SOCIAL NETWORKING
>
Australia’s First VCE Tabla Player Comes Out Smiling
Jan 10, 2012
Vincent Dodd from St Michaels Grammar has just become the first student in Australia to sit his VCE music exams as a tabla player. Beyond writing his name in the history books of formal education in Australia he has also received one of the highest grades in the state for VCE Music.
Vincent received 100% for his Music Investigation subject and an A+ for his performance giving him a study score of 48/50. “It was definitely hard work - tabla is not an easy instrument” says Vincent, “But I am very happy with the outcome so I can sit back and relax for a while now”.
Vincent began playing percussion on the drum-kit and later joined african drumming groups until he became fascinated with the tabla and took up lessons with Sam Evans at the Melbourne Tabla School. “Tabla has an amazing tradition” he says “and its much easier to carry on the train!”.
Vincent performed traditional Indian classical music in his final examination including a solo tabla lehara piece, a raga performance with a sitar player, a world music composition and a jazz piece.
“It’s important to show the versatility of the instrument and include music that is relevant in an Australian context” says Vincent’s tabla teacher Sam Evans who set up the program.
“We had to work hard with the board to have tabla accepted at VCE level, but we have done that now and Vincent has set a great standard.” Prior to this year it was not possible for VCE students to perform on tabla in their VCE exams.
“It’s a great step toward having Indian music recognised in formal education in Australia” says Sam.
When we asked Vincent what his future plans were he responded with a broad smile “more tabla”.
More information on Indian Music in the VCE can be accessed at www.MelbourneTablaSchool.com
Comments
-
Jaydee -
January 15, 2012, 4:15 am
-
Jaundalynn -
January 15, 2012, 5:02 am
Add A CommentThat insgiht would have saved us a lot of effort early on.
Superb information here, ol'e chap; keep burning the midinhgt oil.