Indian classical music is mostly leant through the Guru-Shishva parampara, which is also known as "Gurumukhi Vidya". It is oral tradition where one has to learn directly from the Guru, without taking down any notes or any help from compositions. As a result, we rarely come across an authentic book on Indian classical music, be it vocal or instrumental. Still more rare are such books which have been written by performing musicians who have had their training according to this Guru-Shishya parampara.

"Tabla for Advanced Students", a book written by Pt. Sadanand Naimpalli, provides much needed material for students f Tabla, and young musicians in general. He has brought out an exhaustive study of Tabla which draws from his long experience in learning and performing. The book starts with the Introuction, explaining the Guru-Shisya relationship which is only found in the Indian classical music tradition. Then Pt. Naimpalli goes on to give a detailed system of playing-Peshkaar, Kaida, Tihai, Rela, Gat, Paran and various other elements of different Gharanas of Tabla playing. Besides that, there are also some very rare taals with useful guidelines of playing solo Tabla.

I can very well appreciate how much dedication, research work and commitment is there behind this effort. This could be a very useful reference book for students of Tabla and musicians in general.

I wish Pt. Sadanand Naimpalli all the best and an confident that his book will its place in all the best Institutes in India and abroad. It will also guide Table players who are looking for traditional authentic knowledge of Tabla playing.