Teachers
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Laura Patchen
Expert Tabla Performer and Teacher
Laura Patchen, originally from New York City, moved to Berlin in 1977, where she began studying tabla under the esteemed Kamalesh Maitra. Trained in the traditional guru-shishya parampara system, Laura accompanied Maitra on tours throughout Europe, the USA, China, and India from 1978. In 1979, she joined Maitra’s ensemble, Drums of India, and co-founded the Ragatala Ensemble in 1980, performing Maitra’s innovative compositions that blended Indian classical music with European influences until his passing in 2005.
Notable Performances and Recordings
Laura has contributed to several prominent recordings, including Tablatarang und Ensemble Indischer Trommeln, Ragas on Drums, Kamalesh Maitra and his Ragatala Ensemble, Der Zuckerbäcker aus Kalkutta, Rhythm and Time – Global Percussion Songs and Raag Kirwani on Tabla Tarang.
Teaching and Contributions
Laura began her teaching career in 1985, joining Berlin Musikschule City West in 2005 and the Musikschule Fanny Hensel in 2018. She also directs and composes for the Tabla Ensemble “Kamalesh Maitra”. Dedicated to promoting the value of Indian classical music and fostering musical diversity, Laura wishes to advance peace and transcultural appreciation while minimizing environmental impact.
At the Global Music Academy, Laura offers tabla lessons for all ages and different music levels.
Courses
Languages
German, English, Spanish
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Raimund Engelhardt
A Virtuoso of Global Rhythms
Raimund Engelhardt is a distinguished musician known for his mastery across genres including classical North Indian Tabla, jazz, and fado. He is currently working on a textbook detailing the tradition, history, and cross-genre applications of the Tabla.
Integration into the Iberian Music Scene
Since moving to Portugal in 2001, Raimund has become a significant figure in the Iberian music scene. He has collaborated with renowned Portuguese and Spanish musicians, including the guitar project “Las Guitarras Locas,” jazz greats like Carlos Martins and the late Bernardo Sassetti, and fado legends such as Antonio Chainho. He co-founded the quartet “Danae & os novos crioulos” with Cabo Verdean singer Danae Estrella, producing the album Cafuca and touring Africa and Europe.
Global Collaborations and Academic Achievements
Raimund holds a Bachelor and Master of Music from Bathkande College of Hindustani Music, both with “first class distinction.” His extensive career includes teaching at the Open Jazz House School in Cologne and performances in prestigious venues like the Philharmonie in Cologne with Ornette Coleman.
At the Global Music Academy Raimund offers lessons in Tabla for students from all ages and music levels.
Courses
Languages
German, English, Portugese, Hindi, French