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A Pathway to Knowledge
from keeping the back straight and shoulders relaxed, and to worry
about the sound later. The positioning of the hands leads the player to
the right sound. If the hand positioning and subsequent wrist action
is right, the sound will come. Here, the sense of touch, which leads
to proper sound production, becomes a central focus of body mem-
ory and cognitive learning. Touching the tabla bol by bol creates cer-
tain bodily and hand sensations. After much repetition, the body be-
gins to remember these sensations or feelings in the fingers and arms.
Slowly, and with much practice, playing the bol correctly with the
hands gives way to a stronger, clearer sound. Listening to the teacher
play in class, in concerts and on tapes also figures in training the ear
to hear what the sounds of na or dha should be. Eventually the ear
“tunes in” and remembers the tones, the crispness, the softness or
hardness of the bol sounds.
When it was time for the advanced class to play, we retreated to the
back of the room with our tabla and carpets. Often, Zakirji took the
time in between these sessions to play what he had just taught us, or
a composition he wanted to work on at lightning speed. After pass-
ing on a few more compositions, Zakirji thanked us for our atten-
tion and ended class. Four and a half hours had passed. Many began
to gather around Zakirji, wanting his attention or advice over this or
that. He always took the time to talk to his students about their lives,
loves, and desires. If they needed him, he was there for them. I realized
that Zakirji played different roles for different students. For some he
was their friend and teacher, for others he was like a brother, and for
yet others he was a father figure, or a larger-than-life mythical mas-
ter. Nevertheless, all highly respect him as a man and as a master of
tabla tradition and culture.
Sensing Tabla II: Bay Area, California
In the fall of 1995 , Leen, who had traveled from Belgium to study
with Zakirji in California, came to visit me in Vancouver. We spent
much time just getting to know each other and Vancouver by doing
the things that tourists do. I found myself captivated by her tabla
playing. I watched her technique and tried to absorb all that she was
