Welcome to Tabla Houston

We the students of Pt. Shantilal Shah welcome you to TablaHouston.com, the website of Houston based Tabla Guru Pt. Shantilal Shah. or as we know him, Guruji. He has taught innumerable students in India and the USA and since moving to Houston, TX in 2003, has helped to create a dramatic transformation in the Indian Classical Music scene of Houston. Through his teaching, students become skilled and knowledgeable students of Tabla, with the discipline and maturity needed to excel in any field.

Our Guruji

Shantilal Shah was born and raised in the culturally and artistically vibrant city of Banaras, India. His basic taalim was under Pandit Mahadev Prasad Mishra of Banaras Gharana. He is a worthy disciple of Taal-Yogi Pandit Suresh Talwalkar.

He has been studying and performing Indian Classical Music with intense passion for the last 40 years. Over the years he has had the opportunity to share the stage with some of the greatest names in Indian Classical music, like Sangeet Martand Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, late Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki, late Smt. Rohini Bhate, Pt. Rajan-Sajan Mishra, Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar.

He was a featured performer in the 2004 Hollywood Film “Dancing in Twilight”, which received a Gold Medal of Excellence for a feature film score from the Park City Music Festival. In March 2014 he performed in a series of performances with the Houston Grand Opera, in their unique presentation, “River of Light”, receiving high acclaim.

He has also proven himself to be one of the most successful Tabla-Gurus of the present generation. He began teaching in Pune in the early 80s under the banner of one of the leading performing art organizations of the city, Nad-roop. Later he moved to Tampa, Florida, USA to join the faculty of the Pandit Jasraj School of Music as the resident Tabla Guru. In 2003, Shantilal Shah moved to Houston, TX and is currently on the faculty of the Indian Music Society of Houston.

All of his students have in common a rich understanding and enjoyment for music. This passion and appreciation for music and art continues to help them throughout their career and life as well. Two of his senior students, Ajinkya Joshi and Nilesh Ranadive, have gone on to become successful full time musicians and have performed across India and in the USA.

Student Performances

Since Tabla is a performing art, it is important that students have opportunities to perform. Tabla students actively perform each year for organizations across Houston, including venues like the Children’s Museum of Houston, the Houston Symphony, and at Miller Outdoor Theater.

Additionally, parent volunteers come together each year to arrange opportunities for students. Notable among these are Aavishkar and Laya Taal Saadhna.

Aavishkar

“Ghar Bhaitak” style private concerts are held throughout the year at the homes of parents, providing a platform where young students can perform. This intimate setting helps build confidence in students and provide a stepping stone to larger performances.

See photos and videos from Aavishkar

Laya Taal Saadhna

Laya Taal Saadhna is the unique creation of Pt. Shantilal Shah and is the hallmark program of our school. Since 2005 this concert has provided a stage for students of all ages and skill levels to perform. Laya Taal Saadhna has become a Houston staple and is eagerly anticipated each year by fans of Indian Classical Music.

See photos and videos from Laya Taal Saadhna

Student Reflections

Unmatchable performer, loving friend, persistent goal-getter, ever-dedicated and a passionate Guru are only a few aspects of Guruji and he is truly one of a kind. Guruji is the best teacher I have ever had in my life. In class, Guruji is a great mentor. Outside class, he is a kind, loving friend. For every small concert, Guruji makes sure that we perform our utmost best. Guruji gives us life lessons every class. It is truly a great blessing to have him with us.Aditya

Guruji is a teacher in the truest sense of the word. His unconditional love, boundless knowledge, and passion for music have inspired me for many years. His lessons have helped shape me into the individual I am today.Gaurav

What Parents Have to Say

Perfectionist…. Disciplined…. Dedicated…. Compassionate….Guruji sets a very high goal for his students and works with them to achieve it. Gurubhakti, respect to elders, Indian culture – students are taught all these aspects along with Tabla. As parents, Guruji’s Tabla class is theraputic to our mind and soul. We learn valuable ‘life lessons’ when we attend the class.Meena and Vasu Aithala

I have always maintained that the desire to learn something first comes from the teacher teaching the subject. Without the passion that Guruji exhibits in every class, the reverence with which he treats this tradition and the appropriate care that he takes to develop EACH student, it would be impossible to make these kids love such a difficult art form. Yet it is quite clear, that they are enjoying the art! I more than most people have been exposed to Guruji’s intense love for music at large and the pursuit of perfection that he desires in everything associated with music. That deliberate and passionate pursuit has even rubbed on me and I’m sure on other parents.Sunil Pangarkar