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.