Learn Tabla the way it was taught on the ghats of Varanasi — online or in person
Baba School of Music has trained tabla students from over 40 countries since 1995. Get 1:1 online classes, intensive riyaz programs, group performance training, and genuine hand-tuned tablas shipped to your door — anywhere in the world.
One school, two crafts: teaching tabla and building it
Tabla Shop: Custom-Made,
Tuned & Shipped Worldwide
Built by master craftsmen in Varanasi and tuned with care, every tabla is made to order and shipped to your doorstep, ready to play.
- 1Custom-made to your preferred specifications
- 2In-house tuned by expert artisans
- 3Carefully packed for safe, secure delivery
- 4Worldwide shipping with tracking
- 5Repairs, re-skinning & lifetime support available
Choose your tabla learning path
Every course starts with a free trial class so you can meet your guru and check the fit before paying. Prices below are starting indicative rates for Indian students; international/online pricing is confirmed on your free trial call based on time zone and batch.
1:1 Live Classes
For absolute beginners — posture, basic bols, and your first theka (rhythm cycle).
- 2 classes per week (online or in-studio)
- 45-minute 1:1 Private Tabla Classes
- Basic theka, kayda & hand position
- training with personal correction, custom pace
Group Classes
Practice tabla the way it's traditionally played — together. Build ensemble timing, stage comfort, and lasting peer motivation in every session.
- 2 group sessions + 1 ensemble rehearsal/week
- Accompaniment practice with vocal/sitar students
- Periodic recital & stage performance opportunities
- Certificate of completion
Riyaz Program
Personalised one-on-one tabla training with a dedicated guru — our most-requested course.
- 3 classes per week, fully 1:1
- Custom riyaz (practice) plan for your level
- Taal theory, laya (tempo) training & gat-paran
- Performance-ready compositions
- Flexible scheduling across time zones
Stage Performance Learning
Take the stage with confidence — advanced preparation for live solo recitals and professional accompaniment.
- Solo recital prep (tukda, paran, chakradar)
- Live accompaniment with vocal/sitar artists
- Stage etiquette, sound-check & mic handling
- Pro video recording for your portfolio
- Eligibility: Intermediate/advanced students
Start free. Upgrade only when you're ready.
Not sure if tabla is for you yet? Take our free introductory course first. It's a genuine, complete short course — not a sales demo — and you'll receive a free certificate of completion that you can add to your portfolio or school application.
What people actually ask before joining a tabla class
What are 1:1 tabla classes?
One-on-one sessions with a dedicated guru, scheduled around your time zone. You set the pace, the guru corrects your hand position and bol pronunciation in real time, and your riyaz plan is built specifically for your current level — not a fixed group syllabus.
What is the Riyaz Program?
Riyaz means disciplined daily practice. Our Riyaz Program is a structured 3-month intensive for students who want rapid, serious progress — combining theory, laya (tempo) training, and guided daily practice targets reviewed by your guru each week.
What is Group Performance training?
Group classes where students learn ensemble timing, accompany vocalists and other instrumentalists, and build stage confidence through periodic recitals — ideal if your goal is performing live rather than playing solo.
Who can learn tabla at Baba School of Music?
Beginners
No musical background needed. We start from how to sit and how to strike.
Kids
Age-appropriate pacing, shorter sessions, and patient gurus experienced with young students.
Working Professionals
Evening & weekend slots, flexible rescheduling, and online classes that fit around your job.
Foreigners & Travellers
Classes in English, time-zone-friendly scheduling, and in-person intensives if you're visiting Varanasi.
Anyone Dedicated
Age, location, and background matter far less than showing up and practising consistently.
If you're passionate and willing to practise — you can learn tabla here.
Ravi Tripathi
Tabla Artist · 22+ Years of Performance & Teaching Experience
Ravi Tripathi is a tabla player and composer from Varanasi, trained in the city's own Gharana — known for its dynamic, creative style and close ties to dance and Pakhawaj forms. He began learning under his elder brother, Vikas Tripathi, and now trains under Pandit Kishan Ramdohkar, a leading accompanist and solo tabla artist. Ravi has performed across India and internationally, including Russia, France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Israel, and Thailand, collaborating with artists such as Pt. Shibdas Chakraborty and several international musicians. He also composes and performs with the band Fusedhead and leads his own project, Indicia – The Band of Kashi, and has contributed to recordings including In Dios (Kristian Holvila, Sweden) and The Sounds of Varanasi (ARC Productions, England).
What our tabla students say on Google
G Google ReviewMy time at the Baba School of Music was the highlight of my visit to India. Ravi was welcoming and accommodating with two intro lessons (tablas and harmonium) during my weeklong visit to Varanasi. He is a great teacher and incredible player. He organized another lesson with another teacher who was also very professional and strong. I hope to spend more time together in the future.
G Google ReviewMy time at the Baba School of Music was the highlight of my visit to India. Ravi was welcoming and accommodating with two intro lessons (tablas and harmonium) during my weeklong visit to Varanasi. He is a great teacher and incredible player. He organized another lesson with another teacher who was also very professional and strong. I hope to spend more time together in the future.
G Google ReviewWe have requested Ravi and his school several times for online music lessons. While traveling in Varanasi, we decided to take more music lessons for a week—singing for me and tabla for my partner. We highly recommend Ravi and his team. They are very attentive, welcoming, available and flexible. It's a serious and highly competent school.
Frequently Asked Questions About Learning Tabla
How long does it take to learn tabla?
Do I need to own a tabla before joining classes?
Are online tabla classes really effective?
Do you provide a certificate?
Can children and complete beginners join?
Can I buy a tabla from you and get it shipped abroad?
Your first tabla lesson is free
Book a no-cost trial class with a Baba School of Music guru — online from anywhere, or in person in Varanasi.