After seeing his father play at the local temple. Recognising Suneet’s passion and willingness to learn, at the tender age of 3 years, his parents put him under the guidance of Bhupendra Pandya ji.
After learning from Bhupendra ji for four years, Suneet developed his foundational knowledge of the instrument. To enhance this knowledge and learn the practice of accompaniments, Suneet became the disciple of Puish Kumar ji at Sangeet Vidya Progression. During his time there, Suneet performed at various venues as the lead Tabla player accompanying Ghazal and Bhajan singers.
At the age of 14, Suneet began networking with other musicians to gain exposure to and experience different styles of music. As a result, Suneet is fortunate to have performed at esteemed venues such as the Nehru Centre, Trafalgar Square, Southbank Centre, and the Beck Theatre and have accompanied well-known musicians such as Robin Bannerjee (guitarist), Mike Mckenzie (drummer) and Hemant Chauhan (Bhajan singer).
Hindustani classical music, also known as shashtriya sangeet, originates from the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent. This genre is traditionally learned through distinct classical music schools called gharanas. Although it predominantly emphasises vocal performance, instrumental forms have also been integral since ancient times. In the realm of percussion, the tabla and the pakhavaj are the most prominent instruments. The tabla, consisting of a pair of small drums, is essential to Hindustani classical music. The higher-pitched drum, played with the right hand, is called the tabla or daya, while the lower-pitched drum, played with the left hand, is known as the baya, a deep kettledrum. Various finger and hand strokes produce sound on these drums, with each stroke represented by a specific syllable used for teaching and performance. Despite its mystic evolution, the Tabla remains a significant instrument for accompanying Khayal and has adapted to accompany various forms of vocal styles over the years.
Emerging from Lucknow just over 200 years ago came the Banaras Gharana, established by Pandit Ram Sahai (1780–1826). At the age of nine, Ram relocated to Lucknow to study under Modhu Khan of the Lucknow gharana. After performing for a period in Benares, Pandit Ram Sahai felt compelled to innovate his tabla playing style. He secluded himself for six months, during which he developed what is now recognised as the Benares baj, or style, of tabla playing. The philosophy behind this new style aimed for versatility, enabling the tabla to perform solo and accompany any type of music or dance. This style allowed the tabla to play with the subtlety needed for khyal and the vigor required for dhrupad or kathak dance. A notable introduction by Ram Sahai ji was the new method of fingering the Na sound, which he played with a curved ring finger for maximum resonance on the daya. He also created numerous compositions within traditional forms (gats, tukdas, fard, parans, etc.) and invented new forms, such as uthan, Benarasi theka, and fard.
Mastering the tabla is a rhythmic journey of dedication and expression.
Every tabla performance is an opportunity to demonstrate skill and express musicality.
Each student embarks on a unique journey of learning and mastering the tabla.
Every learning group presents a distinct opportunity to explore and advance skills in tabla.
Suneet Chandarana is an outstanding tabla player. Performing with him in a Mirza Ghalib ghazal and chamber concert was a pleasure. His meticulous attention to detail, accommodating nature, and unwavering support for both new and seasoned musicians make him a remarkable collaborator. His passion f...
We have had the privilege to have Suneet play the tabla at one of the most auspicious paryusan celebration at Harrow Leisure Centre and also at Bhakti and Suneet’s performance has been amazing . He is a very humble genuine person and always willing to help.
Suneet recently played tabla for me at an event I organised and he was amazing! Aside from being an incredibly skilful tabla player, Suneet is professional, extremely polite and very conscientious about the environment he is playing in. I would hire him again and couldn't recommend him enough!
Suneet is awesome. Amazing tabla player, eager to learn new bhajans and songs, driven, and a great person all round. I look forward to being able to sing with him again in the near future!
Having Suneet as part of our newly formed bhajan performance group has been an absolute pleasure. He has an incredible depth of knowledge and feel for a wide variety of musical styles, and always adds an element of fun and humour to our practice sessions as well! When it comes to performing, he i...
I contacted Suneet very last minute to play tabla at my khoro.. We wanted to do something simple but also uplifting alongside the puja. Suneet was amazing! Even though I contacted him last minute, he was very accommodating and communicated with me about everything. As expecte...
I wanted to give a big shout out to Suneet for his incredible talent in playing the tabla with the rest of the group during Navaratri. He bought a great deal of energy and passion in his playing which added to the whole groups performance. Nicely played Suneet
