


Start Learning Right Now!
Due to the continuing uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, Taalim continues to teach many of its classes online but we do offer in-person classes as well. We are currently unsure when we can resume our live classes at all our locations as we have been doing for the last 20 years, but in the maps below you can see the locations we expect to continue serving when we deem it safe. Please contact us for current availability.
Reach out to us.
TABLA
KATHAK
NYC Area
Middlesex County NJ
Somerset County NJ
Bergen County NJ
Mercer County NJ
Long Island NY
Connecticut
Virginia

Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY
Tuesday | 6 PM EST
Newport, JERSEY CITY, NJ
Group class: Sunday | 5: 30 PM EST
Other available locations
Midtown Manhattan, NY

Edison, NJ
Group Class- 1: Monday | 6.30 PM EST
Group Class- 2: Sunday | 9 AM EST
Group Class- 3: Sunday | 10 AM EST
Other available locations
East Brunswick, NJ
South Brunswick, NJ

Bridgewater, NJ
Classes available by appointment only.

Allendale, NJ
Group Class: Monday | 6 pm EST

PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ
Classes available by appointment only.

Available locations across the region
New Hyde Park, NY
Westhampton Beach, NY
East Hampton, NY​
Montauk, NY

Available locations across the region
Stamford, CT
Classes available by appointment only.

Available locations across the region
Charlottesville, VA
Richmond, VA

About Tabla
Taalim School’s core strength lies in formal instruction in
tabla – the most popular Indian percussion instrument.
Guided by Pandit Divyang Vakil, Taalim School teaches
Delhi, Ajrada, and Punjab gharana of tabla, in addition to
contemporary classical tabla playing and Pandit Vakil’s
own compositions.
Tabla instruction is based on the teaching methodology
developed by Pandit Divyang Vakil, which is a modern
adaptation of the guru-shishya parampara (student-teacher
tradition). Teaching is customized to the needs, skill, and
personality of each student. Even in a group setting, each
student gets individual and targeted attention.
No previous experience with Indian music and/or drumming
is required. Learning tabla and Indian rhythm can add depth
and open new avenues of creativity within one’s own playing
for percussionists and drummers of different drums, such as
cajon, djembe, and drum kit.


What is Tabla?
Tabla is the main rhythmic instrument of North Indian classical music. Its music involves skillfully composed rhythmic patterns,
intriguing compositions, and complex beat structures. The tabla is comprised of two drums, one played by each hand. Each
drum consists of a hollow interior covered with a leather surface. The larger of the two, on which bass tones are produced,
is the baya. The smaller drum is the daya, on which numerous higher-pitched tones are produced. The beauty and
essence of tabla-playing lies in the harmonious balance between the daya and baya.
The tabla is a highly versatile percussion instrument, which is played solo or in accompaniment with just about any
musical instrument in the world.
New Jersey

EDISON, NJ
Group Class- 1: Sunday | 11: 30 AM EST (Beginners)
Group Class- 2: Sunday | 12: 30 PM EST (Intermediate & Advanced)
Group Class- 3: Wednesday | 7 PM EST (Online exclusive)

About Kathak
Immerse yourself in the beautiful Indian classical dance form of kathak with
acclaimed dancer, choreographer & teacher Jin Won.Students of all ages
(young children, teenagers, professionals, adults, grandmothers) are welcome
to come enjoy the benefits of this beautiful Indian dance form.Kathak
instruction is based on the teaching methodology developed by Pandit
Divyang Vakil, which is a modern adaptation of the guru-shishya parampara
(studentsts-teacher tradition). Teaching is customized to the needs, skill, and
personality of each student. Even in a group setting, each student gets
individual and targeted attention.At the Taalim School of Indian Music,
students will learn the two major aspects of kathak – nritta (pure dance)
and natya (expressive dance).
Initial training in nritta, begins with basic footwork (tatkar), movements,
and chakars, as well as technical compositions such as tukda, bant, tihais,
gats, etc. As the student advances, the technical repertoire will expand to
include that, uthan, amaad, gat, etc. Given Ms. Won’s background as a tabla
player as well, students will gain a strong understanding of rhythm and the
rhythm plays in music and dance.Natya or the story-telling aspect of kathak
is taught through vandana, thumris and bhajans.In addition to traditional
stories from Indian culture, stories from American culture are also interpreted through kathak to make the dance form more accessible.Throughout our
kathak classes, a strong emphasis is placed on understanding the body through
movement, with a focus on body alignment and posture.As with training in any
other classical dance form, learning kathak instills discipline and focus. While
becoming a professional kathak dancer takes years of training, similar to ballet,
basic to intermediate training in kathak is considered a major asset for all
dancers,especially those interested in Bollywood dance.
