Swapan Chaudhuri is an eminent tabla player whose musical accomplishments have earned him wide renown. In 1981, Ali Akbar Khan invited him to come to the U.S. from Calcutta and teach at the College. Not only is he a top level musician and performer , but also an excellent teacher. His knowledge of the different schools (gharanas) of tabla playing is extensive. His parents, through their passion for music, initiated his formal musical training and inspired him in the field of tabla. From a young age, he came under the tutelage of Pandit Santosh Krishna Biswas of Calcutta, a premier exponent of the Lucknow Style of tabla playing.

Swapan Chaudhuri has received numerous honors and awards from the Government of India and other institutions including the 1998 Sangeet Natak Academy award and the 1998 American Academy of Artists award He developed his skill as an accompanist through years of accompanying Ali Akbar Khan. As a soloist and accompanist, he has also traveled throughout the world, accompanying many of the leading musicians of India. At the College, he teaches tabla to students at all levels, and he also composes and directs the College percussion ensembles.