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B-MUS-HINDUSTANI-CLASSICAL-MUSIC-TABLA in Hindustani Classical Music Tabla at Visva-Bharati
Birbhum, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Hindustani Classical Music (Tabla) at Visva-Bharati Birbhum?
This Hindustani Classical Music (Tabla) program at Visva-Bharati University focuses on developing comprehensive mastery of Tabla performance and theory. Situated within India''''s rich musical heritage, the program emphasizes traditional pedagogical methods while fostering individual creativity. It equips students with a profound understanding of rhythmic cycles, compositions, and accompaniment techniques, meeting the demand for highly skilled percussionists in India''''s vibrant classical music scene.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring Tabla artists, dedicated music students who have completed their 10+2 with a strong interest in percussion, and individuals passionate about preserving and advancing Hindustani classical music traditions. It caters to those seeking a formal academic foundation in Tabla, aiming for careers as performers, educators, accompanists, or researchers in the Indian music industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding India-specific career paths as solo Tabla performers, accompanists for vocalists and instrumentalists, music teachers, and cultural ambassadors. Entry-level salaries for professional musicians or music educators in India typically range from INR 2.5-5 LPA, with experienced artists earning significantly more based on performance, teaching, and touring opportunities. Graduates can contribute to cultural institutions, music academies, and the burgeoning live performance industry.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Rhythmic Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant daily practice time to mastering basic Tabla bols (strokes), kaydas, relas, and thekas of fundamental taals like Teentaal, Jhaptaal, and Roopak. Focus on clarity, evenness, and proper hand technique. Engage in active listening to recordings of senior artists to internalize rhythmic patterns.
Tools & Resources
Metronome (physical or app), Tabla tutor books (e.g., Pt. Chhotelal Misra''''s works), recordings of Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pt. Kishan Maharaj, Riyaz (daily practice) sessions
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for any professional Tabla artist. It ensures technical proficiency, accuracy, and confidence required for solo performances, accompaniments, and teaching roles.
Cultivate Active Listening & Theory Application- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond practical lessons, actively listen to a diverse range of Hindustani classical music performances (vocal, instrumental, solo Tabla). Identify taals, compositions, and structural elements discussed in theory classes. Try to analyze how theoretical concepts manifest in live performances.
Tools & Resources
YouTube, Gaana, Spotify (for classical music), music journals, discussions with peers and gurus
Career Connection
This practice develops critical listening skills essential for effective accompaniment, composition, and a deeper understanding of musical context, preparing for roles as a versatile musician or musicologist.
Engage in Peer Learning & Cultural Exchange- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to practice, discuss theory, and analyze compositions. Participate in informal jam sessions or cultural events within the university. This fosters a collaborative learning environment and exposes students to diverse musical perspectives prevalent in an institution like Visva-Bharati.
Tools & Resources
University cultural clubs, common practice rooms, local music circles, informal student gatherings
Career Connection
Builds teamwork, adaptability, and networking skills vital for ensemble performances, teaching in groups, and collaborating with other artists in the Indian music scene.
Intermediate Stage
Dive into Gharana Styles and Accompaniment- (Semester 3-5)
Begin in-depth study of different Tabla Gharanas (e.g., Delhi, Lucknow, Farrukhabad, Benares, Ajrada) through their specific repertoire and stylistic nuances. Practice accompanying vocal and instrumental pieces, focusing on anticipation, responsiveness, and maintaining rhythmic integrity. Seek opportunities to accompany student recitals.
Tools & Resources
Specific Gharana-based teaching materials, recordings of Gharana exponents, participation in university accompaniment workshops
Career Connection
Specializing in Gharana styles enhances artistic depth and versatility. Proficiency in accompaniment is a primary career path for Tabla players, leading to performance opportunities with leading artists.
Explore Layakari and Advanced Compositions- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on advanced layakari (rhythmic permutations), intricate tihaais, and complex compositions like chakradars and parans. Work on developing speed, clarity, and stamina. Experiment with improvisation within the traditional framework.
Tools & Resources
Advanced Tabla compositions from gurus, specialized workshops on layakari, intense individual practice sessions
Career Connection
Mastering complex rhythmic patterns and improvisational skills is essential for becoming a distinguished solo performer or a highly sought-after accompanist in the competitive classical music circuit.
Participate in University and Local Performances- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out and participate in university-organized cultural events, concerts, and local music festivals. These public performances provide invaluable stage experience, help build confidence, and offer initial exposure to an audience.
Tools & Resources
University cultural committees, local music event organizers, performance opportunities in ''''Uttarayan'''' (Visva-Bharati''''s annual cultural fest)
Career Connection
Builds stage presence, performance etiquette, and provides initial networking opportunities with organizers and audiences, crucial for a professional performance career.
Advanced Stage
Specialize in Performance or Pedagogy- (Semester 5-6)
Towards the final semesters, identify whether your primary interest lies in a performance career or teaching. If performance, focus on refining solo repertoire and accompaniment skills. If pedagogy, delve into teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and student assessment.
Tools & Resources
Mentorship from senior faculty, specialized workshops on teaching techniques, practical teaching internships (e.g., assisting in junior classes), advanced solo/accompaniment classes
Career Connection
Allows for focused skill development towards specific career goals, be it becoming a professional performing artist or a highly effective Tabla educator at music institutions across India.
Cultivate Unique Artistic Voice and Research Skills- (Semester 5-6)
Work on developing a distinct playing style while honoring tradition. Explore opportunities for musical composition and creative expression. For those inclined towards research, engage in a mini-project or dissertation on a chosen topic in musicology or ethnomusicology.
Tools & Resources
Independent study, access to university library for musicology resources, guidance from faculty on research projects, experimentation with new compositions
Career Connection
Establishes a unique identity as an artist, crucial for standing out. Research skills are valuable for academic positions, music archiving, or contributing to scholarly discourse in Indian music.
Network with Industry Professionals & Plan Career Transition- (Semester 5-6)
Actively network with established musicians, music producers, festival organizers, and cultural administrators. Attend music conferences, masterclasses, and workshops. Prepare a professional portfolio (performance videos, recordings, resume) and plan for auditions, job applications, or launching an independent career.
Tools & Resources
Music festivals (Dover Lane Music Conference, ITC Sangeet Sammelan), professional associations, online portfolios (e.g., personal website, social media), university placement/career cell if applicable
Career Connection
Essential for securing performance engagements, teaching positions, or gaining industry representation, paving the way for a successful career transition upon graduation in the Indian music ecosystem.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 pass or equivalent examination with 45% marks in aggregate. Upper age limit is 22 years for General category, 24 years for OBC and 27 years for SC/ST category as on 1st July of the year of admission. Practical Test & Viva-voce is mandatory.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 124 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (for theory papers), External: 80% (for theory papers), Practicals are performance-based (100 marks)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUSC-101 (P) | Theory of Indian Music - I | Core | 4 | Definition of Music, Nad, Sruti, Swara, Saptak, Thaat, Alankar, Jaati, Raaga System, Tala System, Laya, Avarta, Musical Instruments classification |
| MUSC-102 (P) | Tabla - I | Core | 6 | Basic Strokes (Bols), Kayda, Rela, Tukra, Tihaai, Theka of Teentaal (Drut, Madhyalaya), Theka of Ektala, Chautala, Jhap Taal, Solo performance rules |
| AECC - 1 | Environmental Studies / Bengali / Hindi (choice-based) | AECC (Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course) | 4 | Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, Natural Resources (forest, water, mineral, food, energy), Ecosystems (structure, function, types), Biodiversity and its conservation, Environmental Pollution (causes, effects, control measures) |
| GE - 1 | Generic Elective (choice-based) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUSC-201 (P) | Theory of Indian Music - II | Core | 4 | Musical Forms (Dhrupad, Dhamar, Khyal, Tarana), Thumri, Tappa, Ghazal, Bhajan, Tabla Gharanas (Delhi, Lucknow, Ajrada), Biographies of prominent composers and maestros, Concept of Raga and Tala |
| MUSC-202 (P) | Tabla - II | Core | 6 | Advanced Kayda, Rela, Gat, Toda, Paran, Peshkar, Mukhra, Mohra, Theka of Roopak Taal, Jhap Taal, Sultala, Accompaniment techniques with vocal/instrumental, Layakari (Dugun, Tigun, Chaugun) |
| AECC - 2 | English Communication | AECC (Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course) | 4 | Theory of Communication, Reading Comprehension techniques, Writing Skills (paragraph, essay, letter), Grammar and Vocabulary, Public Speaking and Presentation Skills |
| GE - 2 | Generic Elective (choice-based) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUSC-301 (P) | Theory of Indian Music - III | Core | 4 | Ancient, Medieval & Modern Scales, Rasa Theory and its application in music, Gram, Moorchana, Jati, Prabandha, Detailed study of Tabla terminology (e.g., Uthaan, Laggi), Evolution of Hindustani classical music forms |
| MUSC-302 (P) | Tabla - III | Core | 6 | Complex Kayda, Rela, Gat, Tukra, Paran, Chakradar, Farmaishi Chakradar, Theka of Chartal ki Sawari, Punjabi Theka, Theka of Ada Chautala, Dhamar, Ensemble playing and coordination |
| SEC - 1 | Skill Enhancement Course (choice-based) | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | |
| GE - 3 | Generic Elective (choice-based) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUSC-401 (P) | Theory of Indian Music - IV | Core | 4 | Evolution and History of Tala, Das Praana of Tala (Kala, Marga, Kriya, Anga etc.), Advanced Layakari techniques, Folk Music of Bengal and other regions, Biographies and contributions of prominent Tabla Maestros |
| MUSC-402 (P) | Tabla - IV | Core | 6 | Further advanced Kayda, Rela, Gat, Chakradar, Paran, Farmaishi Chakradar, Tihaai variations, Theka of Dhruvpad, Teen Tal (laggi portion), Dadra and Keherwa Thekas and their variations, Performance strategies for solo and accompaniment |
| SEC - 2 | Skill Enhancement Course (choice-based) | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | |
| GE - 4 | Generic Elective (choice-based) | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUSC-501 (P) | Theory of Indian Music - V | Core | 6 | History of Indian Music (Ancient to Modern), Classification and study of various Musical instruments, Regional and Folk instruments of India, Fundamentals of Musicology and Ethnomusicology, Comparative study of Hindustani and Carnatic music |
| MUSC-502 (P) | Tabla - V | Core | 6 | Detailed study of Gharanas (e.g., Benares, Farrukhabad), Advanced accompaniment techniques with diverse artists, Preparation and presentation of solo repertoire, Practical application of theoretical knowledge, Creative improvisation within classical framework |
| DSE - 1 | Discipline Specific Elective (choice-based) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | |
| DSE - 2 | Discipline Specific Elective (choice-based) | Discipline Elective | 6 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUSC-601 (P) | Theory of Indian Music - VI | Core | 6 | Aesthetics of Music and artistic expression, Music Criticism and appreciation, Role of Music in society and culture, Contemporary trends and fusion in Indian Music, Intellectual Property Rights in music |
| MUSC-602 (P) | Tabla - VI | Core | 6 | Mastery of advanced solo compositions and concert presentation, Accompaniment with complex vocal and instrumental forms, Ensemble playing and artistic collaboration, Creative composition and demonstration of originality, Preparation for professional performances and recordings |
| DSE - 3 | Discipline Specific Elective (choice-based) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | |
| DSE - 4 | Discipline Specific Elective (choice-based) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 |
