eTablaTutor - The Electronic Tabla Leaming Game
Abstract
Tabla is a percussion instrument widely used in Indian classical music both as a
solo instrument and as an accompaniment to vocal or instrumental music. Learning Tabla,
like learning any musical instrument, is very much a discontinuous process. There are
periods where one makes good progress. At other times, it feels that the learner is not
making any progress at all. This alternation continues indefinitely. For one who has never
learned a musical instrument, the first obstacle is the most critical. It usually occurs
between 1 and 3 months. It is at this point that the initial enthusiasm has worn off and
there is the aching realization that learning Tabla is not going to be quick and easy. This
time is when a very large number of students drop out. If one realizes ahead of time, that it
is a long and interesting journey, and that it could be more interesting and fun if he just
completes a few initial steps, it often reduces the dropout rate. So, I have designed this
software in order to attract people's attention for learning Tabla. This software would
create people's interest in playing Tabla as a game with a beautiful interface which is easy
to use and learn. For the users, there is a reference manual which describes the complete
details of how to use eTablaTutor. This software mixes the old music tradition of India
with the new technological learning of this musical instrument.