The lack of teaching aids and the limited use of enhanced digital technology have created problems for novice learners of the tabla (North Indian drum) instrument. An existing tabla-playing robot was designed and developed for musical accompaniment and stage performance.

This study evaluated the suitability and e?ectiveness of this robotic tabla player as a teaching aid for assisting beginner tabla students in creating proper sound reproduction, speed consistency, and balance of sound, as well as playing basic rhythmic structures required for aspiring tabla musicians.

The study used a mixed-method research approach for data collection, conceptualised in three study phases via interviews, a survey, and cohort experimental testing in a tabla classroom setting. This cohort experiment engaged two groups of tabla learners; one group was taught with the robotic tabla player as a teaching aid, while the other was not. Students of both cohorts were tested via a mid-term test (after three months) and a post-test (after six months). This experiment was conducted for two (2) consecutive years with di?erent participants. Interviews with tabla experts identified common learning attributes required at the beginner tabla level. These supported the characteristics identified by a questionnaire that summarised the details into three main areas: tabla education, robotic tabla player, and the robotic tabla player as a teaching aid.

Data was collected using a combination of purposive and random sampling, as well as from interviews and a questionnaire. The data was analysed and tested using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, regression analysis, and generalised linear modeling (GLM). Results suggested that the robotic tabla as a teaching aid did enhance teaching and learning of the tabla instrument at the beginner level.

Future research may involve building upon areas of the robotic tabla player’s functionality in an advanced classroom setting, as well as for stage and studio applications.