Posture, placement of Tabla and hand position
- Maintain an appropriate playing position:
- demonstrating appropriate wrist, arm and shoulder posture
- placing the Tabla in accordance with the dominant hand (left-handed or right-handed)
- sitting (or standing) in a comfortable position to aid freedom of movement
Model appropriate posture for learners.
This may be the traditional cross-legged position, kneeling, or standing with the Tabla on a table. Whatever position is used, the shoulders should be relaxed and at the same height, with forearms at approximately 45 degrees.
Help learners to position their Tabla with the large drum (baya) pointing straight up and the small drum (daya) tilted slightly away from them. Ensure that the syahi on the large drum (baya) is at 3 o’clock (for right-handed players – large drum) or 9 o’clock (for left-handed players – small drum).
Encourage learners to maintain correct posture at all times, making sure elbows are not resting on legs, surfaces, or the Tabla itself.
Encourage self-evaluation by use of a mirror. Video-recording could also be used for this purpose, but it is vital to check the policy of the school or other organisation you are working in with regards to any form of recording. Children must never be videoed without parental consent and all policies regarding use and storage of recordings must be adhered to.
Ask learners to demonstrate and describe a good example of posture whilst playing in the traditional seated position.
Begin lessons with exercises designed to relax the body and release tension, e.g. repetitive phrase exercises to be played at a steady tempo. For example:
- GHE x8 TITE x8
- GHE x4 TITE x4
- GHE x2 TITE x2
- GHE x1 TITE x1
Explore creative exercises using basic phrase techniques, focusing on posture. In groups and whole-class teaching, encourage learners to support each other by observing and discussing posture.
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