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M-A in Music at University of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Music at University of Kerala Thiruvananthapuram?
This M.A. Music program at the University of Kerala focuses on comprehensive training in Indian classical music, particularly Carnatic traditions, alongside Western music, musicology, and emerging music technology. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of musical theory, history, and performance practices. It prepares students for diverse roles in India''''s vibrant music and entertainment industry, catering to both traditional and contemporary demands.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Arts in Music graduates seeking to deepen their expertise as performers, music educators, or researchers. It also suits aspiring music directors, sound engineers, and cultural practitioners looking to formalize their knowledge. Individuals with a passion for Indian classical music and an aptitude for academic research and practical application will find this course highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as accomplished performers, qualified music teachers in schools and universities, or music directors for various cultural organizations. Opportunities also exist in music production, sound engineering, and archival research. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 3 to 5 Lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning between INR 6 to 12 Lakhs or more, depending on their specialization and industry.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Theoretical and Historical Foundations- (Semester 1)
Dedicate significant time to understanding the foundational theories of Indian and global music history. Actively participate in lectures on Musicology and History of Indian Music, making detailed notes. Regularly revise concepts like Raga, Tala, Grama, and Moorchana, which are crucial for advanced studies and research in music. Utilize library resources and online academic journals to supplement classroom learning.
Tools & Resources
University Library Resources, Musicology textbooks, Academic journals on Indian Music, Online educational platforms like Coursera for foundational courses if available
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base enhances your ability to analyze, compose, and critically evaluate music, essential for roles in music research, academia, and informed performance.
Consistent Practical Training and Performance Enhancement- (Semester 1)
Engage in daily practical sessions for your chosen instrument or vocal tradition. Beyond structured classes, practice independently to perfect compositions and improvisational techniques learned. Seek feedback from professors and peers. Participate in departmental recitals or informal performance gatherings to build stage confidence and refine presentation skills from early on.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated practice space, Metronome and Tanpura apps, Recording devices for self-assessment, Departmental performance opportunities
Career Connection
Excellence in practical performance is paramount for a career as a professional musician, concert performer, or a highly sought-after music educator.
Developing Early Research Aptitude- (Semester 1)
Approach the Research Methodology course with a keen interest in academic inquiry. Start identifying potential areas of musical interest for future research. Practice critical thinking by analyzing existing musicological texts and identifying gaps. Engage with professors to discuss research ideas and learn about academic writing standards, even for small assignments.
Tools & Resources
University research guides, Citation management tools like Zotero/Mendeley, Online research databases like JSTOR, Guidance from faculty mentors
Career Connection
Building research skills early is vital for academic careers, pursuing PhDs, or working in music archives and cultural institutions.
Intermediate Stage
Deepening Practical Skills and Exploring Electives- (Semesters 2-3)
Intensify your practical training with advanced compositions and improvisations, pushing your boundaries. Actively choose electives like Kerala Music or other practical instrument options that align with your career aspirations to specialize early. Engage in workshops focused on specific advanced techniques or regional music forms. Seek opportunities for collaborative performances with peers.
Tools & Resources
Specialized instrument training, Workshops by visiting artists, Collaborative practice groups, Access to diverse musical scores
Career Connection
Specialized practical skills make you more versatile and marketable as a performer, composer, or a specialized music instructor in India’s diverse music landscape.
Integrating Music Technology and Diverse Musical Systems- (Semesters 2-3)
Actively learn and experiment with music technology tools covered in courses like Music Technology. Apply these skills to create compositions, record performances, or analyze sound. Simultaneously, delve into comparative musicology to understand global music systems. Attend seminars on Western music or other world music traditions to broaden your perspective beyond Indian classical forms.
Tools & Resources
Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) software, MIDI controllers, Music notation software like Sibelius/Finale, Online resources on world music
Career Connection
Proficiency in music technology is crucial for roles in modern music production, film scoring, and sound design. A broad understanding of diverse music systems opens doors in ethnomusicology or cross-cultural collaborations.
Cultivating Aesthetic Understanding and Industry Networking- (Semesters 2-3)
Deepen your understanding of musical aesthetics and psychology by reflecting on the emotional impact and philosophical underpinnings of music. Attend live concerts, music festivals, and cultural events both within and outside the university. Network with established musicians, scholars, and industry professionals. Seek their insights and mentorship to understand the practicalities of a music career in India.
Tools & Resources
Local music festivals and concerts, Professional music organizations in Kerala/India, Industry meetups, Mentor relationships with faculty/artists
Career Connection
A strong aesthetic sense enhances artistic output, while networking provides vital industry contacts for collaborations, performance opportunities, and placements.
Advanced Stage
Achieving Concert Readiness and Pedagogical Excellence- (Semester 4)
Focus intensely on preparing for your final practical performance, treating it as a professional concert. Work on perfecting stage presence, audience interaction, and artistic interpretation. Simultaneously, refine your pedagogical skills in Music Education. Volunteer to teach introductory music lessons or workshops, gaining hands-on experience in curriculum delivery and student assessment.
Tools & Resources
Professional music venues for practice, Mentorship from senior performers/gurus, Teaching practice opportunities at local schools or cultural centers, Pedagogy specific resources
Career Connection
Exceptional performance skills are essential for a performing career, and strong pedagogical abilities are critical for becoming a successful music educator or academic.
Executing a High-Quality Research Project- (Semester 4)
Dedicate substantial effort to your final project. Ensure your research proposal is robust, data analysis is thorough, and thesis writing is clear and well-structured. Work closely with your project supervisor, seeking regular feedback. Prepare meticulously for your project presentation and viva voce, demonstrating a deep understanding of your chosen topic and research methodology.
Tools & Resources
University research ethics guidelines, Advanced statistical software if applicable, Academic writing support services, Dedicated consultation with supervisor
Career Connection
A well-executed research project strengthens your academic profile, opens avenues for higher studies (PhD), and positions you for research-oriented roles in cultural institutions.
Strategic Career Mapping and Portfolio Development- (Semester 4)
Actively engage in career counseling and placement assistance services. Develop a professional portfolio or demo reel showcasing your best performances, compositions, or research work. Identify specific career paths within the Indian music industry (e.g., film music, independent artist, academic, music therapist). Prepare for auditions, interviews, or academic applications by tailoring your skills and experiences to specific job roles.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells, Professional portfolio/website builder, High-quality audio/video recording equipment, Industry job portals like LinkedIn, artist management sites
Career Connection
Strategic planning and a strong professional portfolio are crucial for successfully transitioning from academia into a fulfilling and sustainable career in the competitive Indian music industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in Music (B.A. Music) or an equivalent degree from a recognized university
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCM-C-101 | HISTORY OF INDIAN MUSIC | Core | 4 | Ancient Period Music History, Medieval Period Music History, Modern Period Musical Developments, Music Traditions in Kerala, Eminent Indian Composers and Their Works |
| MCM-C-102 | MUSICOLOGY | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Musicology, Concepts of Nada, Sruti, Swara, Raga and Tala Systems, Grama and Moorchana, Melody and Rhythm |
| MCM-C-103 | PRACTICAL (South Indian Music) | Core | 4 | Vocal or Instrumental Performance, Traditional Carnatic Compositions, Raga Alapana Techniques, Swara Kalpana Improvisations, Neraval Rendition |
| MCM-C-104 | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY | Core | 4 | Types of Research in Music, Data Collection Methods, Hypothesis Formulation, Research Report Writing, Referencing and Documentation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCM-C-205 | WESTERN MUSIC | Core | 4 | History of Western Music, Major Styles and Periods, Prominent Western Composers, Orchestration and Instrumentation, Western Music Notation |
| MCM-C-206 | AESTHETICS AND PSYCHOLOGY OF MUSIC | Core | 4 | Philosophical Aesthetics of Music, Rasa Theory in Indian Music, Music and Human Emotions, Psychology of Music Perception, Introduction to Music Therapy |
| MCM-C-207 | PRACTICAL (South Indian Music) | Core | 4 | Advanced Carnatic Compositions, Manodharma Sangeetham, Pallavi Rendition, Creative Improvisation, Stage Performance Skills |
| MCM-E-208 | KERALA MUSIC (Elective Option) | Elective | 4 | Sopana Sangeetham, Indigenous Musical Forms of Kerala, Mohiniyattam Music, Kathakali Sangeetham, Traditional Kerala Instruments |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCM-C-309 | COMPARATIVE MUSICOLOGY | Core | 4 | World Music Systems, East-West Musical Comparisons, Global Folk Music Traditions, Principles of Ethnomusicology, Musical Instruments Across Cultures |
| MCM-C-310 | MUSIC TECHNOLOGY | Core | 4 | Digital Audio Workstations (DAW), MIDI Technology and Applications, Music Notation Software, Sound Synthesis Techniques, Basic Recording and Mixing |
| MCM-C-311 | PRACTICAL (South Indian Music) | Core | 4 | Concert Repertoire Performance, Advanced Vocal/Instrumental Techniques, Group Performance Dynamics, Accompaniment Skills, Artistic Presentation |
| MCM-E-312 | VOCAL (Practical Elective Option) | Elective | 4 | Advanced Raga Delineation, Complex Varnams and Kritis, Swara-Prastara and Improvisation, Voice Culture and Breath Control, Concert Etiquette and Delivery |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCM-C-413 | MUSIC EDUCATION | Core | 4 | Music Teaching Methodologies, Curriculum Design in Music, Principles of Music Pedagogy, Assessment Strategies in Music, Classroom Management for Music Teachers |
| MCM-P-414 | PROJECT | Core | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Structuring, Project Presentation, Viva Voce Examination |
| MCM-C-415 | PRACTICAL (South Indian Music) | Core | 4 | Final Concert Preparation, Stage Presence and Delivery, Audience Engagement, Full-fledged Performance, Artistic Interpretation and Expression |
| MCM-E-416 | FOLK MUSIC OF INDIA (Elective Option) | Elective | 4 | North Indian Folk Music Traditions, South Indian Folk Music Traditions, Tribal Music Forms, Regional Folk Instruments, Cultural Context of Indian Folk Music |
