

MA in Music Instrumental at Arya Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Mor Majra


Karnal, Haryana
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About the Specialization
What is Music Instrumental at Arya Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Mor Majra Karnal?
This MA Music Instrumental program at Arya Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Karnal, focuses on advanced studies in Hindustani Classical Instrumental music. It delves deep into musicology, history, theory, and practical performance, catering to the rich tradition of Indian classical arts. The program is designed to cultivate master instrumentalists and scholars, addressing a growing demand for skilled musicians and music educators in India''''s vibrant cultural landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Music graduates or those with a B.A. with Music as a subject, seeking to specialize in instrumental performance and scholarship. It also attracts aspiring music teachers, researchers, and professional performers aiming to deepen their knowledge and refine their instrumental skills. Individuals passionate about preserving and advancing Indian classical music traditions will find this course particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths as professional instrumentalists, music educators in schools and universities, music therapists, or musicologists. Entry-level salaries in India can range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience and repute to INR 8-15+ LPA for established artists. The program aligns with the pursuit of Sangeet Praveen or equivalent professional performance certifications.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Theoretical & Historical Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering the ancient and medieval history of Indian music, understanding key musicological concepts like Nada, Shruti, Gram, and Murchhana. Actively engage with the psychology and aesthetics of music to develop a deeper intellectual connection with the art form.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Classical music literature (e.g., Natya Shastra, Sangeet Ratnakar), Online archives of Indian classical music scholars, Academic journals in musicology
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for academic careers (teaching, research), informed composition, and articulate performance. It helps in developing comprehensive understanding for music journalism or critique.
Intensive Raga & Tala Practical Training- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent daily hours to instrumental practice, focusing on prescribed ragas and talas. Work on developing clean technique, accurate rendition of compositions (gats), improvisation (badhat, vistaar), and intricate rhythmic patterns. Seek regular feedback from professors.
Tools & Resources
Your chosen instrument, Tanpura app/device, Metronome, Recordings of master instrumentalists, Peer practice sessions
Career Connection
This directly builds the core skill set for becoming a proficient performing artist, an effective music teacher, or a studio musician. Mastery of practical skills is paramount for professional recognition.
Explore Diverse Indian Music Forms- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classical, immerse yourself in India''''s rich folk and tribal music traditions. Understand their cultural contexts, instruments, and melodic/rhythmic structures. This broadens your musical perspective and inspires cross-genre creativity.
Tools & Resources
Documentary films on Indian folk music, Ethnomusicology books, Recordings of regional folk artists, Attending local cultural festivals
Career Connection
Develops versatility, opening doors to fusion music, music direction for regional cinema/theatre, and contributing to cultural preservation projects. It enhances understanding of India''''s diverse musical tapestry.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Comparative Musicology- (Semester 3-4)
Undertake a systematic comparative study of Indian and Western music, analyzing their structural, melodic, and harmonic differences. This develops a global musical perspective and analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
Academic texts on Western music theory, Listening to Western classical and contemporary genres, Online courses on global music, Discussions with peers and professors
Career Connection
Essential for international collaborations, film scoring that blends genres, and academic research exploring cross-cultural music phenomena. It broadens professional scope beyond traditional boundaries.
Develop Composition & Arranging Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively learn and experiment with music composition and arrangement, understanding principles of melody development, harmony, and orchestration. Attempt to compose short pieces or arrange existing melodies for different instrumental combinations.
Tools & Resources
Music notation software (e.g., MuseScore, Sibelius), Online tutorials on music theory and orchestration, Guidance from composition faculty, Collaborative projects with other musicians
Career Connection
This is vital for aspiring music directors, composers for film/TV, theatre, or independent albums. It fosters creative independence and a comprehensive understanding of musical creation.
Initiate Dissertation Research Early- (Semester 3-4)
Begin exploring potential dissertation topics related to Indian musicology, performance practice, or socio-cultural aspects from Semester 3. Start reviewing literature, identifying research gaps, and formulating a research question to ensure a robust project by Semester 4.
Tools & Resources
Research databases, Academic libraries, Guidance from faculty advisors, Online research methodology courses, Reference management software (e.g., Zotero)
Career Connection
Excellent preparation for a career in academia (lecturer, researcher), music criticism, or any role requiring in-depth analytical thinking and written communication. It demonstrates expertise in a chosen area.
Advanced Stage
Cultivate Professional Performance & Stagecraft- (Semester 4)
Focus on mastering a diverse repertoire suitable for public concerts, developing strong stage presence, and understanding audience engagement. Seek opportunities for solo and ensemble performances within and outside the college.
Tools & Resources
Recording equipment for self-assessment, Professional accompanists, Networking with event organizers, Workshops on stage communication, Mentorship from performing artists
Career Connection
Direct preparation for a career as a professional performing artist, building a portfolio for auditions, and gaining confidence for national/international stages.
Explore Music Therapy & Wellness Applications- (Semester 4)
Deep dive into the practical application of music therapy principles. Understand how music can be used for healing, stress reduction, and cognitive development. Consider volunteering in relevant settings to gain experience.
Tools & Resources
Books and journals on music therapy, Workshops by certified music therapists, Case studies, Observing therapy sessions (if possible), Online courses in therapeutic music
Career Connection
Opens up specialized career paths in music therapy, working in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, special education, or establishing an independent music wellness practice.
Develop Music Entrepreneurship & Pedagogy Skills- (Semester 4)
Learn the business aspects of music, including intellectual property rights, marketing, and artist management. Concurrently, refine teaching methodologies, lesson planning, and student assessment for effective music education.
Tools & Resources
Business books, Online marketing courses, Workshops on IP law for artists, Educational psychology resources, Peer teaching opportunities
Career Connection
Empowers graduates to manage their own music careers, establish music academies, become successful private tutors, or take on managerial roles in the music industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 2 years
Credits: 120 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMINST-101 | History of Indian Music (Ancient Period) | Core Theory | 5 | Ancient musical concepts, Natya Shastra, Sangeet Ratnakar, Jati Gayan, Gram and Murchhana |
| MMINST-102 | Aesthetics & Principles of Music | Core Theory | 5 | Rasa in music, Dhwani and Nad, Shruti system, Sangeet ka Darshanik Aadhar, Emotional impact of music |
| MMINST-103 | Psychology of Music | Core Theory | 5 | Music and mind, Effect of music on human behavior, Music therapy basics, Acoustic principles, Psychology of listening |
| MMINST-104 | Indian Musicology & Research Methodology | Core Theory | 5 | Musicological research methods, Bibliography in music, Ethnomusicology concepts, Fieldwork in music research, Data analysis in musicology |
| MMINST-105 | Practical - Hindustani Classical Instrumental Music (Vadan) | Core Practical | 5 | Raga performance, Improvisation techniques, Different Talas, Instrument specific techniques, Accompaniment skills |
| MMINST-106 | Practical - Laya & Taal | Core Practical | 5 | Tala theory, Laya variations, Rhythmic patterns, Complex rhythmic compositions, Practical application of Talas |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMINST-201 | History of Indian Music (Medieval & Modern Period) | Core Theory | 5 | Rise of Gharanas, Influence of Bhakti Movement, Contemporary music trends, Evolution of instruments, Modern musical forms |
| MMINST-202 | Folk Music & Tribal Music of India | Core Theory | 5 | Characteristics of folk music, Regional folk forms, Tribal music traditions, Instruments in folk music, Socio-cultural aspects |
| MMINST-203 | Western Music (Elementary) | Core Theory | 5 | Western musical scales, Basic harmony, Rhythm in Western music, Western genres and instruments, Orchestral structure |
| MMINST-204 | World Music (Elementary) | Core Theory | 5 | Musical traditions of continents, Cultural musicology, Non-Western scales, Rhythm in world music, Global music fusion |
| MMINST-205 | Practical - Hindustani Classical Instrumental Music (Vadan) | Core Practical | 5 | Advanced Raga presentation, Gat, Toda, Jhala, Intricate Taan patterns, Stage performance skills, Instrumental repertoire |
| MMINST-206 | Practical - Tala & Percussion | Core Practical | 5 | Advanced Tala theory, Accompaniment techniques, Improvisation in percussion, Different percussion instruments, Rhythmic ensembles |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMINST-301 | History of Music (Indian) - Detailed Study | Core Theory | 5 | Evolution of Raga system, Historical figures in music, Development of Gharanas, Socio-political impact on music, Historical instruments |
| MMINST-302 | Comparative Study of Indian & Western Music | Core Theory | 5 | Scale systems comparison, Melodic structures, Rhythmic patterns, Harmonic differences, Instrumentation and cultural contexts |
| MMINST-303 | Music Composition & Arrangement | Core Theory | 5 | Principles of composition, Music notation, Orchestration basics, Melodic development, Form and structure in music |
| MMINST-304 | Dissertation / Project | Core Theory/Research | 5 | Research proposal development, Literature review, Data collection methods, Analysis and interpretation, Thesis writing |
| MMINST-305 | Practical - Advanced Hindustani Classical Instrumental Music (Vadan) | Core Practical | 5 | Rare Ragas performance, Complex compositions, Virtuosic techniques, Sustained performance, Advanced improvisation |
| MMINST-306 | Practical - Ensemble & Performance Techniques | Core Practical | 5 | Group performance skills, Collaborative music making, Stage presence, Microphone techniques, Concert etiquette |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMINST-401 | Indian Music - Applied & Contemporary Trends | Core Theory | 5 | Film music in India, Fusion music, Music technology, Music journalism, Commercial aspects of music |
| MMINST-402 | Music Therapy & Wellness | Core Theory | 5 | Therapeutic uses of music, Psychological effects of music, Physiological responses, Clinical applications, Music for special needs |
| MMINST-403 | Music Entrepreneurship & Management | Core Theory | 5 | Music business models, Intellectual property rights, Marketing in music, Event management, Artist management |
| MMINST-404 | Dissertation / Project Viva-Voce | Core Research/Viva | 5 | Dissertation defense, Viva-voce presentation, Research methodology questions, In-depth topic discussion, Critical evaluation |
| MMINST-405 | Practical - Professional Level Hindustani Classical Instrumental Music (Vadan) | Core Practical | 5 | Concert repertoire, Advanced stagecraft, Instrumental mastery, Improvisation in complex forms, Sustained public performance |
| MMINST-406 | Practical - Pedagogy & Teaching Skills | Core Practical | 5 | Teaching methodologies, Lesson planning, Student assessment, Curriculum design, Classroom management |




