Where to study the Mardala

So if you are interested in studying the Mardala, your first question might be, "Where can I find someone to study with?" Although there are far fewer teachers around the world, than say for the Tabla, and the majority being in Orissa, India (most notably Bhubaneswar); There are some teachers scattered around the globe. I will list them as I learn of them. First I would like to introduce you to the best school in the world to study with, the Mardala Academy in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India.

the Mardala Academy, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India

... from the Mardala Academy:

"The Academy as you know, is highly acclaimed; it is respected for its role as the seminal institution in the training and development of the classical Odissi Mardala and its attendant instruments. Year after year it has produced, from its humble premises, highly evolved Mardal players who have performed in India and abroad with aplomb. To name just a few Sri Dhaneswara Swain, Sri Satchidananda Das, Sri Ratikant Mohapatra, Sri Bijaya Kumar Barik & others: these noted artistes have honed their skills in the difficult art of Odissi percussion under the inspired tutelage of noted Guru Banamali Maharana, with support and advice from the venerable Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, himself a genius in Mardala playing and founding father of Mardala recital on the proscenium as well as on classical music platform."

Note: I am working on getting "correct" contact info for anyone who teaches the Mardala. If you know of anyone, then please let me know!

gurujis around the globe

India

Guruji Banamali Moharana
Bhubaneswar, Orissa

Banamali Moharana is probably one of the most significant Mardala gurujis today. His compositions are heard throughout the world, and the sound of the modern Mardala is his creation. His disciples, like Guruji's Dhaneswar Swain and Sachitananda Das carry the torch of modern Mardala musicianship. He is head of the Mardala Academy, administrated by Ratikant Mohapatra, son of Guruji Padma Bhibhusan Kelucharan Mohapatra.

Guruji Dhanuswar Swain
Bhubaneswar, Orissa

Dhanuswar Swain is a heavyweight Mardala player, student of Banamali Moharana. He is available for lessons in Bhubaneswar.

Guruji Gandhi Mallick
New Delhi, Delhi

Guruji Hare Krishna Behera
New Delhi, Delhi

Guruji Prabakar Khuntia
New Delhi, Delhi

Guruji Trinath Moharana
New Delhi, Delhi

Guruji Banamali Maharana
Bhubaneswar, Orissa

Guruji Gangadhar Pradhan
Bhubaneswar, Orissa

Guru Padma Charan Dehury
Katabahala, Orissa

Guru Padma Charan Dehury teaches Mardala in his native village of Katabahala in Orissa, as well as in Pushkar, Rajastan and in Bagsu near Dharamsala H.P., rotationally.

Canada

Guruji Devraj Patnaik
Burlington, Ontario

Devraj Patnaik is a longstanding dancer, musician, and choreographer of Odissi arts. He is readily available and willing to take on new students.

USA

Guruji Nirmal Kumar Rout
Seattle, Washington

From the Jyoti Kala Mandir description: "One of the most ancient Indian Classical drums, the Odissi Mardal (Pakhawaj) has been accompanying devotional chanting for ages on end. For hundred of years this style was limited only to remote areas. It is the main accompanying instrument for Odissi dance and song. As it is of spiritual origin, it is a meditative Sadhana (spiritual practice) that naturally nurtures devotion. Teacher - Nirmal Kumar Rout."

Switzerland

Teacher Aaron McFarlin
Basel and Zurich,

Aaron has studied in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, under Guru Padma Charan Dehury, primarily Odissi style for classical dance, solo repertoire, and some tabla style for song. Available for Private lessons in and around Switzerland.