PSEB SS Music Tabla study guide
PSEB SS Music Tabla · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The PSEB Senior Secondary Music (Tabla) examination is the Punjab School Education Board's Class 12 qualification in tabla performance and theory, typically taken by students who have studied the instrument through the senior secondary stream and who may continue to a music degree, teaching, or freelance performance. It is assessed in two parts: a written theory paper covering gharana history, technical vocabulary, tala structure, compositional forms, notation, and instrument care; and a practical examination in which you perform solo and demonstrate accompaniment before an examiner. The PSEB SS Music Tabla study guide has 10 sections and about 3,114 words.
01History and Evolution of Tabla and Its Gharanas
This domain tests how tabla emerged as a distinct instrument and how the six major gharanas differ in repertoire, stroke preference and teaching lineage. Expect questions on founders, stylistic markers and the historical relationship with pakhawaj.
356 words, about 2 min02Technical Terminology: Bols, Varnas, Laya, Matra, Vibhag, Tali, Khali, Sam, Avartan, Theka
This domain checks precise use of tabla's working vocabulary. Questions often ask you to define a term, label a theka, or identify sam, tali and khali in a written cycle.
345 words, about 2 min03Tala System: Common and Advanced Talas
This domain tests both recall of tala structure and practical identification of theka, tali, khali and sam. You should be able to state matra count, vibhag pattern and the positions of tali/khali for each prescribed tala.
317 words, about 2 min04Compositional Forms: Kayda, Palta, Peshkar, Rela, Tukda, Paran, Chakradar, Gat, Uthan, Farmaishi Chakradar
This domain asks you to distinguish fixed and improvised forms, know their functions in solo vadan, and recognise how each resolves on sam. Questions often pair a form with its defining rule.
335 words, about 2 min05Notation Writing and Reading of Tabla Compositions
This domain tests whether you can write and read tabla compositions in the prescribed notation. Marks are lost through misalignment, missing symbols and incorrect vibhag lines.
304 words, about 2 min06Solo Performance (Solo Vadan) with Peshkar, Kayda, Rela, Gat and Jhala
Solo vadan tests your ability to build a coherent performance, not just recite bols. The examiner looks for a logical order, control of laya, clean sam, and variety without losing the tala.
280 words, about 1 min07Tabla Accompaniment (Sangat) with Vocal and Instrumental Music, Including Light Music
Sangat tests whether you can accompany without dominating. The examiner listens for theka stability, sensitivity to the soloist, correct tala, and stylistic fit-classical, semi-classical or light music.
267 words, about 1 min08Construction, Tuning, Maintenance and Care of the Tabla and Related Instruments
This domain tests practical knowledge of tabla anatomy, tuning and care. Questions may ask about parts, the function of syahi, tuning direction, or correct storage.
308 words, about 2 min09Contribution of Prominent Artists and Scholars to Tabla
This domain tests recognized artists, their gharana affiliations and their contributions. Learn artist–gharana–instrument/role triples rather than isolated names.
314 words, about 2 min10General Knowledge of Hindustani Music
This domain checks the Hindustani music context in which tabla operates: swara, raga, tala, forms and concert etiquette. Tabla questions often hinge on knowing how tala relates to raga and composition.
288 words, about 1 min