"Tejas is a talented and creative young student of Indian music. He has shown signs of both from an early age, which makes it look very promising for his future. I find him quite satisfying as a student and wish him all the best."
"Please accept herewith my 'Diwali' greetings to you and Tejas. I have listened to Tejas' CD. It looks he has got an extra-ordinary caliber at this age. I think he has already been bestowed with God's blessings and I am sure, with his talents, he will be one of the top accomplished artists in future. You need not worry about him at all, only thing that you need to do is to take much care of him. He has got enough potential in him for growth. Now he should only devote to his practice only. My best wishes will always be there with him. With best wishes, Samar Saha
Dear Tejas Tope, I have finally gotten a chance to listen to your cd recording. I did enjoy your tabla playing very much. For a boy your age it is quite an impressive accomplishment. I hope you will continue playing tabla and have success in music and any other endeavor you choose. I look forward to hearing you again in future! blessings, best wishes, Ray Spiegel
Dear Tejas: I listened to your CD. It was truly a pleasure. I would like to give my reviews as follows: Considering your age, you have accomplished which I could never even think of at that age. You are a champ and just keep on learning and practicing. Keep practicing and God bless."
"I listened to the entire CD when I got home. I wish Tejas a smooth transition from being a very gifted tabla prodigy to a mature adult artist. I trust that your (Dad) absolutely steady and unobtrusive naghma on santoor and harmonium indicates the rock-steady support you give to your very gifted son. Child-prodigy burn-out doesn't need to happen, as attested by Mozart and many of the European pianist and violinists who came to America in the 20th Century to flee the Nazis. They came from musical families, for whom playing in the family and with friends was the safe-haven and slow simmer breeding ground for adult greatness. But I think the temptations of fast celebrity in this media-frenzied modern world make it difficult for a child to have the breathing time for personal and social and physical development. Midori's parents protected her to some extent, and I think the whole family-centered Indian music scene also protects young Indian musicians and dancers. But the burden lies on the parents to protect their talented children in the 21st Century. Regards, Janaki" Sincerely, Janaki Patrik, Artistic Director The Kathak Ensemble & Friends/CARAVAN, Inc. www.kathakensemble.com
"Excellent! Congratulations to Tejas and yourself (Dad)." Amod Dandawate
"It was such a pleasure to listen to Tejas. This boy is born artist. He is so natural with Rhythm.
Every time I heard his CD... my heart was filled with so much happiness and love for this bundle of talent...
Every minute of his performance says .. here is an artist who won't go unnoticed..
The change of Mothyaa Tondacha Tabla (large diameter low-pitch tabla) to Chotya tondachaa Tabla (small diameter high-pitch tabla) as per Taal also made good impact.
Certain Bol I felt were executed short due to his small hand.
In Drut, he was smooth like butter. The clarity of Bol in Drut clearly showed his Riyaz.
Till one hears him say Padhant (recitation of his compostions), listener can easily get tricked into thinking that, this CD is of some adult Tabla player's work.
It was so tempting to compose Kathak of one of the Taal. Only it should be with out Padhant.
May be we can consider that.
With your (Mom & Dad) backing and support I have no doubt he will not quit this but rise to higher levels and get only better day by day creating his own impact in the world of rhythm.
Give my lots of love and blessings to him.....
As Guru myself, I know, how much we long to have a disciple who has strength to take everything his Guru can offer.
Maa Saraswati has her blessings on him..."
Archanatai
I had a chance to listen to Tejas's tabla c.d. I was quite impressed with the ease with which he handled the balance of different taals ,specially choutaal, pancham sawari & nasrookh taal.Clarity of bols & tonal nuances were remarkable. I am sure the passion for tabla passed on to him by two generations above him helped a lot. Good guidance by guru & providing proper musical environment is already showing good results. Please convey my congratulations to him for such an outstanding progress that he exhibited in short time.May god bless him for his further progress. Regards. ..........Mohan.
Tejas,
Best Regards,
Narendra Datar
Dear Tejas
It is really a pleasure to hear your tabla. You have taken to heart this wonderful music, and under the guidance of your Guru, Samir ji, I know that you will bring joy and peace to all who hear you play
Blessings
Steve Gorn
