Unfortunately, many things have changed since the tabla first rose in popularity many years ago. Indeed many of the mechanisms that previously insured high standards have emerged to become major impediments to the effective instruction of this instrument. This is all due to the tremendous cultural differences between 18th century Northern India and today's modern world. A review of the traditional pedagogy with an objective eye towards the relevance in today's Western society is an effective approach. An enlightened educational philosophy combined with use of new technology creates an optimum educational environment.
Music instruction is based upon the oral tradition.
It is a system which has worked in maintaining a very high degree of musicianship. Unfortunately, this system has periodically been abused. Socioeconomic reasons have often forced musicians to take measures to keep outsiders and occasionally their own students from learning and understanding certain key concepts. This obscurantism has taken many forms. Occasionally, fundamental concepts were wrapped in unnecessary mysticism.