Mel Bay presents Learning the Tabla, Volume 2 Perfect Paperback – September 24, 2009

liked it all

I was familiar with most of the content before I bought the book - I wanted it as a convenient reference. David is a fantastic writer and the illustrations and examples are well-chosen and clear. Unfortunately the editing is lousy - the book looks like a dog's dinner. Mr Mel Bay can you please investigate the concept of white space, and are you sure you want your reader to have to scan lines 20 words long?

Like any field of learning a good text book and a good teacher is fundamentally important. I have been using this book and its counterpart, Learning The Tabla, to acquire some basic skills in playing this amazing musical instrument. I began learning from teachers who used no reference books and expected me to memorize which I found an ineffective way of learning anything. That approach was completely out of tune with me who as a teacher of Physics and Electrical Engineering believes in learning by logic and intuition. In total frustration I searched for a suitable book and found two: 1. Introduction of Tabla; and 2. Introduction to Tabla, Vol. 2, both by Dr. David Courtney.These two books are excellent resources and should be made the compulsory books for any one who wants to learn to play Tabla. The audio CD and Online recording of exercises that accompany these books are invaluable tools to learn the correct way of playing bols, thekas, prakars etc. The second book (Vol.2) is more advanced than the first book. Here there are numerous examples of pharases, laggis, mukhada besides variety of prakars for each basic Theaka which must be mastered by anyone who wants to acquire some skills in playing Tabla. They are illustrated with recordings in which tabla is played with sitar. That makes even a simple theka sound beautiful and inspiring. My goal is to be able to play for personal satisfaction and for small circles of friends and family. And for that I think these two books will prepare me well. I highly recommend both these books for anyone who wants to learn how to play Tabla the correct way.Dr. R. K. PandeyAustin, TXDecember 13, 2018

Eine gute Ergänzung zu Vol. 1. Die Sound-Beispiele kann man beim Verlag MelBay herunterladen.Wie immer gute Arbeit von David Courtney.

Despite the knowledge conveyed here , you need to have a hands on teacher with the patience and dedication that goes with learning any new instrument.