

BA in Music at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith


Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Music at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith Varanasi?
This Music program at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of Indian classical music, encompassing vocal, instrumental, and percussive arts. Rooted in the rich cultural heritage of India, the program delves into both theoretical foundations and practical performance aspects, preparing students for diverse roles in the vibrant Indian music industry. It emphasizes traditional knowledge while integrating contemporary applications.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring musicians, vocalists, instrumentalists, and tabla players seeking formal training in Indian classical music. It welcomes fresh graduates with a passion for music, individuals interested in musicology or teaching, and those looking to develop their performance skills for professional careers. Enthusiasts eager to explore the depths of Indian musical traditions and contribute to its preservation and evolution will find this program fulfilling.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths as professional performing artists, music teachers, musicologists, sound engineers, or cultural event managers. Entry-level salaries in India for performers or teachers can range from INR 2.5 LPA to 5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters a strong foundation for higher studies, including M.A. and PhD in Music, and aligns with certifications from prestigious cultural bodies and music academies.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Basic Music Theory & Riyaaz- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent hours to daily riyaaz (practice) for vocal/instrumental/tabla techniques, focusing on Swar, Taal, and Laya. Simultaneously, thoroughly understand fundamental music theory concepts like Raga, Thaat, Shruti, and basic compositions. Utilize online resources like Sangeet Piyasi or YouTube tutorials for initial guidance, but prioritize guidance from your professors.
Tools & Resources
Tanpura app/instrument, Metronome, Sangeet Piyasi online portal
Career Connection
A strong foundation in theory and practical execution is crucial for any music career, ensuring proficiency and understanding of the art form, which directly impacts performance quality and teaching ability.
Active Participation in Departmental Activities- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively in departmental workshops, seminars, and small performances. This helps in developing stage presence, learning from peers and seniors, and gaining confidence. Participate in university cultural events to showcase early skills and get constructive feedback.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, University cultural committees
Career Connection
Early exposure to performance environments and peer interaction helps build a professional network and enhances soft skills vital for collaborative musical projects and performances.
Explore Indian Music History & Heritage- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classroom learning, read books and articles on the history of Indian classical music, biographies of legendary musicians, and the evolution of different gharanas. Visit local music archives or cultural centers in Varanasi to deepen appreciation for the rich heritage.
Tools & Resources
University library, Online cultural archives, Local music organizations
Career Connection
A deep understanding of historical context and cultural significance is invaluable for musicologists, critics, and educators, adding depth to their understanding and teaching.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Skill Development & Advanced Riyaaz- (Semester 3-4)
Intensify practical training in your chosen specialization (vocal, instrument, tabla). Focus on mastering complex Ragas, Talas, and advanced compositions. Seek opportunities for solo performances and collaborative projects within the university or local music circles. Start exploring improvisation techniques.
Tools & Resources
Advanced music tutorials, Dedicated practice space, Peer collaboration groups
Career Connection
High-level performance skills and the ability to improvise are essential for professional performers and composers, allowing for versatility and innovation in their musical careers.
Internship/Apprenticeship with a Musician/Guru- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities to apprentice under a seasoned musician, guru, or music school during semester breaks. This hands-on experience provides invaluable insights into professional practice, teaching methodologies, and the realities of a music career in India. Look for local artists or institutions in Varanasi or nearby cultural hubs.
Tools & Resources
Local music academies, Individual professional musicians, Cultural organizations
Career Connection
Direct mentorship and practical experience are crucial for real-world application, offering networking opportunities and a realistic understanding of the Indian music industry''''s demands.
Attend & Analyze Live Performances- (Semester 3-5)
Regularly attend live classical music concerts, festivals, and cultural events. Critically analyze performances, identify different gharana styles, and understand stage dynamics. This passive learning enhances musical sensibility and provides exposure to diverse interpretations.
Tools & Resources
Local concert schedules, Online archives of classical performances
Career Connection
Developing a discerning ear and critical analysis skills is vital for aspiring music critics, educators, and performers who need to understand audience engagement and performance quality.
Advanced Stage
Develop a Signature Performance Repertoire- (Semester 5-6)
Curate a polished repertoire of 5-7 pieces in your chosen specialization, including both classical and semi-classical forms, showcasing your unique style and strengths. Focus on presentation, emotional expression, and audience connection. Record your performances for self-critique.
Tools & Resources
Professional recording equipment (if available), Mentor feedback, Performance venues
Career Connection
A strong, well-rehearsed repertoire is indispensable for professional performers seeking bookings, auditions, and building a reputation in the Indian music scene.
Undertake an Independent Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Choose a topic of interest within Indian musicology, performance practice, or music therapy for your final year project. Conduct thorough research, engage with primary sources, and present your findings in a well-structured dissertation or research paper. Seek guidance from faculty mentors.
Tools & Resources
University library databases, Research methodology workshops, Academic journals
Career Connection
This builds critical thinking, research, and academic writing skills, preparing students for postgraduate studies, research roles, or specialized careers in music academia.
Build a Professional Online Presence & Network- (Semester 6)
Create a professional portfolio website or social media presence showcasing your musical journey, performances, and contact information. Network with fellow musicians, cultural organizations, and potential employers through online platforms and industry events to explore career and collaboration opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, YouTube, Bandcamp/SoundCloud, Professional website builders
Career Connection
In today''''s digital age, an online presence is crucial for visibility, audience engagement, and securing performance opportunities or teaching roles in the Indian and global music markets.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050101T | भारतीय संगीत का आधारभूत अध्ययन (Fundamental Study of Indian Music) | Major Core (Theory) | 4 | नाद, श्रुति, स्वर, सप्तक, राग, थाट, जाति गायन, प्राचीन, मध्यकालीन, आधुनिक वर्गीकरण, भारतीय संगीत की शैलियाँ, संगीत के प्रमुख ग्रंथ |
| A050102P | गायन/वादन/तबला का आधारभूत अध्ययन (Fundamental Study of Vocal/Instrumental/Tabla) (Practical) | Major Core (Practical) | 2 | स्वर अभ्यास, सरगम, अलंकार, ध्रुपद, ख्याल गायन/वादन, तबला के मूल बोल, ताल परिचय, छोटी रचनाओं का अभ्यास |
| A050103V | संगीत में कैरियर विकल्प (Career Options in Music) | Vocational (Skill Enhancement) | 4 | संगीत उद्योग का परिचय, प्रदर्शन कला में करियर, शिक्षण और अनुसंधान, रिकॉर्डिंग और ध्वनि इंजीनियरिंग, स्वरोजगार के अवसर |
| A050104CC | आधारभूत सह पाठ्यक्रम (Basic Co-Curricular) | Co-Curricular | 2 | मानव मूल्य, पर्यावरण जागरूकता, सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व, व्यक्तिगत विकास |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050201T | भारतीय संगीत का सैद्धांतिक अध्ययन (Theoretical Study of Indian Music) | Major Core (Theory) | 4 | रागों का विस्तृत अध्ययन, ताल और उनके प्रकार, संगीत पारिभाषिक शब्दावली, संगीत के ऐतिहासिक विकास, संयोजक और कलाकार |
| A050202P | गायन/वादन/तबला का प्रायोगिक अध्ययन (Practical Study of Vocal/Instrumental/Tabla) (Practical) | Major Core (Practical) | 2 | कुछ विशेष रागों का अभ्यास, छोटे ख्यालों/बंदिशों की प्रस्तुति, ताल के ठेकों का प्रदर्शन, लयकारी अभ्यास, सरल भजनों/गीतों का गायन/वादन |
| A050203V | रिकॉर्डिंग और ध्वनि संपादन (Recording and Sound Editing) | Vocational (Skill Enhancement) | 4 | ध्वनि रिकॉर्डिंग के सिद्धांत, माइक्रोफोन के प्रकार, ध्वनि संपादन सॉफ्टवेयर, मिक्सिंग और मास्टेरिंग, एक छोटा ऑडियो प्रोजेक्ट |
| A050204CC | स्वास्थ्य और कल्याण (Health and Wellness) | Co-Curricular | 2 | शारीरिक स्वास्थ्य, मानसिक स्वास्थ्य, योग और ध्यान, संतुलित आहार |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050301T | भारतीय संगीत का इतिहास और सिद्धांत (History and Theory of Indian Music) | Major Core (Theory) | 4 | विभिन्न कालों में संगीत का विकास, संगीत संबंधी प्राचीन और मध्यकालीन विद्वान, उत्तर भारतीय और कर्नाटक संगीत शैलियाँ, राग और उनके समय चक्र, ताल के जटिल स्वरूप |
| A050302P | गायन/वादन/तबला का प्रदर्शन अध्ययन (Performance Study of Vocal/Instrumental/Tabla) (Practical) | Major Core (Practical) | 2 | मध्यलय ख्याल/बंदिशें, विभिन्न तालों में प्रदर्शन, पलटे और आलाप का विस्तार, छोटे ठुमरी/दादरा का अभ्यास, स्वतंत्र वादन/गायन अभ्यास |
| A050303V | भारतीय लोक संगीत (Indian Folk Music) | Vocational (Skill Enhancement) | 4 | लोक संगीत की शैलियाँ, विभिन्न राज्यों के लोकगीत, लोक वाद्य यंत्र, लोक कलाकारों का योगदान, एक लोकगीत का प्रदर्शन |
| A050304CC | खेल और फिटनेस (Sports and Fitness) | Co-Curricular | 2 | शारीरिक दक्षता, विभिन्न खेलों के नियम, टीम वर्क और नेतृत्व, स्वस्थ जीवन शैली |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050401T | रागों और तालों का विशिष्ट अध्ययन (Specific Study of Ragas and Talas) | Major Core (Theory) | 4 | विशिष्ट रागों की पहचान और विश्लेषण, मिश्र तालों का अध्ययन, राग वर्गीकरण के सिद्धांत, संगीत में भावनात्मक अभिव्यक्ति, आधुनिक संगीत की अवधारणाएँ |
| A050402P | गायन/वादन/तबला में विशेषज्ञता (Specialization in Vocal/Instrumental/Tabla) (Practical) | Major Core (Practical) | 2 | बड़े ख्यालों/बंदिशों का विस्तार, तान और सरगम अभ्यास, विभिन्न तालों में कायदे/पेशा, उपशास्त्रीय संगीत का अभ्यास, मंचीय प्रस्तुति के लिए तैयारी |
| A050403V | मंचीय प्रदर्शन और प्रबंधन (Stage Performance and Management) | Vocational (Skill Enhancement) | 4 | मंच कला के सिद्धांत, प्रकाश और ध्वनि का उपयोग, प्रदर्शन का आयोजन, कॉपीराइट और कानूनी पहलू, एक मंचीय कार्यक्रम का आयोजन |
| A050404CC | डिजिटल साक्षरता और साइबर सुरक्षा (Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity) | Co-Curricular | 2 | कंप्यूटर का मूल ज्ञान, इंटरनेट और ईमेल का उपयोग, ऑनलाइन सुरक्षा, डिजिटल उपकरण का उपयोग, डेटा गोपनीयता |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050501T | तुलनात्मक संगीत और संगीत समालोचना (Comparative Music and Music Criticism) | Major Core (Theory) | 4 | विभिन्न संगीत पद्धतियों की तुलना, पश्चिमी संगीत का परिचय, संगीत समीक्षा के सिद्धांत, प्रमुख भारतीय संगीत समालोचक, संगीत लेखन और विश्लेषण |
| A050502P | गायन/वादन/तबला में उन्नत प्रदर्शन (Advanced Performance in Vocal/Instrumental/Tabla) (Practical) | Major Core (Practical) | 2 | कठिन रागों का अभ्यास, जुगलबंदी और संगत, लयकारी के जटिल पैटर्न, विभिन्न शैलियों का प्रदर्शन, स्वतंत्र रूप से प्रदर्शन की तैयारी |
| A050503V | संगीत चिकित्सा का परिचय (Introduction to Music Therapy) | Vocational (Skill Enhancement) | 4 | संगीत चिकित्सा के सिद्धांत, शारीरिक और मानसिक स्वास्थ्य पर प्रभाव, उपचार के तरीके, विभिन्न रोगों में अनुप्रयोग, एक छोटा केस स्टडी |
| A050504O | वैकल्पिक शोध/परियोजना कार्य (Optional Research/Project Work) | Optional | 6 | शोध पद्धति, साहित्य समीक्षा, डेटा संग्रह और विश्लेषण, शोध प्रस्ताव लेखन, परियोजना रिपोर्ट प्रस्तुति |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050601T | संगीत अनुसंधान और परियोजना कार्य (Music Research and Project Work) | Major Core (Theory) | 4 | उन्नत अनुसंधान विधियाँ, शोध पत्र लेखन, संगीत के विभिन्न पहलुओं पर शोध, प्रस्तुति कौशल, एक लघु शोध प्रबंध |
| A050602P | विस्तृत प्रदर्शन और शोध प्रस्तुति (Extensive Performance and Research Presentation) (Practical) | Major Core (Practical) | 2 | पुर्ण रागों का प्रदर्शन, कठिन तालों की प्रस्तुति, विशेषज्ञता का प्रदर्शन, शोध कार्य का मौखिक प्रस्तुतिकरण, मंचीय प्रस्तुति |
| A050603V | संगीत शिक्षाशास्त्र और शिक्षण विधियाँ (Music Pedagogy and Teaching Methods) | Vocational (Skill Enhancement) | 4 | संगीत शिक्षण के सिद्धांत, विभिन्न शिक्षण तकनीकें, पाठ्यक्रम विकास, मूल्यांकन विधियाँ, शिक्षण अभ्यास |
| A050604O | उन्नत वैकल्पिक विषय (Advanced Optional Subject) | Optional | 6 | संगीत उत्पादन तकनीकें, विश्व संगीत का अध्ययन, संगीत और समाज, संगीत में उद्यमिता, विशिष्ट वाद्यों का गहन अध्ययन |




