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M-A in Instrumental Tabla at Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University
Jalgaon, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is Instrumental Tabla at Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University Jalgaon?
This Instrumental Tabla program at Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University focuses on developing deep expertise in the art of playing Tabla, a cornerstone of Indian classical music. It delves into the rich theoretical foundations, diverse gharanas, and advanced practical techniques essential for mastery. The program is designed to cultivate both traditional artistry and contemporary relevance, addressing the evolving demands of the Indian music industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for music graduates with a background in percussive instruments, specifically Tabla, who aspire to excel as performers, educators, or researchers in Indian classical music. It caters to individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of rhythmic complexities, explore diverse gharana styles, and enhance their accompaniment and solo performance skills. Enthusiasts committed to rigorous practice and theoretical study will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including professional Tabla performers, music educators, session artists for Bollywood and regional film industries, sound engineers specializing in percussion, and music therapists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 5 Lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience and recognition. Opportunities also exist in cultural institutions, radio, television, and private music academies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Consistent Daily Riyaz (Practice)- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate a minimum of 3-4 hours daily to disciplined Tabla practice, focusing on foundational bols, talas, and basic compositions taught in classes. Use a metronome for precise timing.
Tools & Resources
Metronome apps, Online tutorials for basic bols, Recordings of foundational compositions
Career Connection
Builds the essential muscle memory, rhythmic accuracy, and technical proficiency crucial for any professional Tabla player, preparing for rigorous performance demands.
Immerse in Indian Classical Music Theory & History- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classwork, extensively read books on Indian music history, aesthetics, and musicology. Actively listen to recordings of great Tabla maestros and vocal/instrumental classical performances to understand context.
Tools & Resources
Books by stalwarts like V.N. Bhatkhande, Online archives of classical concerts (e.g., YouTube, NCPA archives), Sangeet Natak Akademi resources
Career Connection
Develops a comprehensive understanding of the art form, essential for informed performance, critical analysis, teaching, and academic pursuits in music.
Engage in Peer Learning and Small Group Practice- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to practice compositions together, provide constructive feedback, and discuss theoretical concepts. Attend university-organized cultural events to observe and perform with peers.
Tools & Resources
University common rooms, Departmental practice facilities, Local music circles
Career Connection
Enhances collaborative skills, builds a professional network early on, and refines performance under observation, crucial for ensemble playing and future collaborations.
Intermediate Stage
Participate in University Concerts & Workshops- (Semester 3)
Actively seek opportunities to perform in university cultural programs, departmental concerts, and inter-collegiate music competitions. Attend workshops by visiting artists to learn advanced techniques and gharana specific nuances.
Tools & Resources
University cultural committees, Departmental event schedules, Local music academies offering workshops
Career Connection
Provides invaluable stage experience, builds confidence, exposes students to different performance scenarios, and helps in gaining recognition within the music fraternity.
Explore Different Gharanas and Accompaniment Styles- (Semester 3)
Beyond the curriculum, deeply research and practice compositions from various Tabla gharanas (e.g., Delhi, Ajrada, Lucknow, Farukhabad, Benares, Punjab). Focus on accompanying diverse vocal and instrumental forms.
Tools & Resources
Recordings of maestros from different gharanas, Online resources on Tabla history and traditions, Faculty guidance
Career Connection
Broadens performance repertoire, makes students versatile accompanists, and increases employability across a wider range of musical genres and collaborations.
Develop Basic Music Composition & Notation Skills- (Semester 3)
Experiment with creating short rhythmic compositions (tukdas, relas) and accurately notating them. Understand how to transcribe rhythmic phrases heard in live performances.
Tools & Resources
Music notation software (e.g., MuseScore, Sibelius basic features), Sangeet Bharati notation system
Career Connection
Cultivates creativity, aids in understanding musical structure, and opens avenues for careers in composition, music arrangement, and sound design.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Project Work/Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Focus on the research methodology and project work paper. Choose a topic related to Tabla performance, history, or a comparative study of gharanas. Conduct in-depth research, analysis, and present findings professionally.
Tools & Resources
University library, Academic databases, Guidance from faculty advisors, Research ethics guidelines
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking, analytical, and academic writing skills, preparing for higher studies (Ph.D.), musicology careers, or roles requiring detailed research.
Seek Professional Mentorship and Internships- (Semester 4)
Identify and approach renowned Tabla maestros or professional music groups for mentorship. Explore internships with cultural organizations, recording studios, or event management companies to gain real-world experience.
Tools & Resources
Professional network, University career services, Direct outreach to artists and organizations
Career Connection
Provides exposure to the professional music industry, builds crucial networking contacts, and often leads to performance opportunities or job placements post-graduation.
Build a Professional Performance Portfolio and Online Presence- (Semester 4)
Record high-quality audio and video performances of solo Tabla recitals and accompaniments. Create a professional website or social media presence to showcase skills, connect with potential collaborators, and attract performance engagements.
Tools & Resources
Professional recording equipment/studio access, Video editing software, Website builders (e.g., WordPress, Wix), Social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram)
Career Connection
Essential for marketing oneself as a professional musician, securing performance opportunities, and establishing a reputable identity in the competitive music industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B. A. (Music) or B. A. / B. Sc. / B. Com with Music as a special subject or B. Mus. of any Statutory University.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (for Theory Papers), 50% (for Practical Papers), External: 80% (for Theory Papers), 50% (for Practical Papers)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | History of Indian Music | Core | 4 | Ancient period music concepts, Medieval period music forms, Modern period developments, Music in Vedic literature, Contributions of eminent musicians |
| Paper II | Aesthetics & Principles of Musicology | Core | 4 | Definition and scope of Aesthetics, Music and other arts, Rasa Siddhanta in music, Principles of music composition, Impact of music on human mind |
| Paper III | Theory of Tabla & Pakhawaj | Specialization Core | 4 | Origin and evolution of Tabla and Pakhawaj, Construction and tuning, Basic Bols (strokes) and their execution, Different Angas (styles) of playing, Comparative study of Tabla and Pakhawaj |
| Paper IV | Practical – Tabla (Main) | Specialization Practical | 4 | Performance of various Talas, Playing Pishkar, Kayda, Rela, Tukda, Accompaniment with Vocal/Instrumental music, Solo performance techniques, Developing improvisation skills |
| Paper V | Practical – Tabla (Subsidiary) | Specialization Practical | 4 | Basic Bols and Talas, Simple compositions, Rhythm exercises, Maintaining Laya (tempo), Introduction to accompaniment |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper VI | Ancient & Medieval Music | Core | 4 | Evolution of Shrutis and Swaras, Grāma-Mūrcchanā system, Jatis and their characteristics, Prabandha and Dhrupad forms, Contribution of Amir Khusro |
| Paper VII | Folk Music of India | Core Elective | 4 | Introduction to Indian Folk Music, Characteristics of different regional folk forms, Role of instruments in folk music, Influence of folk music on classical, Preservation and promotion of folk traditions |
| Paper VIII | Detailed Study of Talas | Specialization Core | 4 | Advanced Talas and their complexities, Theka and its variations, Chhanda (meter) and Laya (tempo) variations, Analysis of different rhythmic cycles, Mathematical aspects of Tala |
| Paper IX | Practical – Tabla (Main) | Specialization Practical | 4 | Advanced solo compositions, Accompaniment with various genres, Performance in different Layakaris, Developing creative improvisation, Responding to melodic phrases |
| Paper X | Practical – Tabla (Subsidiary) | Specialization Practical | 4 | Intermediate compositions and patterns, Playing in different tempos, Basic accompaniment patterns, Sight-reading rhythmic notations, Developing rhythmic sensibility |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper XI | Research Methodology and Project Work | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of research, Formulating research questions, Data collection and analysis, Writing research papers, Ethical considerations in research |
| Paper XII | Applied Music | Core | 4 | Music in film and media, Music for dance and theatre, Sound engineering basics, Music education methods, Music as a therapeutic tool |
| Paper XIII | Special Study of Gharanas of Tabla | Specialization Core | 4 | Detailed study of Delhi Gharana, Ajrada, Lucknow, Farukhabad, Benares, Punjab Gharanas, Characteristic features and styles of each Gharana, Notable exponents and their contributions, Evolution and influence of Gharana traditions |
| Paper XIV | Practical – Tabla (Main) | Specialization Practical | 4 | Performance demonstrating Gharana styles, Complex improvisations and compositions, Advanced accompaniment techniques, Solo performance with elaborate structures, Developing personal performance style |
| Paper XV | Practical – Tabla (Subsidiary) | Specialization Practical | 4 | Intermediate to advanced compositions, Accompaniment for various classical forms, Understanding nuances of Laya and Tal, Developing strong rhythmic foundation, Preparing for ensemble playing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper XVI | Music Therapy | Core Elective | 4 | Introduction to Music Therapy, Physiological and psychological effects of music, Therapeutic applications of music, Techniques and methods in music therapy, Case studies and ethical practice |
| Paper XVII | Aesthetics & Psychology of Music | Core | 4 | Perception of musical elements, Emotion and music, Cognition in music listening and performance, Psychology of musical creativity, Cross-cultural perspectives on music |
| Paper XVIII | Performance Techniques & Accompaniment | Specialization Core | 4 | Advanced solo performance strategies, Art of accompaniment in different genres, Stage presence and audience engagement, Microphone techniques and sound reinforcement, Professional ethics for performers |
| Paper XIX | Practical – Tabla (Main) | Specialization Practical | 4 | Public performance of full-length recital, Creative improvisation demonstrating mastery, Accompaniment with professional musicians, Exploring fusion and contemporary styles, Mastering advanced rhythmic patterns |
| Paper XX | Practical – Tabla (Subsidiary) | Specialization Practical | 4 | Advanced repertoire performance, Refined accompaniment skills, Demonstrating nuanced rhythmic understanding, Preparing for collaborative performances, Developing a diverse rhythmic vocabulary |
