The Importance of learning music

Why Learning Music Is Valuable at Any Age

• Cognitive and Emotional Benefits

  • Numerous studies show that learning and practice of any type of music improves memory, focus, emotional regulation, and creative thinking. For children, it enhances brain development. For adults, it sharpens mental acuity, and for seniors, it helps prevent cognitive decline and supports emotional well-being.

    
    

• Stress Relief and Mental Wellness

  • Music is therapeutic. Learning an instrument,  even just for 20 minutes a day, can create a meditative state. The rhythmic repetition of tabla compositions (kaidas, relas, etc.) becomes a calming, almost spiritual practice. 

    
    

• A Lifelong Skill and Companion

  • Unlike many hobbies that are seasonal or physical, music can be pursued for a lifetime. Whether you're 7 or 70, music grows with you. It becomes a lifelong companion — evolving with your emotions, life stages, and aspirations.

    
    

Why Indian Classical Music?

Indian classical music is a deep and philosophical tradition that values discipline, expression, and spiritual connection. It’s not just about performance; it’s about inner exploration.

• It emphasizes listening — developing deep awareness through ragas and taals.- It encourages improvisation — allowing students to express their individuality.- It’s culturally rich — keeping alive centuries of heritage, language, and wisdom.

  
  

Preserving Culture and Identity Through Music

In a world that’s rapidly globalizing, learning and teaching traditional music becomes an act of cultural preservation. Indian classical music — and tabla in particular — carries centuries of history, philosophy, and artistic expression. For younger generations, especially those growing up in the diaspora, learning Indian classical music provides a sense of belonging and identity. It connects them to their roots in a meaningful, embodied way — not just through language or customs, but through rhythm and creativity. Passing down this musical tradition ensures that our culture stays alive, relevant, and evolving with each new generation.

Why Learn Tabla?

• Improves Rhythm and Coordination

  • Tabla playing involves independent movement of both hands, enhancing motor skills and rhythmic precision. It also develops your internal timing, a skill crucial in all music genres.

  
  

• Strengthens Focus and Discipline

  • Each composition has structure. Learning these harpens your attention span and builds pattern recognition — skills that apply far beyond music.

  
  

• Connects You to Indian Culture

  • For those of Indian heritage, music is a gateway to tradition. It connects you to bhajan (devotional music), classical performances, film music, and even contemporary fusion.For others, it’s an immersive way to experience one of the world’s most complex and beautiful musical systems.

Stories from the Classroom

As a full-time tabla teacher in the GTA,, I’ve taught students as young as 5 and as old as 60. The transformations I’ve witnessed go beyond the drum:

- A shy teenager gaining confidence after performing a small kaida at a recital.- A busy professional using tabla practice to unwind after work.- A retired grandmother rediscovering her cultural roots through taal and rhythm.No matter your age or background, tabla offers something deeply personal and uniquely rewarding.

How to Begin Your Tabla Journey

Getting started is easier than you think. Here’s how:

• Find a teacher or online course: Structure and proper guidance is important.

  
  

• Start with the basics: Learn theka, hand positioning, and simple taals like Dadra or Keharwa.

  
  

• Practice regularly: Even 15 minutes a day can build lasting skill.

  
  

• Stay curious: Explore compositions, listen to great tabla players, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Final Thoughts

Learning music, especially Indian classical music, is a journey, not a destination. It enriches the mind, body, and spirit. The tabla, with its ancient rhythms and contemporary appeal, is a perfect vehicle for that journey at any stage of life.

If you’ve ever felt curious about tabla, don’t wait for the “perfect” time. There is no such time. The best time is now — because rhythm is already within you.