NYC Tabla Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is this class for? Can I join if I have no prior experience?
Yes! This class is perfect for complete beginners or anyone looking to build a strong foundation in rhythm. No prior musical experience is required. The minimum age to join is 5 years old.
If you believe you have advanced training, I will first need to assess your playing. If your technique is strong, we can place you in a suitable group. However, most students—even with experience—benefit from revisiting the basics to refine their technique. Placement will be based on your playing level.
2. Do you offer advanced classes as well?
Yes. I teach advanced students individually in one-on-one or in small groups, as they require a customized learning approach. If you’re already experienced, I’ll assess your level and suggest the right path. Feel free to share a video or link of your playing at nyctabla@gmail.com
3. What class options do you offer?
I currently offer the following:
• Foundation – group class for complete beginners
• Intermediate –group class for students with 1–3 years of experience
• Rhythm Foundations for Non-Tabla Musicians – ideal for singers, dancers, and instrumentalists who want to deepen their rhythmic understanding.
4. Can I take private one-on-one lessons instead of joining a group?
Individual lessons with me are available only for advanced students or professional musicians. For beginners and intermediate students, my preferred and recommended format is group learning, where you’ll benefit from structured progression and peer interaction. If you believe you have advanced training, please share a 2 min video of your playing with me.
5.What are my expectations as a student of tabla?
Expectations vary from person to person, depending on your level and goals. For complete beginners, just showing up to class consistently is a great start. As you get more comfortable, I recommend practicing at least 30 minutes a day, 3–4 times a week to build a strong foundation.
Practice is key to growth—the more time you can dedicate, the faster and more confidently you'll progress. Weekly in-person or online classes will give you structure and reinforcement, but your dedication outside of class truly shapes your development.
6. What happens if I or the teacher miss a class? Are there makeup classes?
There are no refunds or guaranteed makeup sessions, as your tuition reserves your spot for the month. However, I understand that conflicts can arise, so I’ll do my best to provide practice materials via Google Drive to help you stay on track. I expect that you will learn the materials from any of your other group members. This is a great opportunity to learn from each other. I will also record most of the classes which you can play back and use it as an offline lesson.
At the start of each semester, I’ll share the full class schedule in advance. I will be present for those sessions, but occasionally, I may need to travel for concerts. If I must miss a class outside the published schedule, I will either arrange a qualified replacement teacher (one of NYC Tabla senior students), or try to hold the session virtually.
7. If I join in the middle of the month, how is the tuition calculated?
If you join after the month has started, you will be charged a prorated fee for the remaining classes that month. Moving forward, all tuition payments are due at the beginning of each calendar month. There are no refunds for missed classes after payment is made.
8. Can I reserve my spot just by filling out the form, or is payment required?
Filling out the form helps us understand your availability and level, but your spot is confirmed with a registration deposit. The deposit goes toward tuition and allows us to hold your place while we finalize class groups. Remaining tuition is due at the start of the semester, and registration closes once spots are filled or by the posted deadline.
9. Can I join the semester after it has already started?
Yes, you can! While I encourage everyone to start together at the beginning of the semester, I understand that sometimes schedules don’t line up. If you join mid-semester, you’ll still have full access to our Google Drive folder, which includes practice materials and self-learning resources.
You may need to dedicate some extra time outside of class to review and practice, but I’ll help you during the sessions to get up to speed. Many of my students who joined late were able to catch up successfully through consistent effort and dedication. So, if you’re motivated, it’s definitely possible.
10. What should I call the teacher?
In our tradition, showing respect to the teacher is part of learning. You may call me Ustadji, Guruji, Mirji, or Dada (brother) - whatever feels most natural.
Younger students should use “Ustadji” or “Guruji.” This is only required for the classroom—outside class, it depends on our personal rapport and comfort. “Ustad” or “Guru” means teacher, and “ji” is a respectful suffix in South Asian culture.
11. How can I ask questions or get help between classes?
You can email me anytime. If you’re unsure about something, feel free to record a short video of your playing and question—I’ll review it and respond when possible. This helps me address your specific needs directly.
12. I’m very motivated and want to practice more. Are there extra opportunities to learn beyond these 2 days per week?
Yes — for committed and deserving students, I may offer access to additional group classes that match your level. Since I teach in multiple locations and all of them include a hybrid (online) participation option, advanced or motivated students could attend up to three group classes per week. These opportunities are given on a case-by-case basis and depend on your dedication, consistency, and progress.
13. Will the tabla be provided during class?
This depends on the location. My Brooklyn group location has a few tabla sets available for use, but supplies are limited. In all other locations (Manhattan, Westchester and Long Island) students must bring their own instruments.
14. Do I need to have my own tabla set?
Yes — having your own tabla set is mandatory for both home practice and class participation. Renting tablas is not really an option in the U.S. The most you could do temporarily is borrow from a friend. If you are not ready to invest in a set, I recommend waiting to join until you are.
15. Can you help me buy a good tabla? Is it cheaper online?
Buying tabla online (Amazon, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Reverb, etc.) is risky — quality is inconsistent, and many people end up with unusable sets. I only recommend buying from trusted makers or players.
- I have a few high quality sets hand-selected from India, priced at $550. These are good long term investments.
- If you prefer to source your own, I’m happy to help you evaluate before you purchase.
Finding a good tabla through a reliable player is always the safest route.
16. Will there be any performance opportunities for students?
Yes. Every 3–4 months, I organize a student recital, where everyone—no matter the level—is invited to perform. These recitals bring together students from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and other communities, helping build confidence and a strong musical community.
17. How soon can I expect to learn tabla?
I teach in the Farukhabad Gharana style, using the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara approach. My goal is to start with a solid foundational base and build from there.
Developing proficiency in tabla takes time, discipline and patience. That said, you’ll begin performing at student recitals from your first semester. As you grow, you’ll move into more advanced groups, and through our program, you’ll have performance opportunities and eventually spread your wings as a confident, expressive artist one day. Patience is essential—but the journey is deeply rewarding.
18. Who teaches this course? What is your experience as a teacher?
My name is Mir Naqibul Islam (check the about page). I have been studying tabla for 30+ years, performing concerts for 17 years and teaching for over 15 years. I’ve taught in Dhaka at Chhayanaut Music School, and have worked with private students and ensembles for the past 10 years in New York City. My students include tabla players, dancers, singers, instrumentalists, and multi-genre percussionists.
I’ve also taught in public schools, led university workshops at University of Chicago (as Artist-in-Residence), Patterson University, UMass Amherst, and other colleges. I conduct masterclasses, lecture-demonstrations, and maintain an active gigging and touring career. My depth of teaching + performing experience helps me guide students toward becoming confident, adaptable performers.
19. I’m very interested in learning tabla, but my financial situation is difficult. Do you offer any scholarships or discounts?
I strongly believe that no one should miss the opportunity to learn tabla due to financial barriers. I offer a sliding scale in specific cases — especially for full-time students, international students, professional musicians, or artists going through financial hardship. If you have a genuine need, please reach out to me privately.
Depending on your situation and level of commitment, we can explore discounted tuition, scholarships, or a barter system where you may assist me with school or music-related tasks in exchange for partial tuition. These options are offered on a need and merit basis — I value dedication, discipline, and genuine intent, and will always try to support students who truly want to learn. If you are already a musician, please share that in your sign up form, as I try to support fellow artists with consideration for discounted tuition.
20. I’m a professional musician (or a full-time student/postdoc) — do you offer any special rates?
Yes! As a working musician myself, I love supporting other artists and students. If you are a full-time professional musician, or a full-time student, postdoc, or resident living away from home, I’m happy to extend a discounted rate when you commit to a semester (3- month) of learning. This way you can build a strong foundation on tabla while keeping it accessible alongside your artistic or academic work. Please mention this in your interest form.
21. When is payment due, and what are the available payment options?
Payment is due at the time of enrollment and then on the 1st of each month for continuing students. If you join in the middle of the month, your fee will be prorated for that month. Please note this is only for the first month. From the second month onward, you have to sign up monthly. You can choose to pay monthly or sign up for the entire semester. All payments are non-refundable. You can also join the class entirely online.
Payment methods:
- Paypal: naqibulislam@gmail.com
- Venmo: @mir-islam-tabla
- Zelle: 9176408161 (Mir Naqibul Islam)
- Cash: Accepted in-person at class
If you have questions that are not answered here, please feel free to write at nyctabla@gmail.com
Warmly,
Mir Naqibul Islam
Instructor, NYC Tabla