The Divine School of Tabla was founded by the tabla virtuoso, Shri Hemant Ekbote of Irvine, Southern California. He was introduced to the tabla at the tender age of six. Hemant's study of rhythm flourished under the tutelage of his father, Shri Shyamrao Ekbote. With great enthusiasm, he devoted several hours each day to thorough 'riyaaz' or practice. Hemant continued to hone his skills, initially as a student of music, and subsequently as faculty member of the M. S. University of Baroda, where he achieved his Masters degree. His talent and hard work, over the years, won him a scholarship to study with the renowned tabla master, Pandit Sudhir Kumar Saxena, a leading exponent of the Ajrada Gharana. Hemant's dedication has led to well-anticipated fame, prestige and opportunities. He has rendered sparkling tabla performances on All India Radio (AIR) and provided tabla accompaniments to masters such as Pandit Jasraj, Smt. Lakshmi Shankar, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan, Pandit Hrdaynath Mangeshkar, Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar, Smt. Vandana Ghate and many other renowned artists. Hemant has also accompanied several musicians on their albums. Currently, he serves as visiting faculty at University of San Diego and also has a thriving tabla music academy at his residence in Irvine. Many serious aspirants, Indian and American, gather at Hemant's home to benefit from his able mentorship and gentle presence to learn and sharpen their tabla skills. Some of them have the potential to become future performing artists. Under the stewardship of Hemant and his students, the noble tradition of tabla will continue to prosper and live on for future generations.
