kshitij shrivastava

Kshitij Shrivastava is a dedicated Tabla and Dholak artist, performer, and educator deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Hindustani classical music. With over eight years of rigorous training under the esteemed guidance of Pt. Nishikant Barodekar of the Punjab Gharana, and currently refining his artistry under the mentorship of Pt. Abhijit Banerjee of the Farrukhabad Gharana, Kshitij represents a harmonious blend of strength, clarity, and aesthetic sensitivity in rhythm.

His musical journey has been shaped by the disciplined approach of the guru–shishya parampara, where learning goes beyond technique and enters the realm of inner refinement. The Punjab Gharana’s boldness and clarity combined with the lyrical grace and intricate layakari of the Farrukhabad tradition have given depth and versatility to his playing style. This dual exposure allows him to guide students with a well-rounded understanding of both power and subtlety in percussion.

Academically, Kshitij holds formal qualifications including Foundation, Diploma, and Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) degrees in music, and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree (MA). His academic engagement complements his practical training, enabling him to approach music not only as performance but also as thoughtful study and reflection.

As a performer, he has presented Tabla in numerous concerts and music festivals, both as a solo artist and as an accompanist to vocalists and instrumentalists. His accompaniment is known for its sensitivity, strong sense of taal, and ability to enhance the musical dialogue on stage. Whether supporting a classical khayal, light classical piece, or devotional performance, he adapts seamlessly while maintaining the dignity of the rhythm.

As a teacher, Kshitij offers structured yet personalized online lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students — including both children and adults. His teaching integrates traditional guru–shishya methodology with systematic syllabus-based learning and exam-oriented preparation where required. Students are guided not only in bols, compositions, and technique, but also in developing clarity of tone, hand positioning, layakari, improvisation, and stage confidence.

For Kshitij, music is not merely a skill to acquire — it is a sadhana. He believes that a musician’s personality is reflected in their sound. One should not merely pursue music; one must live it. This philosophy shapes his teaching approach, encouraging students to cultivate discipline, patience, and emotional depth alongside technical mastery.

Through online classes, he aims to create a focused, inspiring, and tradition-rooted learning environment, nurturing the next generation of rhythm artists with sincerity and dedication.