AJAY DESAI
“My goal is to impart beautiful musical insights to those who are seeking musical knowledge”
Educator
Welcome to my world of music. My goal in creating this website is to provide a means for students from the very beginning to develop excellent habits in terms of both musicianship and technique. I systematically introduce new notes and concepts, with plenty of opportunity for reinforcement of skills in the musical examples. I have extensive experience teaching Tabla and Harmonica globally through various digital platforms like Skype, Google duo, Zoom etc. Along with virtual and in-person classes you will also find me as an official Tabla instructor on leading websites like Udemy and ICPA. My 15+ yrs of association with Madhav Sangeet Vidyalaya provides me opportunity to teach students in India. I serve as a core committee member of Kaishiki Academy of Dance, Music and Fitness, where we promote Indian music, culture & art along with Fitness.
Currently, I serve as a music faculty in Claridges High School from 2019. As a desire to serve my community for the past 2 years I train tribal girls in village areas in Harmonica and Tabla.
Music Journey
Education
From the age of seven I started learning Tabla from Guru Mr. Mahesh Shetye (Disciple of Pt. Suresh Talwalkar). At a later stage, I continued deepening my knowledge in music from Guru Mr. Madhusudan Apte (Former Registrar of Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Maha Vidyalay, Miraj). I am trained Indian classical vocal artist under the guidance of Mrs. Manisha Apte. I have completed my Master’s Degree in Music from Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune. I also hold a Tabla Visharad Degree from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya. I cleared the UGC NET (percussion) examination, to qualify for the post of an assistant professor. Presently I am taking advanced training in Tabla from Guru Mr. Praveen Karkare (Disciple of Pt. Sadashiv Pawar & Pt. Sudhir Mainkar) at Sharada Sangeet Vidyalaya, Mumbai.
Work
As a young aspiring artist, I participated in Sangeet Mahotsav organized by ‘Young Star Trust’. Along with teaching, I am a Tabla accompanist in prestigious musical organizations like Swar Sadhna Samiti, Sharada Sangeet Vidyalaya, NCPA (National Centre for the performing arts), DMCC, Madhav Sangeet Vidyalaya. I have accompanied Tabla to renowned Indian classical vocalists Dr. Ram Deshpande, Pta. Padma Talwalkar, etc. I belong to a core team of artists who perform for Dance recitals. I work as a session musician with musicians all across the world like Amy Faith Morley, Bjorn Arild Johansen, Ferenc Dobronyi, Klimt Yeung,etc. I performed as solo Tabla classical artist and Mouth organ artist at Swar Sadhana Samiti, Mumbai Harmonics, Swarankit, Harmonica Club of Indore, Harmonica Club of Jaipur, All India Harmonica Meet.
Awards & Recognition
I was part of a team that won Golden Book of World Records for performing mouth organ at Harmonica Club of Indore in 2015. I stood first in the Tabla competition held at Mahatma Gandhi Seva Mandir, during Sharadostava 2016. I was awarded the title ‘Student of the year’ of ‘Viva Institute of Technology’ for the academic year 2016-17. I was the Winner of the 49th Inter-Collegiate Youth Festival of Mumbai University at the zonal level following consolation prize at the university level in the Tabla competition. I judged a singing competition held at the National Education Society’s National English School, 2020. Currently, I am the official examiner at Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya
I really enjoy learning harmonica with Ajay sir. He is very knowledge, helpful, cooperative, patient and positive. The time flies during our lessons and I’m having a blast. Entering the world of harmonica for the first time is tough and rewarding thanks to Ajay sir.
Hiral Shah
Student, USA.
“Ajay sir is a new generation of Indian classical maestro who has mastered his skills and talent in Harmonica and Tabla. He imparts his learning to students all around the world regardless of age or music background. His patience and persistence of teaching to his students makes him unique as he plans his curriculum accordingly.I highly recommend him as I have been taking lessons online from US and been flexible with the timings suitable for both of us.”
Ritesh Shah
Student, USA.
“I asked Ajay to play tabla during a percussion breakdown on a psychedelic rock song for Pollo Del Mar. He delivered an incredibly well played solo.His groove is so solid and the sound was very well recorded! The files were delivered as promised in just two days, and his communication was excellent– it’s hard to believe we live on opposite sides of the planet. I would recommend him to others, and hope to work with him again myself.”
Ferenc Dobronyi
Musician, USA
“- Ajay played on my jazz/classical/folk album that will be released summer 2021. He surprised me so much about his musical understanding and his performance on tabla. Ajay is a world-class musician and I will use him for my future collaborations. Thank you my friend.”
Bjorn Arild Johansen
Musician, Norway
“I really enjoyed working with him in my tune. He is clear about his visions and provides inputs in need. I look forward to work with him more.”
Shakil Sarker
Musician, Sweden“Ajay is a very capable musician. Really good technique, creative, very adaptable and you can also tell he really enjoys playing.”
Klimt Yeung
Musician, Mexico“I employed Ajay to work on a complicated, extended song which required various time signatures, dynamics, and mood. He had a very professional approach to the project and was very attentive to the requirements and what I wanted in the performance. The result was perfect for my piece, very well executed and with great sound quality. I look forward to working with him again in the near future! ”
Duncan Glyn
Musician, Spain
“I contacted Ajay because I wanted a particular tabla piece that was played on video to be converted to written notation of tabla bols. He delivered the notations very quickly and included recorded audio explanations. A+
Aadi K.
Musician, USA
“Ajay provided an excellent tabla piece that went well and blended nicely with my song. He recorded a video also playing the tabla! Highly recommend!
Amy Faith Morley
Musician, United Kingdom
Courses Offered
Discover the science of music with these online courses exploring the full scale of music, from teaching to culture.
INTRODUCTORY COURSE
TABLE
Mouth Organ
