Combining taals and raags
I can play and sing a melody in time to a rhythm cycle.
Combining taals and raags
I can play and sing a melody in time to a rhythm cycle.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- We can develop the texture of our piece by layering the taal and the raag.
- The bols and the claps of the taal are a steady pulse we can layer a raag over.
- We can add the raag by singing a melody and playing improvisations that use the notes of the raag.
- The taal and raag don’t have to start at the same time. A raag can start halfway through the rhythm cycle.
Keywords
Taal - a rhythm cycle that measures musical time in Indian music
Raag - a series of notes that inspire a composition (from Sanskrit language meaning ‘to colour’)
Bol - a spoken syllable used to recite the rhythm (from 'bolna', the Hindi word for 'speak'.
Texture - the combination of different layers of sounds
Common misconception
The taal and raag begin and end at the same time.
A raag can start and end at any point in the rhythm cycle.
Equipment
Instruments such as glockenspiels, chime bars or xylophones. 1 between 2 is suggested although can be achieved with fewer. Keyboards are another option although they tend not to have note names.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
4 Questions
clap the rhythm cycle
speak the bols
sing a melody
play an improvisation on a pitched instrument