INDIAN MUSIC BY LAURA

INDIAN MUSIC The music of India includes multiple variates of Indian classical music, folk music, Filmi, and Indian pop.

Classical music The two main traditions of classical music are Carnatic music, which is found in the northern, central and eastern regions. The music includes Shruti, Swaras, Alankar, Raga and Tala.

Indian music Indian musicians learn to play raga by imitating and memorising. The music is passed on from teacher to student. Most Indian music is based on a combination of Rag , Tal , Drone.

Indian raga Ragas are patterns of notes but are different to a Western scale or melody. They are really a combination of both Rag and Rag Desh. Rag Desh is a late evening rag associated with the monsoon season.

The tala The tal is a repeating rhythm pattern usually played buy the tabla. It usually has between six and sixteen beats. The beats are grouped into small sections within the patterns. The first beat of the cycle is called sam. It marks the beginnings and ends of improvisations.

Drone instruments The tanpura is a stringed instrument. The tanpura is like a sitar but with less strings. It usually has four strings. Unlike the sitar it plays very simple and repetitive music.