Artist Profile
Ajinkya Galande is a tabla player, percussionist, and accompanist based in Pune, whose musical journey is shaped by disciplined riyaz, deep listening, and a sincere commitment to the tradition of Indian classical music. Trained in the Guru–Shishya parampara, he has developed his artistry under the guidance of Padma Shri Pt. Suresh Talwalkar ji, with close mentorship from Pt. Ramdas Palsule ji and Shri Satyajit Talwalkar ji.
Beginning his tabla training at the age of thirteen, Ajinkya has steadily built a practice rooted in clarity, sensitivity, and musical maturity. His work spans both solo performance and accompaniment, and reflects an approach in which technique serves expression, and rhythm remains deeply connected to the emotional and aesthetic demands of the music. Whether on stage, in a baithak, or within a teaching environment, his engagement with tabla is shaped by attentiveness, restraint, and a strong regard for the spirit of the tradition.
Training & Education
Ajinkya’s development as an artist is grounded in both traditional training and formal academic study. Alongside years of immersive learning under his gurus, he pursued higher education in percussion at the School of Performing Arts, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune.
He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Percussion in 2016, graduating with 71.17% (A Grade), and went on to earn his Master of Arts in Percussion in 2018, with a CGPA of 8.55 (A Grade). This combination of rigorous practice and academic discipline has contributed to a well-rounded musical foundation, balancing theory, performance, and a deeper understanding of rhythm as both structure and expression.
Performance Experience & Recognition
As a performing artist, Ajinkya has earned recognition for both his solo work and his role as an accompanist. He is a B-High Grade artist of Akashvani, a distinction that reflects his standing as a serious and accomplished practitioner of the art.
His achievements in tabla solo performance include Third Prize at the prestigious Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Pratiyogita, Jalandhar, in 2017, as well as Second Prize at the Virtual Music Competition organised by Pt. Kanthe Maharaj Smruti Samaroh Samitee, Aurangabad, in 2021. These recognitions mark important milestones in a journey defined by consistency, discipline, and continued artistic growth.
A significant chapter in his musical journey was his work as a tabla accompanist in the sessions of Padma Shri Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar ji, conducted under the esteemed Sangeet Research Academy, Kolkata, in Pune between 2017 and 2019. During this period, he accompanied students in regular classes, practice sessions, and concerts. This experience greatly enriched his understanding of vocal music, repertoire, responsiveness, and the nuanced role of accompaniment within Indian classical performance.
Over the years, Ajinkya has had the privilege of accompanying distinguished artists such as Padma Bhushan Vidushi Dr. N. Rajam ji, Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar ji, Vidushi Aarti Ankalikar-Tikekar ji, Shri Ashwin Srinivasan ji, and Vidushi Manjusha Patil ji. These associations reflect not only his musical capability, but also the trust placed in him as an accompanist who brings steadiness, sensitivity, and aesthetic awareness to the stage.
A Musical Journey Shaped by Listening
Coming from a family of music enthusiasts, Ajinkya grew up in an environment where Indian classical music was deeply loved and respected. His father is a retired high school teacher, and his mother is a Keertankar, and this cultural foundation gave him an early connection to music as a lived and valued presence.
For Ajinkya, accompaniment has always been an essential space of learning. Working closely with vocalists and instrumentalists continues to deepen his musical sense, sharpen his listening, and refine his awareness of the many subtleties that live within performance. This ongoing process remains central to his evolution as both a solo artist and a collaborative musician.
Vision & Artistic Aspiration
Ajinkya aspires to follow in the footsteps of his Guru, Pt. Suresh Talwalkar ji, striving for excellence as a tabla solo performer while also growing into a dependable and much-valued accompanist for both established and emerging vocalists and instrumentalists. His journey is guided by the belief that artistry is shaped not only by performance, but by continued learning, sincerity of practice, and openness to musical dialogue.
As his work continues to evolve, he remains committed to contributing meaningfully to the living tradition of Indian classical music through performance, accompaniment, teaching, workshops, and curated collaborations.
Naadprabha
Beyond performance, Ajinkya Galande’s musical journey also finds expression through Naadprabha — an initiative dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Indian classical music. Rooted in the values of parampara, sadhana, and the Guru–Shishya tradition, it reflects a wider commitment to sustaining the depth, continuity, and cultural spirit of the music.
Connect with Ajinkya Galande
Enquiries are welcome for concert presentations, accompaniment, teaching, workshops, and curated collaborations. For performances, learning opportunities, or baithaks, feel free to get in touch. Meaningful musical associations are valued, and each engagement is shaped by a deep regard for the tradition and the spirit of the music.