Starter quiz
- Which of these best describes a raag?
- A raag is the rhythm cycle that we can chant or play on the tabla drums.
- A raag is a musical framework, like a scale, with set notes that we can play. ✓
- A raag is the instrument that the melody is played on.
- A raag is where we can use any notes to make up a tune.
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- Which of these shows the sargam ascending scale (aaroh)?
- Sa, Re, Ga, ma, Pa, Dha, Ni ✓
- Ni, Dha, Pa, ma, Ga, Re, Sa
- Pa ma, Ni, Dha, Re, Sa, Ga
- ma, Ni, Dha, Re, Ga, Sa, Pa
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- What word do we use to describe playing the notes in a raag from high to low (descending in pitch)?
- 'avroh' ✓
- When we play an instrument such as a glockenspiel, chime bars, or a xylophone, where on the instrument is it best to strike the beater?
- At the edge of the metal or wooden bar
- At the top of the metal or wooden bar
- In the centre of the metal or wooden bar ✓
- Close to the next bar going up the scale
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Exit quiz
- Which of the following is true?
- Counting in to a steady pulse helps us to play the right notes.
- Counting in to a steady pulse helps us keep in time together. ✓
- Counting in to a steady pulse helps us feel the tempo. ✓
- Counting in to a steady pulse helps us choose our dynamics.
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- What is the name of the raag we are exploring?
- 'Bhupali' ✓
- Which of the following notes does not feature in Raag Bhupali?
- Sa
- Ga
- Dha
- Ni ✓
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- Match each word to its correct meaning:
- aaroh⇔the ascending (going up) notes in a raag ✓
- avaro⇔the descending (going down) notes in a raag ✓
- raag⇔the melodic framework that gives us the notes we can use to play ✓
- sargam⇔the notes we can sing that are similar to do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti ✓
- Which of these instruments cannot play the raag in Hindustani classical music?
- sitar
- harmonium
- tabla ✓
- sarod
- bansuri flute
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- In a raag, aaroh is the name the ascending notes and avroh is the name for the descending notes.
- Raags can be played and sung - or both.
- We can sing the notes in a raag using the sargam. The notes are Sa, Re, Ga, ma, Pa, Dha, Ni.
- Sa, Re, Ga, ma, Pa, Dha, Ni can be played on C, D, E, F, G, A, B on our instruments.
Common misconception
A raag can only be played on a sitar.
Raags can be sung too. They can also be played on other instruments. Common instruments used in Hindustani classical music include harmonium, flute, bansuri and sarod. In the classroom, a largely accessible instrument is a glockenspiel.
Keywords
Sargam - the name for the singing notes in Hindustani classical music
Raag - musical notes used to make a composition (from Sanskrit language meaning ‘to colour’)
Aaroh - the ascending notes in a raag (going up in pitch)
Avroh - the descending notes in a raag (going down in pitch)
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