Student Profiles

• Manoj Kakaya

  Age:32 Dhol experience:11 Years Current level:Founder of Dhol Squad and Teacher Email:manoj@dholsquad.com Management Team

  What inspired me to Play dhol?

  From a young age I have always loved percussion instruments and especially the sound of the dhol. Having learnt Tabla and Dholki, I decided to turn my attention to the dhol. Having being taught by some of the best dhol players in the country I soon found myself hooked on the sound of dhol, performing at major international and national events including the Brit Awards, Children in Need, Cambridge folk festival, Womad and many more. Every performance encouraged me to work harder and to develop my skills which I now pass on to my students at the Dhol Squad.

  About Me

  At the Dhol Squad I have created a truly unique atmosphere where students are encouraged to work as a team and help each other to become brighter, better, confident drummers. Our classes have been structured for all levels of students from beginner to advanced and our syllabus has been structured to help every student understand the concepts of playing the dhol. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
  Please take a look at what our students say about the Dhol Squad and how we have helped them in there quest to become a Loud and Proud Dhol Player.

• Aaron Banga

  Age:11 Dhol experience:8 months Current level:Chaal and mummy daddy

  What inspired me to Play dhol?

  When I see dhol players playing at weddings it makes me want to play dhol.

  How has the Dhol Squad Helped you:

  It has helped me be more professional and it has helped me feel confident about going on stage and performing in front of loads of people. Dhol Squad's teaching techniques are easy to follow and I'm sure that one day I'll become an outstanding dhol player.

• Arun Ghattarody

  Age:16 Dhol experience:2 ½ years Current level:bhangra breaks and laggi

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  I have always had a passion for asian music and when I was watching others play dhol I have always wanted to play. Now that I am involved in the Bhangra industry as a DJ and Dhol Player I really want to excel to become a better Dhol Player with the help of Dhol Squad.

  How has the Dhol Squad Helped you:

  Dhol squad has helped me become a better drummer and they have helped me develop by teaching me new beats and breaks and taking me to performances. They have helped me grow and become more confident and over the last 2 years they have helped me excel beyond my expectations. I feel like a am progessing weekly now and I know I will become a better drummer with Dhol Squad.

• Chirag Patel

  Age:26 Dhol experience:2 years Current level:Chaal With Advanced Breaks

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  Since a very young age I have had a love for Punjabi music, in particularly the sound of the Dhol. I had always hoped that one-day I would be able to play the drum like many of the greats and feel the buzz of performing in front of large audiences.

  How has the Dhol Squad helped you?

  Dhol Squad has made that dream a reality. Through its dynamic teaching techniques, Dhol Squad teaches you the arts and history of the Drum right through to playing as part of a group for multi-cultural events, charity parties, weddings and religious parades. Dhol Squad is formed of a range of personalities creating a fun and enjoyable group learning environment.

• Danveer Bhogal

  Age:16 Dhol experience:2 years Current level:Bhangra Breaks & Giddhas

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  The power and the sound of the dhol and watching other professional dholis play.

  How has the Dhol Squad helped you?

  Dhol squad has taught me the techniques and the habits of becoming a better dhol player. They have also taught me how to work as a team and this helps us with our group performances. I am sure that the dhol squad will make me a better drummer as I really enjoy the classes and I have made good friends in class. Over the last two years I have seen a massive difference in my abilities all thanks to the Dhol Squad.

• Deepak Ballagon

  Age:9?? Dhol experience:1 year Current level:Chaal and Breaks

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  Well when ever I go to weddings or the temple the way they play the dhol they play it very hard and loud. But it also inspired. My grandma bought me a dhol and when I first played it I found it was quite hard to play.

  How has the Dhol Squad helped you?

  Dhol Squad have helped me by asking me what I learnt during my lesson, they also ensure that I have got my Dhol on the correct way. When I first started I didn't know the correct names for the sticks we use the daaga the big stick for the bass and the tilli slim one for the treble. They have also helped me play some beautiful beats.

• Gurdith Bhangu

  Age:16 Dhol experience:1 year Current level:Chaal and Breaks

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  The shear sound of the drum and the power of the rhythm is what inspired me to learn more about this wonderful instrument.

  How has the Dhol Squad helped you?

  The Dhol squad has really helped me to become a better dhol player and socialize with new people. I know that with the help and encouragement I get from my teacher one day I will become a professional dhol player.

• Jagdeep Sharma

  Age:29 Dhol experience: Current level:

  I haven't been with dhol squad very long but feel I have come a long way during my time here!

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  When I saw dhol players at weddings I always wanted to be part of them. They always knew how to get the party started and I simply just loved the sound! I always thought the dhol looks simple and easy to play but when I gave it a try all anyone heard was an annoying racket. So I thought I gotta learn how to play and maybe one day i'll be good enough to get the party started, with the help of Dhol squad I know I will.

• Jaimin Rao

  Age:28 Dhol experience:7 months Current level:Chaal and Advanced Breaks

  What inspired you to play dhol?

  I've always been interested in musical instruments from a young age. I've taken keyboard lessons in the past and I find it relatively easy to pick up a rhythm and re-produce it.

  I never really thought that I'd get the chance to pick up a dhol and learn how to play it, however my interest with dhols and the sounds that they produce was enough to make me contact The Dhol Squad.

  How has the Dhol Squad helped you?

  In just over 7 months of fantastic learning with The Dhol Squad my confidence has grown immensely and I can now play chaal and some advanced breaks with a huge amount of pride. I'm pleased that I plucked up the courage to join The Dhol Squad team and I'm proud of myself for having the determination to succeed.

  Learning with The Dhol Squad is entertaining and fun. It's a great way to let out stress! It's an excellent challenge and there is a great level of motivation within the team. My determination and practice set the foundation for getting me to where I am today and I'm already looking forward to advancing to the next stage.

• Jay Ballagon

  Age:13 Dhol experience:1 year Current level:Break 1

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  Whenever I have attending a wedding reception party where they have dhol players, I have always thought I would one day like to play the way they do, the sound of the dhol is exciting at the same time relaxing.

  How has Dhol squad helped you?

  Dhol Squad has helped me understand the Dhol, what the instruments are and what they are used for (sticks to play the Dhol), they have also showed me how to play the Dhol to create some lovely sounds. Dhol Squad have given me a better understanding, the history and how to respect the Dhol.

• Kapil Kumar

  Age:20 Dhol experience:1.5 Years Current level:Bhangra and breaks

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  Since I was a young child I've always wanted to play dhol but I was never allowed as my parents wanted me to concentrate on my education. After passing my GCSEs and A Levels and getting into Medicine, I borrowed a dhol from one of my friends and began teaching myself with widely available resources. After teaching myself I found I was no longer satisfied with the limitations and began to search for dhol classes. Due to personal circumstances I wasn't able to travel far and this was when I stumbled across Manoj's Dhol Squad.

  How has Dhol squad helped you?

  After beginning classes with Dhol Squad I found I received a warm welcome and excellent, professional guidance from Manoj who has given me the essential tools I need to correct what I have already learned and to move forward. Even though I am returning to university Manoj is still giving guidance as if I were in the class. My targets for the future are to finish my Medicine degree and continue to learn dhol until I am too able to perform like some of the greatest in the industry.

• Kirit Bhatia

  Age:26 Dhol experience:15 years Current level:Laggi's and Tirikits Email:kirit@dholsquad.com Management Team

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  After playing dholki as a child I wanted something with a modern twist and an all round impact that simply takes you away. I found myself learning Dhol and was soon honoured to participate in huge events such as Bollywoods answer to the Oscars - The IFFA Awards; playing at amazing venues such as the Millennium Dome on 01/01/2000; as well as over 100s of local and several national functions/ events.How has Dhol Squad helped me: Having had the opportunity to learn and play with the worlds finest dhol players, due to personal circumstances I had to take a 12 month gap.

  How has the Dhol squad Helped you?

  After a brief call from Dhol Squads Manoj, I found myself in weekly classes picking up where I had left off over a year ago. Within a few weeks, with the help of the Dhol Squad team, and the warm welcome that I had received; I was able to regain my confidence in playing and am now proud to say that I feel like Dhol Squad family. Without Dhol Squads help who knows if I would have been able to pick up Dhol again.

• Kishan Mahatma

  Age:16 Dhol experience:5 years Current level:Giddhas and Laggis

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  My tabla teacher inspired me to play dhol because I kept on playing chaal on the Tabla and I asked my dad if I could play dhol and with his encouragement and support he bought me a drum and I started practicing. I joined a dhol class where I wasn't too happy and then I met Manoj from Dhol squad and never looked back and ever since joining the Dhol squad I have got better and better.

  How has the Dhol Squad Helped you?

  Since joining Dhol Squad I have learnt so much and now I am a really confident drummer and often work on solo gigs for the team.Dhol squad has helped me realize that dhol is all about timing and technique and I have become as a result of this I have become a tighter drummer and a better performer. With my knowledge I hope that one day I will make a big name for myself in the world of music.

• Mandeep Bansal

  Age:36 Dhol experience:5 years Current level:Giddhas, Laggis & Tirikits Email:Mandeep@dholsquad.com Management Team

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  I used to see dhol players in the clubs as well as at weddings and always used to say to my cousin 'it can't be that hard to play, lets go and get ourselves a dhol each'. We made our way to Southall to check them out. My cousin bought one, but I didn't. I used to borrow his and have a play around with it, but soon realised that it is not as easy as it looks. Our plan was to start to take lessons, but that never happened.

  How has the Dhol Squad helped you?

  A few years ago, I decided to take the plunge. Whilst browsing Bina Musicals for a suitable dhols, I was told that they ran dhol classes. So, there is was, I started to take lessons. I went there for a few weeks but decided that the format of the lessons was not for me, so I got in touch with a more recognised learning institute and have never looked back.

  I have now performed at various events, including weddings, sangeet nights and charity events, and have also been featured on Zee TV. The Dhol Squad has given me the confidence that is needed to perform in public. The atmosphere at lessons is great, it is friendly and there is no 'I am better than you' to contend with. I have made some good friends there, and we socialise outside of class too. The structure of the lessons is excellent, with a structured syllabus in place.

  Do I have any regrets - YES!!!! Not picking up a dhol sooner.

• Mitul Nirmal

  Age:13 Dhol experience:3 years Current level:Chaal and advanced Breaks

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  My cousin is a dhol player and when I heard him play it inspired me to learn dhol . I already played tabla but dhol was the instrument for me.

  How has the Dhol Squad helped you?

  Dhol squad has increased my stamina and helped me realize the importance of timing and technique and made me a better drummer. I look forward to learning much more with them.

• Satyan Patel

  Age:30 Dhol experience:3 years Current level:Chaal and advanced Breaks

  What inspired you to Play dhol?

  I have always been interested in playing the dhol since I saw a wedding escort and also when I saw dholis playing at gigs.

  How has the Dhol Squad helped you?

  One of my main goals was to play dhol and if is wasn't for the dhol squad I may not be where I am today. Two years ago I couldn't even play the dhol and now two years later I have played at charity events, televised events and internationally recognized cultural events. With Dhol Squad's help I hope to become a fluent dhol player and perform internationally.

• Scotty

  Age: Dhol experience: Current level:

  I have been playing the dhol for just over 2 months and I'm currently playing chaal, break one and quarter mummy daddy beats.

  I first took an interest in the dhol when I got married and had dhol players and bagpipes at the wedding reception. I was just amazed at how great they sounded together. My second encounter with the dhol was when I had a recent trip to India with my wife and father in-law and saw seven dhol players all playing together, it sounded awesome and I can remember how I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my body. It was from that moment I knew I had to find someone to teach me as soon as I got back.

  I found Dhol Squad on the internet and called Manoj to arrange a visit to the club. After spending the evening at the club I decided to join. Manoj's method of teaching is very good and all the beats you learn are written down in an easy format that you can take home and practice.

  The students at Dhol Squad range in ages and abilities. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming and I feel very much part of the group.

  In the future I hope to play at functions with Dhol Squad and to entertain my family and friends with my new found skill.