NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I: Chapter 7 — Musical Instruments
This chapter, "Musical Instruments," from NCERT Class 6 Arts Kriti-I, explores the significance of musical instruments in creating layered and rich sounds. It encourages students to understand how instruments enhance musical pieces and affect the listening experience. The chapter introduces the concept of instrument families and classification based on how they are played, distinguishing between melody and rhythm instruments. It highlights the role of instruments in storytelling and appreciating music. Key figures like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan are mentioned, emphasizing their contributions and the cultural importance of instruments like the sitar and shehnai. The chapter aims to foster an understanding and appreciation of diverse musical instruments and their role in various musical traditions, aiding students in their CBSE Arts curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Arts |
| Book | Kriti-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Musical Instruments |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 383 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the role of musical instruments in enhancing music.
- Identify different instrument families and their classifications.
- Distinguish between melody and rhythm instruments.
- Appreciate the contributions of famous musicians to Indian music.
- Explore how instruments are used in storytelling and cultural expression.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Melody | A sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying; the principal part, theme, or idea of a piece of music. |
| Rhythm | A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound. |
| Instrument | A tool or device used to produce musical sounds. |
| Composer | A person who writes music, especially classical music. |
| Tempo | The speed at which a passage of music is or should be played. |
| Woodwind | A family of musical instruments in the wind, including the flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon. |
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Practice questions
- What are the two main components of music mentioned in the chapter? Answer: Melody and tempo are the two main components of music.
- Name two instruments that are primarily used for rhythm. Answer: Two instruments used for rhythm are the mridangam and drums.
- Who was Ustad Bismillah Khan? Answer: Ustad Bismillah Khan was a renowned shehnai player and a recipient of the Bharat Ratna.
- How do instruments enhance a musical piece? Answer: Instruments create layered and rich sounds, adding depth and enhancing the overall musical experience.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is a woodwind instrument mentioned in the chapter?
Explanation: The shehnai is described as a woodwind instrument that became popular in Hindustani classical music.
Q2. According to Pandit Ravi Shankar, what is every musician?
Explanation: Pandit Ravi Shankar is quoted as saying, 'Every musician is a storyteller, using melodies and rhythms to narrate the tales of the heart.'
Q3. Instruments are classified based on how they are:
Explanation: The chapter states that instruments are further classified based on how they are played.
Q4. The song 'Shyamale Meenakshi' is associated with which composer?
Explanation: The lyrics provided for 'Shyamale Meenakshi' list Muthuswami Dikshitar as the composer.
Q5. Which instrument was played at the Red Fort on India's Independence Day in 1947?
Explanation: Ustad Bismillah Khan was invited to perform the shehnai at the Red Fort on August 15, 1947, the day India gained independence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main objective of the chapter 'Musical Instruments'?
The main objective is to understand the relevance of instruments in a musical piece and explore instrument families.
How are musical instruments classified in the chapter?
Instruments are classified based on how they are played and whether they produce melody or rhythm.
Name two melody instruments mentioned or implied in the chapter.
Two melody instruments mentioned are Saraswati Veena, Piano, and Violin.
Name two rhythm instruments mentioned or implied in the chapter.
Two rhythm instruments mentioned are Tabla and Mridangam, and Drums.
What is the significance of the shehnai in Indian music?
The shehnai, particularly played by Ustad Bismillah Khan, is significant for its role in Hindustani classical music and its performance on India's Independence Day.
What did Pandit Ravi Shankar say about musicians?
Pandit Ravi Shankar stated that every musician is a storyteller, using melodies and rhythms to narrate tales of the heart.
Related resources
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NCERT Class 6 Arts — Kriti-I — Chapter 7 — Musical Instruments. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.