CBSE Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 3: The Sound of Music NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

CBSE Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 3 NCERT Solutions explore the extraordinary life of Evelyn Glennie, a profoundly deaf percussionist. The solutions detail her early life, the gradual loss of her hearing, and her unwavering determination to pursue music. They highlight the crucial support from her teacher, Ron Forbes, who introduced her to the concept of feeling music through vibrations. The chapter's solutions cover her journey from overcoming her disability to achieving international acclaim, including her performances in diverse settings like prisons and hospitals. These explanations aim to deepen students' appreciation for Evelyn's resilience, her innovative musical techniques, and her ability to connect with audiences worldwide, providing thorough answers to facilitate learning and exam revision.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectEnglish Beehive
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 3

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive focus on Evelyn Glennie's journey as a deaf percussionist. It covers the initial signs and confirmation of her hearing loss, the crucial support from her teacher Ron Forbes who taught her to feel music through vibrations, and her dedication to performing for diverse audiences, including those in prisons and hospitals. The solutions explain how Evelyn overcomes her disability to achieve international acclaim, providing detailed answers to text-based questions.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the early life and challenges faced by Evelyn Glennie.
  • Analyze the impact of hearing impairment on musical perception.
  • Identify the role of supportive individuals like Ron Forbes.
  • Explain Evelyn's unique method of experiencing music through vibrations.
  • Recognize Evelyn's commitment to performing in various settings.
  • Appreciate the themes of determination and overcoming adversity.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Evelyn Glennie's early life
  • Onset and confirmation of hearing loss
  • Ron Forbes's role in musical development
  • Perceiving music through vibrations
  • Evelyn's determination and hard work
  • Musical performances in various venues
  • Teaching young musicians
  • Overcoming adversity
  • The Royal Academy of Music
  • Percussion instruments

Important topics

  • Evelyn's method of hearing music through vibrations
  • Ron Forbes's contribution
  • The timeline of Evelyn's hearing loss
  • Evelyn's perseverance and success
  • Performing in prisons and hospitals

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Questions and Solutions

Q. 1 A

How old was Evelyn when she went to the Royal Academy of Music?
Solution: Evelyn Glennie was seventeen years old when she enrolled at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music in London to pursue her musical studies.

Q. 1 B

When was her deafness first noticed? When was it confirmed?
Solution: Evelyn's gradual loss of hearing was first noticed by her mother when Evelyn was eight years old. Although she initially managed to hide her hearing difficulties from her friends and teachers, her academic performance began to decline significantly by the time she was eleven. This prompted her parents to seek medical advice, and a specialist visit confirmed that her hearing was severely impaired due to progressive nerve damage.

Q. 2 A

Who helped her to continue with music? What did he do and say?
Solution: Ron Forbes, a percussionist, was instrumental in helping Evelyn continue her music education. He recognized her potential when many teachers had discouraged her. Forbes began by tuning two large drums to different musical notes and instructed Evelyn to feel the music and its vibrations. He encouraged her to sense the higher drum's vibrations from her waist upwards and the lower drum's from her waist downwards. Through consistent practice of this exercise, Evelyn developed the ability to perceive distinct notes in various parts of her body, which opened her mind and senses to the nuances of sound and vibration in music.

Q. 2 B

Name the various places and causes for which Evelyn performs.
Solution: Evelyn performs not only at regular concerts but also dedicates her time to giving free performances in prisons and hospitals. Additionally, she places a high priority on conducting classes to teach and inspire young, aspiring musicians, sharing her knowledge and passion.

Q. 3

How does Evelyn hear music?
Solution: Evelyn Glennie, a remarkable percussionist, experiences music in a unique way despite her profound hearing impairment, which began around the age of 12. Her success is attributed to her strong will, immense determination, and diligent hard work. She explains that she can 'hear' music by sensing the notes through different parts of her body. For instance, when Ron Forbes, her percussionist teacher, tuned two large drums to different notes, Evelyn could feel the higher drum's vibrations from her waist up and the lower drum's from her waist down. This method allowed her to open her entire mind and body to the sounds and vibrations of music. She further describes sensing the vibrations of a xylophone passing up the stick into her fingertips, demonstrating her profound connection to musical vibrations.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the timeline of Evelyn's hearing loss.
  • Underestimating the importance of Ron Forbes's teaching method.
  • Not fully grasping how Evelyn perceives music without hearing.
  • Overlooking the significance of her performances in prisons and hospitals.

Revision tips

  • Focus on the chronological events of Evelyn's life and career.
  • Pay close attention to the description of how Evelyn 'hears' music.
  • Understand the role of Ron Forbes and his innovative teaching.
  • Note the different types of performances Evelyn undertakes and their purpose.
  • Summarize Evelyn's journey as a story of resilience and passion.

Practice MCQs

Q1. At what age was Evelyn's deafness first noticed?

Q2. Who was Ron Forbes and what was his contribution to Evelyn's musical journey?

Q3. How did Evelyn learn to perceive music after her hearing loss became severe?

Q4. Besides regular concerts, where else did Evelyn perform?

Q5. What was confirmed when Evelyn was eleven years old?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 3 of the CBSE Class 9 English Beehive textbook about?

Chapter 3 of the CBSE Class 9 English Beehive textbook focuses on the inspiring story of Evelyn Glennie, a world-renowned percussionist who is profoundly deaf.

How did Evelyn Glennie learn to play music despite her hearing impairment?

Evelyn learned to perceive music by feeling the vibrations through different parts of her body, a method pioneered by her teacher Ron Forbes.

At what age did Evelyn's hearing loss become apparent?

Evelyn's hearing loss was first noticed by her mother when she was eight years old, and it was confirmed to be severe by the time she was eleven.

Who played a significant role in helping Evelyn continue her music education?

Ron Forbes, a percussionist, played a crucial role by recognizing Evelyn's potential and teaching her to feel music through vibrations.

Where does Evelyn perform her music?

Evelyn performs at regular concerts, as well as giving free performances in prisons and hospitals, and conducts classes for young musicians.

What is the main message conveyed by Evelyn's story?

Evelyn's story highlights themes of determination, perseverance, and the ability to overcome significant challenges to achieve one's dreams.

Important links

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