Gregg Johnson

Gregg attended CalArts as an Ahmanson Scholar, completing a BFA (‘77) and MFA (’79) in World Music Performance with specialization in the classical music of India. He studied and performed extensively with the great tabla maestro Pandit Taranath Rao (late) while at CalArts and for 11 years until 1991. In 1990 Gregg toured India with Pandit Taranath presenting solo and ensemble recitals on the tabla and pakhawaj. Then, from 1991-2005, Gregg continued an intensive study in the Guru-Shishya system with Pandit Taranath’s nephew, Pandit Ravindranath Bellare (late), specializing in the Farukabhad Gharana which emphasizes recitation of rhythmic Sanskrit poetry and ancient Hindu prayers set to the intricate rhythmic cycles known as Tala in settings for Kathak Dance. Gregg received the California Institute of the Arts Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005.