a rhythm cycle that measures musical time in Indian music

a series of notes that inspire a composition (from Sanskrit language meaning ‘to colour’)

a spoken syllable used to recite the rhythm (from 'bolna', the Hindi word for 'speak'.

the combination of different layers of sounds

Lesson 5 - VIDEO - Teentaal - a 16 beat rhythm cycle

British English CC

Lesson 5 - VIDEO - Teentaal - join in counting bols

Lesson 5 - VIDEO - Teentaal - add the claps and waves

AUDIO - Tabla track - with count to 16

VIDEO  - Understanding the melody starts on the ninth beat

VIDEO - Recap the melody in Raag Bhupali

VIDEO - Example of improvising on a glockenspiel in Raag Bhupali

AUDIO - Tabla track - teentaal with count to 16

VIDEO - Taal and raag together. Speaking bols and singing/ improvising in a raag

Warm up - Teentaal 

1 1,2,1

Warm up - Hi Lo Chickalo

Combining taals and raags

Music

This unit explores the three main components of Hindustani classical music. Pupils hear rhythmic patterns played on the tabla drums and learn how to recite a taal using the spoken mnemonic syllables (bols). They create texture by adding an improvised raag using five notes, and finally add a drone.

Compose and Create: improvising within Hindustani classical music

clap, tap and wave the beats of the rhythm cycle

Teentaal has 16 beats in its rhythm cycle. How can we count these beats? 

True or false. A raag and a taal must start at the same time. 

Start with fewer notes until you feel more confident.

Use any notes on your instrument - but play quietly.

Which one of the following would be good advice to offer someone improvising within a raag?

How many different layers are combined in Hindustani Classical music?

The combination of different layers of sounds.

The order of what happens in the piece of music.

Which of the following defines texture in music?

Which of the following can be done with a taal?

A vocal representation of the sound a tabla drum can make.

play an improvisation on a pitched instrument

Match each taal and raag label with the musical activity. 

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Combining taals and raags

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.