Tabla is a pair of drums. It consists of a small right hand drum called dayan and a larger metal one called bayan. Their function is to create the bell-like timbre that is characteristic of the instrument.

A versatile percussion instrument of north Indian music, tabla is now used in everything from Indian classical music to techno music and jazz. Oum Music Academy offers world class instruction for everyone from amateurs to professionals in this ancient art.

Riyaz, or practice, is an integral part of a tabla player's life. The tabla student spends most of his day in concentrated and prolonged practice. Because of the vast number of hours that a tabla player must spend practicing, he must truly find joy and fulfillment in his daily practice in order for his art to flourish and for him to reach future success.

Classical tabla playing serves several purposes: as accompaniment for the north Indian classical dance style of Kathak, as rhythmic accompaniment for melodic Hindustani vocal and instrumental performances and as a solo instrument. Tabla is largely heard in an accompanying role.