Tina

"The best drumming scenario from the 500+ concerts that I have played the tabla in always occurs right before the show starts. I love watching the many looks of doubt that I get from the audience. I know they are all wondering why a girl is sitting in front of the tabla, and snickering at the thought of me actually attempting to play a "man's instrument". I love the feeling of knowing that in just a few short minutes, I would teach everyone that it is possible for a girl to have the muscles, rhythm, and coordination to master such an intricate instrument. As the show begins, and the many faces of doubt turn to many faces of amazement, I know I have surpassed everyone's expectations. Soon enough, these looks don't matter much to me anymore, because I am in another world, captivated by a rhythm that I, myself, am creating. I started playing the tabla at the tender age of eight. The reason I took up this instrument is a rather interesting accident. My family had been performing since I was five, (a lot more interesting stuff about that at SUGANDH.COM), but my dad was always in charge of the rhythm. He sang and played a drum called he dholak. My sister and I sang and played small percussion instruments, and my mother sang and played the harmonium, (a keyboard type of instrument). Once, my dad fell sick on the same day that we had a show. He played the drums until he was completely fatigued, so I offered to save him with my little six year-old hands. He chuckled a bit at how sweet my offer was, and being the encouraging father he was, let me play the dholak on stage. After that day, my family knew I needed to play a drum of some type, because (in their words) perfect rhythm like that should not go to waste. They encouraged me to take up the tabla, since it is the more intricate drum of India. I am grateful for the decision that my family made that day. Being a fairly difficult instrument, it took me about three years to develop and master all the individually complex strokes on the tabla, but it is something that comes totally natural to me now. The feeling of letting your fingers go crazy while being under strict control of the rhythm is the best. I love being on stage performing and expressing myself. My family and I are still performing every weekend in and out of the U.S. today. Although my parents have full time jobs, and I have the challenge of maintaining my Dean's list status as a Biology major, and my sister is now married, performing on the weekends is just something we have a deep passion for, and can not pass up. Music is in our blood, and performing is our way of sharing our greatest joy with the rest of the world!!!"