Tabla Beyond the Percussion: Scientific, Cultural and Cognitive Perspectives on Tabla Pedagogy in Hindustani Classical Music Tradition

Abstract

The study explores tabla pedagogy as more than technical drumming, framing it as a holistic knowledge system that blends oral tradition, acoustical science, lineage, and aesthetic philosophy. Central to this approach is the bol system, which uses mnemonic syllables to guide stroke execution while preserving stylistic heritage. Observations reveal that rhythmic clarity begins with spoken recitation, highlighting oral practice as a cognitive foundation before instrumental mastery. The methodology integrates ethnomusicology, acoustical analysis of the syahi, and computational spectrograms to show how oral pedagogy supports motor learning and adapts within institutional settings. Findings emphasise tabla’s dual role as a musical and cultural system, sustained through embodied practice, oral transmission, and philosophical aesthetics while engaging with global and technological contexts. Ultimately, the research underscores the importance of bridging traditional guru–shishya apprenticeship with modern classrooms, suggesting computational tools can enrich but not replace the embodied knowledge at the heart of tabla education.