Tabla & madal classes in Kathmandu
Tabla and madal with Guru Jagannath Dhaugoda: classical rhythm and the drum at the heart of Nepali folk music, from your first bols to accompanying singers on stage.
- Beginner to advanced
- Classical & folk rhythm
- Kids & adults
- Stage accompaniment
Your guruJagannath DhaugodaTabla & madal · disciple of Pt. Samir DeyThe heartbeat of the music
The tabla is a pair of drums: the smaller dayan gives the bright, tonal sounds, and the larger bayan the bass, which the player bends with the heel of the hand. It has been the principal percussion of Hindustani classical music since the 18th century, and it is everywhere in bhajan, ghazal and modern songs.
The madal, Nepal's national instrument, is a two-faced hand drum and the backbone of most Nepali folk music, from dohori and lok geet to Deusi and Bhailo at Tihar.
At ECA, Guru Jagannath Dhaugoda, a disciple of Pandit Samir Dey, teaches both tabla and madal, for complete beginners, intermediate players and advanced performers. He has accompanied leading classical artists in concert and played in the house band of The Voice of Nepal Season 4.
Tabla classBols, taals & accompaniment
A strong inner sense of rhythm helps in every other kind of music.
Bols & technique
Sitting posture and hand position, the bols Na, Tin, Ge, Ke, Dha and Dhin, and saying them aloud (padhant).
Thekas & taals
Keherwa (8), Dadra (6) and Teentaal (16), then Jhaptaal, Ektaal and Rupak, counted with tali and khali.
Compositions
Kaida with paltas and tihai, tukda and mukhda, and later peshkar, rela and gat.
Accompaniment
Playing for bhajans, light songs and classical music, and madal for folk songs and dances.
From first lesson to the stage
Four stages most students move through. Your teacher sets the pace for your age, level and goals.
First bols
- Sitting posture and hand position
- Dayan bols Na/Ta and Tin; bayan bols Ge and Ke
- Combined bols Dha and Dhin
- Counting matras with tali and khali
- Thekas of Keherwa, Dadra and Teentaal
- Saying the bols aloud (padhant)
Kaida & tihai
- First kaida with paltas and a tihai
- Jhaptaal, Ektaal and Rupak
- Double and quadruple speed
- Simple tukda and mukhda
- Accompanying bhajans and light songs
Solo repertoire
- Peshkar, rela and gat
- Chakradar tihai
- A structured solo over a lehra
- Accompanying classical vocal and instruments
Folk rhythm
- The five strokes: Taang, Taak, Ghin, Kha, Dhang
- Samala and Maruni, the easiest taals
- Folk taals such as Jhyaure and Khyali
- Accompanying dohori and lok geet
- Playing for dancers and Deusi-Bhailo
A typical path based on standard tabla and madal teaching practice, not a fixed ECA syllabus. Your teacher adapts it to you.
Learn from a classical tablist
Guru Jagannath Dhaugoda teaches both tabla and madal, and plays handsonic and drums in the ECA house band.
Inside our rhythm classes
Real clips from our classes, rehearsals and stage, posted on ECA's TikTok and YouTube.
Tabla clips
Classes, riyaz and classical performances.
Instruments & practice
Your own tabla or madal
For home practice: tabla sets in Kathmandu start from about Rs 16,500 (a set should include a hammer, ring cushions and covers), and a small madal from about Rs 2,250 (prices vary). Ask your teacher to check the tuning before you buy. ECA Music Store can advise.
A little practice
At least 15 minutes a day, six days a week. You can practise without a drum by saying the bols aloud while clapping the taal.
Try 2–3 classes before you pay
Book your demo class
Take 2–3 demo classes with our teachers before you pay the monthly fee. Call or email us to choose your class and batch. Open Sunday to Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM.
Tabla & madal questions
What age can my child start tabla?
Often from about 6 years. Children can also start madal young, on a small madal.
Tabla or madal first?
Tabla gives a strong classical foundation; madal is quicker to start playing with others in folk songs. Many students learn both. Ask us at your demo class.
How long until I can play basic thekas?
Keherwa and Dadra thekas usually come within the first months. With regular practice, a basic level is reachable within a few months.
Do I need my own instrument?
Yes for home practice. Bring your teacher along or ask for advice before buying, so the tuning and size are right.
Can I learn tabla online?
It is possible, but hand position and stroke sound are much easier to correct in person.
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Take 2–3 demo classes, then decide.
Meet your teacher, try the class and see our studio and stage. Open Sunday to Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM, opposite Chabahil Stupa.