Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

There are no specific pre-requisites, but it is desirable to have taken MUS1011 or a musicological module of equivalent substance at Stage 1. Students should also have prior experience of practical musical study and/or musical performance (this doesn't have to be in Indian music).

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

•       To provide a practical introduction to Indian Classical music for students new (or relatively new) to this tradition (building on skills they’ve acquired through other musical practices)

•       To offer students the experience of learning in the Indian guru-śiṣyā paramparā (guru-disciple tradition)

•       To provide complementary skills and knowledge valuable to students in their future professional careers, e.g. as creative practitioners, teachers, composers

•       To encourage cultural understanding though practical encounter, and thus …

•       To provide a practical complement to modules involving the study of ethnomusicology and world music

•       To cultivate technical, cultural and historical knowledge relevant to this practice.



This module gives you an opportunity to learn about Indian music by doing it. Apart from giving you a practical introduction to Indian music, it will also help you develop a range of general musical skills valuable to your existing musical practice(s) – e.g. improved listening, rhythmic and ensemble sense, intonation, ability to improvise. It will also enrich your knowledge of musical culture, theory and history.

You don’t have to have any prior experience of Indian music to take this module – just a suitable level of musicianship in any musical practice (classical, popular, folk etc.). You’ll have the option (subject to available places) of studying on vocal, tabla, or possibly a western instrument. As a student on the module you’ll help build a community of practitioners; and, related to this, you’ll get to organise and participate in group riyaz (practise) sessions, baithaks (informal gatherings to share music), and workshops, and attend relevant performances in the University, the region or online.

Because this will be a mostly new practice to you, assessment will NOT be completely staked on a summative final recital. Instead, it will be based on a mixture of elements: tutors’ evaluation of your progress on the course and the quality of your practising (riyaz); your general engagement with the subject, based on a portfolio of short assignments; and a short, informal practical presentation.

Outline Of Syllabus

The core of your activities comprises:

•       A series of regular lessons (e.g. vocal or tabla) in small groups.

•       Regular daily individual practice, and periodic group practice (riyāz) sessions.

•       A series of seminars / workshops providing cultural and practice-related theoretical
knowledge; these also give you space to share your reflections on your learning experience.

•       A series of online learning packs, designed to help you acquire supporting skills and
knowledge in your own time.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this course you should know:

•       terms and concepts essential to Indian musical performance, e.g. rāg, tāl, ālāp, bandiś,
ṭhekā
•       basic vocabulary of Indian oral notation, e.g. sargam, tabla bols
•       key facts about Indian musical learning cultures, notably the guru–sisya parampara
•       essentials of the wider repertories of Indian music.
and be aware of
•       issues raised in encountering the music of other cultures, or music outside your usual
practice

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the option you should have acquired:

•       a basic foundation in your practical study
•       experience of working with others
•       self management
• working in an online environment
•       ability to reflect productively on practical experiences and cultural and musical encounters

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Small group teaching (vocal / tabla lessons) provide the core of students’ learning. Seminars/workshops provide fora in which students acquire further factual and contextual information and exchange ideas, as well as gaining experiential knowledge of the performing tradition and its cultural contexts. Online learning materials guide students in acquisition of core knowledge and skills, which inform their practice.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Performance & tutor’s report evaluate your basic practical foundation, absorption in practice of key concepts, and overall level of progress and application in your core practical study.

Portfolio evaluates (for example) your reflections on the learning process and the cultural encounters represented by it; your reflections on and understanding of performances of Indian music (live or recorded); and essential theoretical knowledge used in practice by performances of Indian music.

General Notes

n/a