A postgraduate music course is the Master of Arts in Music (Hindustani Vocals/ Tabla/ Bansuri). The course includes an advanced level of study and practice of music as a discipline during the length of the two-year curriculum. The students can select from courses in vocal or instrumental performance.
Hindustani music and Carnatic music are the two schools of music that make up Indian classical music. Carnatic music is connected to Southern India, whilst Hindustani music is connected to the northern peninsula of India. A vast range of Hindustani musical instruments support the vocal performance. Tanpura, harmonium, tabla, bansuri (flute), sitar, sarod, sarangi, and others are a few of them.
Here are the key highlights of the M.A. Music program with specializations in Hindustani Vocals, Tabla, or Bansuri in India:
Particulars | Value |
Course Name | M.A. Music (Hindustani Vocals/Tabla/Bansuri) |
Duration | 2 years |
Level | Postgraduate (Master's) |
Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor's degree in Music or a related field |
Admission Process | An entrance exam or audition may be required |
Skills Required | Musical talent, dedication, practice, creativity |
Average Annual Fees | ?10,000 - ?2,00,000 (varies by institution) |
Average Annual Salary | 3,00,000 - 6,00,000 Differ from Project to Project, Client to Client, and Performance Based often. |
Employment Areas | The music industry, education, cultural organizations |
Job Roles | Professional Musician, Music Teacher, Researcher |
Top Recruiters | Music academies, cultural centers, performing arts organizations, private music schools, independent musicians |
(1). Candidates who have graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree in any musical instrument or a similar music-related exam with a minimum of 40% to 50% overall marks are eligible.
(2). Some very reputable universities and institutions require a minimum of 45 to 50% on the graduation exam as a requirement for admittance to this program, and some also hold entrance exams for their M.A. (Music) degree programs.
(3). The final merit, or the total marks combined in the graduating final exams plus the entrance exam, is used to determine admission to the degree program in these colleges.
Few exams that are accepted for getting admission in the course M.A. Music (Hindustani Vocals/Tabla/Bansuri) include:
DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test) | BHU PET (Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test) |
JMI Entrance Exam (Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam) | Rabindra Bharati University Entrance Exam |
Let's compare the M.A. Music (Hindustani Vocals/Tabla/Bansuri) courses with another similar course - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Kathak Dance.
Name of the Course | M.A. Music (Hindustani Vocals/Tabla/Bansuri) | B.A. Kathak Dance |
Overview of Course | Specializes in Hindustani classical music, either vocals, tabla, or bansuri, focusing on ragas, talas, and performance skills. | Focuses on the Indian classical dance form of Kathak, covering intricate footwork, hand gestures, abhinaya (expressions), and rhythmic patterns. |
Duration | 2 years | 3 years (usually) |
Level | Postgraduate (Master's) | Undergraduate (Bachelor) |
Eligibility Criteria | Bachelor's degree in Music or a related field | 10+2 or equivalent |
Admission Process | Entrance exam or audition based on musical abilities and theory knowledge. | Entrance exam or audition to assess dance skills and knowledge. |
Average Annual Fees | 50,000 - 2,00,000 (varies by institution) | 30,000 - 2,00,000 (varies by institution) |
Average Annual Salary | 3,00,000 - ?6,00,000 (varies with experience) | 3,00,000 - ?5,00,000 (varies with experience) |
Job Roles | Professional Musician, Music Teacher, Researcher | Kathak Dancer, Dance Teacher, Choreographer, Performer, Cultural Ambassador, Dance Therapist, etc. |
Top Recruiters | Music academies, cultural centers, performing arts organizations, private music schools, independent musicians | Dance academies, cultural institutions, performing arts organizations, the entertainment industry, schools, and colleges. |
Employment Areas | The music industry, education, cultural organizations | Dance academies, dance companies, cultural institutions, educational institutions, entertainment industry, and freelance performance. |
The below table gives information about the colleges that offer the course M.A. Music (Hindustani Vocals/Tabla/Bansuri) and their basic fees structure:
College/Institution | Fees Structure (Approx.) |
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | 15,000 - 40,000 per year |
Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, West Bengal | 12,000 - 35,000 per year |
Shiv Nadar University Greater Noida, UP | 1,00,000 - 2,00,000 (total) |
Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Delhi | 20,000 - 50,000 per year |
Bhatkhande Music Institute Lucknow, UP | 15,000 - 40,000 per year |
Here's a table listing various job roles in the field of Music (Hindustani Vocals/Tabla/Bansuri) along with their brief descriptions:
Job Role | Description |
Music Event Manager | Organizes and manages music events, concerts, and festivals focused on Hindustani classical music. Handles event planning, coordination, artist management, venue arrangements, and publicity. Ensures smooth execution of events and creates memorable experiences for attendees and performers alike. |
Music Content Creator | Creates digital content related to Hindustani classical music, such as online tutorials, music videos, and educational resources. Utilizes various platforms, including social media and streaming services, to reach a wider audience and promote the rich heritage of Indian classical music. |
Music Instructor | The music instructor has a wide range of students, particularly musicians. One can work as a teacher in a variety of places, such as community-run schools run by non-profit organizations, colleges, and universities. Since many parents urge their children to participate in extracurricular activities, instrumental music is getting a lot of positive feedback from parents and students. The following duties and abilities must be performed exceptionally well by the teacher |
Performance Aims Abroad | Music is becoming more and more well-liked worldwide. A successful tabla flutist has a wide range of performance opportunities on the global stage. Language is not required for the instrument. How it is played will determine how well it goes. The sitarist's demand on the domestic and foreign markets increases as he or she becomes more well-known. Additionally advantageous are strong communication skills in this |
Music Therapist | The sitarist can be a music therapist. A music therapist will have special training in the therapy. With this training and skills in music, the therapist can deal with the client’s social, emotional, or physical difficulties. Through the therapy, they support their client and facilitate positive changes in their behavior, communication, and well-being. |
There are huge employment areas for M.A.Music(Hindustani Vocals/Tablas/Bansuri), few are listed below:
Elementary and secondary schools | Advertising Companies / Publishing Companies |
Associations in the Music Industry | Universities and Colleges |
Music and Video Stores / Film and Music Studios / Music Companies | Cultural Affairs Division |
Ensembles and bands | Businesses in the Entertainment Industry |
The salary for M.A. in Music (Hindustani Vocals/Tabla/Bansuri) depends on the experience one has and his or her performance skills:
Job Role | Average Annual Salary (Approx.) |
Music Librarian | 3,00,000 - 6,00,000 (Varies with the size and scope of the music library or organization) |
Music Studio Engineer | 3,50,000 - 7,00,000 |
Music Blogger/Vlogger | 2,00,000 - 4,50,000 (Depends on popularity, content reach, and brand collaborations) |
Music Instrument Technician | 2,50,000 - 5,00,,000 |
Music Entrepreneur | 3,00,000 - 8,00,000 |
Graduates of the M.A. Music program with specialties in Hindustani Vocals, Tabla, or Bansuri have a variety of career options and opportunities. Individual abilities, dedication, networking, and a love of music all play a role in the scope.
Becoming a music teacher or guru to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of musicians. Working in the field of music education, either in schools or private music academies. Collaborating with other musicians from different genres to create fusion music.
Researching and documenting Indian classical music for preservation and promotion. Improvisation and Creative Expression, Indian classical music, particularly in Hindustani Vocals, Tabla, and Bansuri, emphasizes improvisation, allowing musicians to express their creativity and emotions within the framework of ragas and talas.
(1). Following graduation, one can pursue further education. PhDs in Hindustani Music are available.
(2). Certificate courses in Music.
Q1: What is the duration of the M.A. Music course in Hindustani Vocals/Tabla/Bansuri?
A1: The M.A. Music course typically has a duration of 2 years, comprising four semesters.
Q2: What are the eligibility criteria for admission to the M.A. Music program?
A2: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Music or a related field to be eligible for admission.
Q3: Is it necessary to have prior knowledge or training in Hindustani music to apply for the course?
A3: While prior knowledge or training in Hindustani music can be beneficial, some institutions also offer foundation courses for beginners.
Q4: Are there any entrance exams for admission to the M.A. Music program?
A4: Yes, many universities and institutions conduct entrance exams or auditions to assess the candidate's musical abilities and knowledge.
Q5: Can students pursue M.A. in Music as a distance learning program?
A5: Some institutions may offer M.A. Music through distance learning or online platforms, but practical components may require in-person sessions.
Q6: What career options are available after completing the M.A. Music course?
A6: Graduates can pursue careers as professional musicians, music teachers, researchers, music therapists, event managers, and music content creators.
Q7: What is the average annual fee for an M.A. Music course in India?
A7: The average annual fees for the course can vary from ?50,000 to ?2,00,000, depending on the institution and specialization.
Q8: What is the average salary range for M.A. Music graduates?
A8: The average annual salary for M.A. Music graduates can vary from ?3,00,000 to ?6,00,000, based on their chosen career path and experience.
Q9: Can M.A. Music graduates apply for scholarships or financial aid?
A9: Yes, some institutions and government agencies offer scholarships or financial aid to deserving and meritorious students.
Q10: What is the cultural significance of Hindustani Vocals, Tabla, and Bansuri in Indian classical music?
A10: Hindustani Vocals, Tabla, and Bansuri are integral components of Indian classical music, representing the vocal and instrumental traditions that have evolved over centuries, encompassing rich cultural heritage and spirituality.