Musical Instruments
NCERT Class 6 Arts Chapter 7: Musical Instruments (Pages 47–52)
Summary of Musical Instruments
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Musical Instruments at a Glance
CBSE
Class 6
Arts
Kriti-I
7
47–52
6 study resources
Musical Instruments Summary
In this chapter, students will embark on an exploration of musical instruments and their significance in creating music. Musical instruments add richness and depth to songs, each contributing unique sounds that enhance the listening experience. The chapter begins with an engaging activity where students listen to the song ‘Shyamale Meenakshi’ by Muthuswami Dikshitar. They are encouraged to sing along while using available instruments or even their bodies to create rhythm, promoting an understanding of how different instruments affect musical pieces. Students will discover that music is a powerful storytelling medium; each musician crafts melodies and rhythms to express emotions and narrate heartfelt stories. Another key activity invites students to listen to a story being told with the accompaniment of an instrument. This raises awareness of how instruments can deepen the emotional impact of storytelling. Students are prompted to reflect on their feelings while experiencing the story, emphasizing the importance of instruments in music. The chapter progresses by discussing instrument families. Instruments are classified into two main categories based on their sound production: melody instruments, which focus on tuning and pitch, and rhythm instruments, which emphasize tempo and beat. Familiar instruments introduced include the veena for melody, and the dhol and tabla for rhythm. The classification extends to how instruments are played, including string, wind, and percussion types, allowing students to understand the diverse ways music is created. A special feature of the chapter is a segment on notable musicians, highlighting Ustad Bismillah Khan, a celebrated shehnai player. His contributions to Indian classical music showcase the cultural relevance of musical instruments. The chapter also encourages hands-on creativity through an activity where students can make their own jaltarang with bowls of water, exploring how variations in water levels produce different pitches. Through these experiences, students learn about the science behind sound and music. Moreover, there are opportunities to engage with visual content, such as video introductions to various Indian instruments, encouraging students to express their preferences and understand classification methods. Finally, projects that merge music with science or local musician profiles provide further avenues for research and creativity. Overall, this chapter immerses students in the magical world of musical instruments, inviting them to appreciate the art of music and maybe even inspire a new hobby.
