About Us
Rhythm Riders Academy is a music school which specialises in the art of Indian percussion. Founded in 2019, the Academy offers Tabla and Mridangam lessons across Melbourne. The school is inclusive of all age groups, ranging from children to adults. Lessons are held in a relaxed and enjoyable environment to assist in students learning their chosen instrument comfortably. Rhythm Riders prides itself on having their students learn and master these classical art forms.
Senthuran Jogaratnam – Founder
Mridangam & Tabla Instructor
With over 20 years of experience in Indian classical percussion, Senthuran is recognised as a leading Mridangam and Tabla artist. He began his Mridangam training under Sri Balasri Rasiah, before undertaking advanced training from Mridangam maestros Sri T.R Sundaresean and Sri Patri Satish Kumar. To gain a multifaceted understanding of Indian percussion, Senthuran also commenced Tabla training under Ashok Chavali Ji.
Beyond Mridangam and Tabla, Senthuran proficiently applies his rhythmic skills to instruments like the Morsing and Pakhawaj, which he frequently incorporates into his performances.
Senthuran is renowned for his sense of application, imaginative rhythmic patterns, flawless techniques, such as the gumki technique, and a unique style which showcases the beauty of applying elements of various percussion instruments in his performances. Senthuran has accompanied countless music and dance performances for various styles such as Carnatic, Hindustani, Bharatha Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Jazz and World Fusion. Aside from this, Senthuran also regularly performs tabla for professional Indian playback concerts including Super Singers on their Australian tours.
Senthuran uses his years of learning and experience to train the next generation of Mridangamists and Tabla performers at the Rhythm Riders Blackburn South, Epping and Werribee centres, in an inclusive, creative and encouraging environment.
Navshil Singh
Tabla Instructor
Navshil is a disciple of Sri Senthuran Jogaratnam at the Rhythm Riders Academy.
With over 7 years of experience, Navshil regularly accompanies for Hindustani classical music schools and Carnatic music schools. To further his professional training, Navshil has begun training to accompany for Kathak performances. In addition to the Tabla, he is also a prominent Pakhawaj and Dholak performer, to which he has utilised his Tabla skills to enhance his execution and precision when performing with these North Indian percussion instruments.
Navshil is known for his dedication to the art form, as well as his clarity in every stroke he plays. Over the last 2 years, Navshil has trained, and continues to train, the next generation of Tabla students at the Rhythm Riders Craigieburn and Taylors Hill centres.