Jaleel P
Specialization
Tabla Instructor
Tutor Bio
I am a passionate and highly trained Tabla teacher with a rich musical journey that spans several decades. My initiation into the world of Tabla began at the incredibly young age of 3, under the tutelage of my elder brother, Sri Raja Sab Muddaballi. This early exposure to the art form laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to Tabla.
My quest for mastery continued as I undertook a ten-year journey in the Gurukula of Sri Veereshwara Punyashrama Gadag, under the guidance of Guru Sri Sharan Kumar Guttaragi. Additionally, I had the privilege of receiving instruction and mentorship from the esteemed Padma Bhushan Pandit Dr. Puttaraja Kavi Gawayigalu. These experiences enriched my understanding of Tabla and helped shape my unique approach to teaching the instrument.
To further hone my skills and knowledge, I dedicated another decade of my life to practicing in Latur, Maharashtra, under the guidance of Sangeet Maharshi Pandit Shantaram Chigari ji. This phase of my musical journey allowed me to delve deeper into the nuances of Tabla playing.
Currently, I continue to be a dedicated student of Tabla, studying under the guidance of Pandit Debashish Adhikary Ji in New Delhi. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that I stay at the forefront of Tabla techniques and pedagogy.
In terms of work experience, I have served as a Hindustani Tabla accompanist at Kannada University Hampi for a period of 3 years, enhancing my practical skills and experience. Over the last three years, I've been teaching Tabla at Sarala Birla Academy in Bangalore and Smt. Kamala Bai Educational Institute, contributing to the musical education of young learners. I have also been an approved practical examiner for KSEEB and ICSE since 2017, which involves evaluating the performance of Tabla students.
I am not only a dedicated teacher but also a passionate performer. I have a remarkable history of Tabla solo performances, with one particularly memorable achievement being a 20-hour solo performance in honor of Pandit Dr. Puttaraja Kavi Gawayee's 93rd birthday celebration. Recently, my name has come close to being recognized by the Guinness Book of Records for a phenomenal 1008 hours of Tabla solo in just 63 days.
My performance journey began at the tender age of 7, and I have since graced stages at various cultural festivals, including Itagi Utsava, Anegundi Utsava, Hampi Utsava, and the world-famous Mysore Dasara. My musical journey has taken me beyond India, with performances in Dubai, Bahrain, Australia, and New Zealand.
I have had the honor of accompanying several renowned artists, including Pt. Shantaram Chigari, Pt. D Kumar Das, Pt. Uttam Chigari, and Pt. Siddharam Korwar, to name a few. These collaborations have enriched my musical repertoire and exposed me to diverse musical styles.
My involvement in audio CD projects and music albums has allowed me to contribute to the world of music beyond the stage. These recordings stand as a testament to my commitment to the art form and its propagation.
In recognition of my contributions to the world of Tabla, I have received numerous honors and awards, including the Shankara Award, Tabla Chatura Award, Laya Vidya Praveen Award, and the Kalyana Nadina Kalaradhana Prashshti in 2013. Additionally, I've been honored with the Suvarna Karnataka Kannada Rajyotsava Prashshti, among many others.
My journey in the world of Tabla is not just a personal endeavor but a lifelong commitment to the preservation and promotion of this beautiful art form. I look forward to sharing my expertise and passion with my students, helping them embark on their own musical journeys and reach new heights in their Tabla playing.