The first hands-on introduction to South Indian spoken rhythm Solkattu, the spoken rhythms and patterns of hand-clapping used by all musicians and dancers in the classical traditions of South India, is a subject of worldwide interest―but until now there has not been a textbook for students new to the practice. Designed especially for classroom use in a Western setting, the manual begins with rudimentary lessons in the simplest South Indian tala, or metric cycle, and proceeds step-by-step into more challenging material. The book then provides lessons in the eight-beat adi tala, arranged so that by the end, students will have learned a full percussion piece they can perform as an ensemble. Solkattu Manual includes web links to video featuring performances of all 150 lessons, and full performances of all three of the outlined small-ensemble pieces. Ideal for courses in world music and general musicianship, as well as independent study. Book lies flat for easy use. "A street-wise beginner's guide to one of the world's great drumming traditions. Nelson communicates his enthusiasm and knowledge in a step-by-step manual that anyone―novice, student, trained musician, ethnomusicologist―can work through."―David B. Reck, author of Music of the Whole Earth "A street-wise beginner's guide to one of the world's great drumming traditions. Nelson communicates his enthusiasm and knowledge in a step-by-step manual that anyone―novice, student, trained musician, ethnomusicologist―can work through."―David B. Reck, author of Music of the Whole Earth "A street-wise beginner's guide to one of the world's great drumming traditions. Nelson communicates his enthusiasm and knowledge in a step-by-step manual that anyone―novice, student, trained musician, ethnomusicologist―can work through."―David B. Reck, author of Music of the Whole Earth "With its wealth of information and practical exercises, this new Solkattu book is a revelation and offers the opportunity to delve into a little-known but exhilarating manifestation of South Indian drum language."―Glen Velez, percussion soloist, composer, and professor of percussion, Mannes College of Music "With its wealth of information and practical exercises, this new Solkattu book is a revelation and offers the opportunity to delve into a little-known but exhilarating manifestation of South Indian drum language."―Glen Velez, percussion soloist, composer, and professor of percussion, Mannes College of Music DAVID P. NELSON is an artist-in-residence for South Indian music in the Department of Music at Wesleyan University.