The tabla is a percussion instrument originating from the Indian subcontinent. The tabla consists of two single headed, barrel shaped small drums of slightly different size and shapes. The playing technique is complex and involves extensive use of the fingers and palms in various configurations to create a wide variety of different sounds and rhythms.

To learn Tabla it is important to find a knowledgeable and experienced teacher. Tabla Taught at Sangeet Vidya Progression is by highly respected players. Although the teaching is predominantly from the Beneras style but other styles of playing are also taught. One to one tuition is given to each student taking particular care about the correct hand movement, finger strikes and the sound produced. Daily Riyaz is important and students are assessed regularly. Good tabla players are very much sought after and the school offers the opportunity to perform in concerts with other fellow students.

The sitar is a string instrument related to the Lute family. Typically measuring about 1.2 metres (4 feet) in length, the sitar has a deep pear-shaped gourd body; a long, wide, hollow wooden neck; both front and side tuning pegs. The arched metal frets are tied along the neck, which enables them to be moved as needed. All the strings are made of metal. Musicians hold the sitar at a 45° angle on their laps while seated. They pluck the strings with a wire plectrum worn on the right forefinger while the left hand manipulates the strings with subtle pressure on or between the frets and with sideways pulls of the strings.

Learning Sitar requires a lot of practise (Riyaaz) from the student. The need for a learned teacher is essential due to the technicalities involved in correctly holding and playing the Sitar. Students are initially taught the correct posture and plucking techniques familiarity with the frets comes with daily practise (Riyaz). Further coaching introduces the playing of Raags and more complex sitar playing techniques. Accomplished students are encouraged to perform in concerts, either as a solo artist or as part of an ensemble.

The dholak is a South Asian two-headed hand-drum. It is widely used in folk music, Bollywood film songs and formerly used in classical dance.The dholaks’ higher pitched head is a simple membrane while the bass head has a compound to lower the pitch and enable the typical dholak sliding sound. In some styles of playing an iron thumb ring is used to produce a distinctive chak rim sound, all fingers are generally used.

The Dholak is taught by teachers who have had extensive training from various Ustads, this traditional style of playing is very much sought after. Students will learn various rhythm cycles, palm sliding techniques and the various finger strikes. Using a metal thumb ring the students learn to produce the “chak” sound described above. There are many techniques to learn to become a good Dholak player, students who master these techniques are given the opportunity to perform in concerts with fellow students.

The guitar is a well known instrument with six strings, is possibly the most widespread instrument in the world today.With the introduction of sound in Indian cinema from the 1930s, western style arrangements began to appear in film songs. The acoustic and the electric guitar have since then become mainstream in popular settings and have also occasionally been incorporated in Indian classical music, ghazals and other types of light music.

The Guitar is taught by a very accomplished guitarist. The student is trained in both western style cord work and individual notations according to Indian music. Finger techniques are very important and require technical training so as to play the notes with clarity and improve speed. Chord work as well as the intricacies involved in playing Indian music are taught. It is important for the student to do daily practice (Riyaz) to improve and learn quickly. Students who are capable are encouraged to perform with other artists.

The conga is a tall, narrow, single-headed drum from Cuba. Following numerous innovations in conga drumming and construction during the mid-20th century, as well as its internationalization, it became increasingly common for drummers to play two or three drums. Congas have become a popular instrument in many Bollywood songs.

Bongo drums are a musical instrument in the percussion family that are believed to have originated from both the African and Cuban cultures. Bongos are a pair of drums attached together and played together.The size of bongo drum heads can vary but are usually between 6 and 7 inches to between 7 and 8.5 inches.When playing the bongos the drummer usually holds them positioned between their legs or mounted on a stand. The technique of striking the bongos with the finger pads, thumbs, and heels of the hand requires precise training.

A Jembe is a skin covered goblet drum played with bare hands, originally from the African content the body is carved of hardwood and a drumhead made of untreated rawhide, most commonly goat skin. The jembe can produce a wide variety of sounds, making it a most versatile drum. The drum is very loud, allowing it to be heard clearly as a solo instrument over a large percussion ensemble.

The Shaker describes a large number of percussive musical instruments used for creating rhythm in music.They are called shakers because the method of creating the sound involves shaking them, moving them back and forth in the air rather than striking them. A shaker is usually a container, partially full of small loose objects such as beans, which create the percussive sounds as they collide with each other and inside the container surface.

The Tambourine is a musical instrument in the percussion family consisting of a frame, often of wood or plastic, with pairs of small metal jingles. Tambourines are often used with regular percussion sets. They can be mounted, for example on a stand and played with drum stick, or they can be held in the hands and played by tapping or hitting the instrument.

The Manjeera is a pair of clash cymbals that make high-pitched percussion sounds. The cymbals are made of bell metals i.e. bronze, brass, copper etc. Each cymbal is connected with a cord which passes through hole in its center. The pitch of different types of manjeers vary according to their size, weight and the materials used. A player can also adjust the tone by varying the point of contact while playing.

Latin and side percussion instruments are also taught at Sangeet Vidya Progression by trained teachers. Many of the side percussion instruments may look simple however they all have their individual techniques and skills to play them correctly. Many of the students who learn Latin or side percussion are encouraged to accompany fellow students. In the Indian music industry, side percussionists are highly respected and are paid as much as solo artists.

The Harmonium is a type of free reed organ that generates sound as air flows past a vibrating piece of thin metal called a reed. The instrument is a small tabletop sized organ, that has bellows at the back which is pumped by one hand while the other plays the keyboard. The standard harmonium is a made of a wooden box which is the main body, a handle to move the harmonium, bellows, keys stops, reeds, reed board, coupler and scale changer. The Harmonium is the preferred instrument for most vocalists of Indian music, because it is portable and easy to play. Indian vocal classical music is one of the oldest forms of music in the world and is melodic in nature, as opposed to Western music which is harmonic.

Vocal and Harmonium coaching in Hindustani music is provided very experienced Tutors. The students are trained on a one to one basis to sing and play the harmonium simultaneously. Students are initially taught vocal exercises to familiarise themselves with the notes. As the student progress they are taught simple melodies and songs based on raags. Regular grading is undertaken to ensure that students are retaining the information being taught. Accomplished students are provided opportunities to perform in concerts.

Electronic keyboards are extensively used in modern day Indian music as they are capable of recreating a wide range of instrument sounds. Unlike a Harmonium which is played with one hand the electronic keyboard can be played with both hand allowing the musicians to play bass notes as well as main notes. Talented musicians are able to switch instruments during a composition and use the note slide wheel to create "Meend", a bend in the note. Learning to play the electronic keyboard can be difficult and frustrating if the training is not provided by learned teacher. The many functions and sounds available on an electronic keyboard can be confusing to understand if not correctly used. There are so many types of keyboards available and advise should be sought from Guruji so as to purchase the correct keyboard.

Students are coached on playing the electronic keyboard by trained many musicians. The training provided is very structured and requires daily practice (Riyaz) by the student. Initial training is on navigating around the keyboard and playing basic exercises to train the fingers. As the student progresses further coaching incorporates playing melodies and songs. Chord work on the bass notes and playing the melody on the main notes simultaneously trains the student to use both hands to play. Students who progress to an acceptable level are encouraged to accompany other musicians, in an ensemble.

The electronic drum pad is extensively used in modern day Indian music as a side percussion instrument. The drum pad is portable and very easy to use, rubber pads have sensors underneath them which pick up the velocity of the strike and produce the sound accordingly. The drum pad is also very versatile, it incorporates various drum sounds as well as other percussion instruments from around the world.

Students are taught both western and Indian rhythm styles. Students begin by learning how to hold the drum sticks and adopting a good posture, which is very important. Simple rhythm patterns are taught to beginners progressing on to drum rolls and more complex rhythm variations and different time cycles as the student advances. The Alesis Performance Pad or the Roland SPD 11 are the advised drum pads to use. Daily practise (Riyaaz) is essential. Students who accomplish a high level are encouraged to perform and accompany other musicians.