Zakir Hussain presents a critical element of Indian music, which is the unique tension and release compositional device known as "Tihai," that presents a fixed rhythmic phrase three times in sequence, with the last beat of the third phrase landing on the "Sam." Understanding the elements of Raga melody and Tala rhythm leads towards a culminating type of phrase unique Indian music, known as a "Tihai," which is used to build excitement, tension and ultimately a release on the first beat of the cycle "Sam." http://carnegiehall.org/workshops

The Zakir Hussain Workshop, presented from April 13--19, 2009, was a chance for experienced musicians of any instrument and style to expand their existing knowledge through the guidance of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain and his colleagues.