CBSE Class 10 Carnatic Music (Percussion Instruments) Syllabus 2026-27
CBSE Class 10 Carnatic Music (Percussion Instruments) Session 2026-27. This syllabus aims to nurture students' talent and creativity in percussion music while fostering an appreciation for India's rich cultural heritage through ancient Indian music. It delves into the origins and evolution of Indian music, providing a comprehensive understanding of Carnatic music's history and the diversity of percussion instruments. Key learning objectives include mastering Tala formation, Jaatis, and angas, encouraging exploration of complex tala systems, and integrating music with other subjects. Students will hone their instrumental skills, opening doors to potential music careers. The curriculum emphasizes understanding percussion instrument fundamentals, advanced Tala systems, practical playing techniques, and the interconnectedness of musical concepts with other disciplines. Assessment comprises Theory (30 marks), Practical (50 marks), and Internal Assessment (20 marks).
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | 10 |
| Subject | Carnatic Music (Percussion Instruments) |
| Session | 2026-27 |
| Language | English |
| Type | Syllabus |
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Full document text
CARNATIC MUSIC – PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS Subject Code- 033 Class-X (2026-27)
Introduction
The course in Carnatic music - Percussion Instruments at Secondary and Senior Secondary level is being offered for the students, who develop an aptitude and creative ability in the art of Percussion Instruments and carry forward their capabilities in Percussion music through education. The syllabus offered in this course envisages the holistic development of the students by introducing to them, the intangible values and rich cultural heritage of our country, which have been in coexistence with music and art forms practiced through ages. The ethos and philosophical concepts that are mirrored in the ancient system of Indian music, can be appreciated by the students who learn this course. Along with the intricacies as well as cadences of musical rhythm, this course induces a historical consciousness among the students who wish to pursue higher studies in Music. To some extent this course may even be considered as a stepping stone to vocational studies.
Objectives
- To introduce to students, an understanding of certain principles related to the origin and development of Indian music through ages and to familiarize students with the rich history and diversity of Carnatic music and Percussion instruments.
- To inculcate curiosity about the formation of Tala and its various Jaatis, angas etc and further development to the intricate tala system etc.
<math>\blacktriangle</math> Music is very closely associated with many Science and Arts disciplines. One of the objectives is to make the students focus on the interdisciplinary approaches in various musical concepts.
<math>\blacktriangle</math> To develop the ability, techniques and skills of playing the instrument opted for, thus grooming the students to become professional artists of their respective fields.
- To motivate students to take up percussion instrumental music as a career as well as to open avenues for different careers in related fields.
<math>\blacktriangle</math> To make students aware and efficient in other subjects through integrated learning.
Students not only learn a vital aspect of Indian culture but also develop skills and qualities that benefit their overall growth and personality development.
Learning Outcome
By learning this course, students:
- Will be able to understand the concepts of Percussion Instruments in Carnatic Music
Will be able to understand the Tala and its various systems in Carnatic music.
<math>\blacktriangle</math> Will be able to learn the art of playing Carnatic percussion instruments, its techniques and skills
Will be able to assimilate musical concepts with other disciplines
Will be able to develop a scientific approach in all aspects, through systematic training opportunities offered during teaching – learning process
Will be able to appreciate Percussion music as a career oriented subject.
CARNATIC MUSIC – PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS Subject Code - 033 Class X (2026-27)
<u>Assessment Design</u>
Sr.no Component Marks
Α Theory 30
В Practical 50
C Internal Assessment 20
Curriculum & Examination Structure
Max. Marks: 30
- Theory
Time: 2 Hours
S.No. Topics
- Detailed Knowledge about the structure and components of the instruments opted.
- Playing techniques adopted for Sapta tala alankaras in three speeds.
- 16 Angas of Talas, Korvai, Koraippu etc. In preparing Korvai and Koraipu, only Adi and Roopka talas expected. Other talas are deleted
- 5. Α brief outline of schools of playing Mridangam.
Deleted the detailed explanation of different schools of
Mridangam but only Brief explanation is expected.
- Life sketch and contribution of Palghat Mani Iyer and Palani Subramania Pillai
2
Max. Marks: 50
- Practical
S.No. Topics Marks
- Knowledge of tuning Mridangam. 6
- To prepare and play Sollukattu for Adi, Rupaka, Triputa and 14 Chapu tala varieties.
- Accompaniment for musical form like Varnam, and Tillana. 8 Deleted slow tempo accompaniment to Padam in addition to jati swram and Kriti
- Knowledge to prepare Mohra and Korvai in Adi, Rupaka, Chapu 12 and Triputa talas.
- Play "Tani Avartanam" for at-least 6 to 8 avartanas in only Adi 10 and Roopaka tala are expected and other varieties of tala are deleted.
Total 50
Max. Marks: 20
- Internal Assessment and Project Work
3
Frequently asked questions
What is the weightage for Theory and Practical in Class 10 Carnatic Music (Percussion Instruments)?
The assessment includes Theory (30 marks), Practical (50 marks), and Internal Assessment (20 marks).
What are the main topics covered in the Theory section?
The theory section covers detailed knowledge of instrument structure, playing techniques for Sapta tala alankaras, Talas and their Angas, Jaati and Gati Bhedas, schools of playing Mridangam, and the contributions of Palghat Mani Iyer and Palani Subramania Pillai.
What practical skills are assessed in the Carnatic Music (Percussion Instruments) syllabus?
Practical skills include tuning the Mridangam, preparing and playing Sollukattu, accompaniment for musical forms like Varnam and Tillana, preparing Mohra and Korvai, and performing Tani Avartanam.
Which Talas are expected for preparing Korvai and Koraipu?
For preparing Korvai and Koraipu, only Adi and Roopka talas are expected.
What is the duration for the Theory examination?
The Theory examination is for 2 hours.
Which Talas are expected for Tani Avartanam?
Tani Avartanam is expected in only Adi and Roopaka tala.
CBSE Class 10 Carnatic Music (Percussion Instruments) syllabus 2026-27. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.