will receive new material in the class and the teacher will check it is being played correctly. Students are expected to practice the material regularly before the next class so they are able to advance. Students who practice regularly and are interested in deepening their studies, are encouraged to join TTE workshops and rehearsals where they learn advanced material and TTE repertoire for performances.

 
How long does it take to learn?

Within the first semester you will be able to play a composition or more depending on how much you practice. Studying tabla is a long term commitment and students usually start performing after 5 years of learning.

 
Do you offer private classes?

Classes are set in a small group setting, we do not offer specific private classes.

 
Do you teach other instruments like harmonium or vocal classes?

We only teach tabla. For Kathak dance classes click here and Flute lessons here.

 
Do you do exams?

Students are able to advance through becoming members of the Toronto Tabla Ensemble and Toronto Tabla Youth Ensemble. Students will need to study for one year minimum and will be recommended by artistic director Ritesh Das.

 

Can I take more than one class per week?

Yes, students who practice regularly are encouraged to start participating in the Toronto Tabla Ensemble or Toronto Tabla Youth Ensemble practice sessions.

 
How do I prepare for my first tabla class?

Make sure you have a quiet space where you can sit in on the ground. Notes are taken at the end of the class, so please have a notebook ready.  You will need a computer or iPad to connect to zoom for online classes.

 
What should I wear?

There is no specific dress code, but please refrain from wearing shorts, tank-tops and baseball hats.

 
What do you expect from students?

We expect our students to be respectful toward the teacher and other students. We also expect students to practice the material they learned during class in order to keep the class moving at a steady pace.