CBSE Class 11 Carnatic Percussion Syllabus 2026-27

CARNATIC MUSIC – PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS Subject Code- 033 Class XI (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.

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.

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.

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 Outcomes

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.

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 XI (2026-27)

<u>Assessment Design</u>

S.No Component Marks

Α Theory 30

В Practical 50

C Internal Assessment 20

Curriculum & Examination Structure

1. Theory

Max. Marks: 30

Time: 2 Hours

History and Theory of Indian Music

1. (i) An outline knowledge of following Lakshana Granthas with special reference to laya and percussion in Natya Sastra, Brihaddesi, Sangita, Sampradaya Pradarshini.
2. Short life sketch and contributions of the following: Patnam Subramany Iyer, and Syama Sastry, Tyagaraja.
3. Unique contribution of the following luminaries: Narayana Swamy Appa, Mamunidiya Pillai, Dakshinamurti Pillai and Alagunambi Pillai.
4. Definition and explanation of the following: Nada, Laya, Tala, Jati, Gati, Suladi Sapta Talas, Karani, Vettu Thattu, Hechchu, Taggu, Mohra, Korvai, Meettu, Chapu and Arachapu.
5. The candidates should be able to write in notation of the percussion korvais in Adi and Rupaka talas.
6. Knowledge of construction of the chosen playing percussion instrument.
7. Basic knowledge of the construction and techniques of Mridangam. The candidate should also be able to describe the Kanjira, Tavil, and Ghatam.
8. Tattakarams (or Konnakkol) of the talas learnt. Excluding ChapuTala

1. Practical Max. Marks: 50

S.No Practical Activities Marks

1. Ability to play the following talas with elaboration. Adi and 15 Rupakam Talas covering at least two Nadais.
2. Thekas and Mohras in different talas with Teermanam and 15 Korvais.
3. Tuning of the instrument. 5
4. Ability to render orally the sollukattus of the various patterns in 15 Adi, Rupaka tala. 50

• Teachers will refer to the distribution of marks while examining the candidate for practical examination.

(C) Internal Assessment

Max Marks: 20

1. Project- File

• Prepare Thirumanam, Mohra and Korvai for the Talas prescribed.

(05 Marks)

Draw and labelling the Various parts opted instrumental (percussion).

Identifying and interviewing neighborhood Artists.

Knowledge about any one percussion artist.

2. Project Work

(05 Marks)

Analyse the style of any two contemporary musicians in classical percussion music concert.

1. Periodic practical Test, restricted to three in an academic year. (10 Marks) Average of best two tests to be taken for final marks submission. Each test will examine a candidate for one Raga from the syllabus, one Folk song or Patriotic song.