ICSE Class 10 Question Paper 2026 Western Music

ICSE | Class 10

Western Music
Question Paper 2026

Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)

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WESTERN MUSIC

Maximum Marks: 100

Time allowed: Two hours

1. Answers to this Paper must be written on the paper provided separately.

2. You will not be allowed to write during the first 15 minutes.

3. This time is to be spent in reading the question paper.

4. The time given at the head of this Paper is the time allowed for writing the answers.

5. Attempt all questions from Section A and any four questions from Section B.

6. The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets[ ].

Instruction for the Supervising Examiner

Kindly read aloud the Instructions given above to all the candidates present in the
Examination Hall.

This Paper consists of 8 printed pages.
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SECTION A (20 Marks)
(Answer all questions from this Section.)

Question 1
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. [20]
(Do not copy the questions, write the correct answers only.)

(i) Which small brass instrument has three valves?
(a) Trombone
(b) Tuba
(c) Saxophone
(d) Trumpet
(ii) Glissando, when played produces a continuous change in pitch from one note
to another.
(a) True
(b) False
(iii) A single reed instrument with a straight, slender body is __________.
(a) Saxophone
(b) Clarinet
(c) English horn
(d) Flute
(iv) The Snare drum is a pitched percussion instrument.
(a) True
(b) False
(v) ‘Secco’ is a playing technique of the Pipe Organ.
(a) True
(b) False

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(vi) The main part of a Clavichord action is __________.
(a) hammer
(b) jack
(c) tangent
(d) screwdriver
(vii) Which pitched instrument is played by striking the notes with mallets?
(a) Flute
(b) Snare drum
(c) Tuba
(d) Xylophone
(viii) What are the knobs on the console of a pipe organ called?
(a) Starts
(b) Stops
(c) Switches
(d) Levers
(ix) Which family of musical instruments includes the flute, clarinet and saxophone?
(a) Percussion Instruments
(b) Brass Instruments
(c) Woodwind Instruments
(d) String Instruments
(x) Which of the following is an open pipe instrument?
(a) Clarinet
(b) Oboe
(c) Mouth organ
(d) Flute

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(xi) Hammer-on and pull-off are playing techniques exclusive to the string family.
(a) True
(b) False
(xii) Identify these guitar accessories from the image given below.

(a) Metal Tubes
(b) Slides
(c) Glass pipes
(d) Canisters
(xiii) Plucking the strings with fingers instead of the bow on a violin is a playing
technique called __________.
(a) spiccato
(b) secco
(c) marcato
(d) pizzicato
(xiv) Which family of musical instruments is essential for providing rhythm and
adding texture to music?
(a) String Instruments
(b) Brass Instruments
(c) Percussion Instruments
(d) Woodwind Instruments

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(xv) The small cymbal like metal fixtures on the frame of the Tambourine are:
(a) Frills
(b) Splashes
(c) Zills
(d) Crashes
(xvi) Which guitar is usually tuned to a chord?
(a) Hawaiian
(b) Spanish
(c) Acoustic
(d) Classical
(xvii) Identify the instrument in the picture given below.

(a) Clarinet
(b) Bassoon
(c) Oboe
(d) Tuba
(xviii) The smallest member of the keyboard family is a __________.
(a) piano
(b) harpsichord
(c) pipe organ
(d) clavichord

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(xix) What is the main way to change the pitch on a brass instrument?

(a) Changing the size of the mouthpiece

(b) Pressing the keys

(c) Using valves and slides

(d) Using a bow

(xx) An example of transposing instruments is __________.

(a) violin

(b) clarinet

(c) piano

(d) guitar

SECTION B (80 Marks)

(Answer any four questions from this Section.)

Question 2 [20]

What is a Symphony? How many movements does a typical symphony have? Describe in
detail any one movement of your favourite symphony and mention any two composers of
symphonies with one example each.

Question 3 [20]

Describe Jazz. When did it originate? Trace its structure, early development and its spread
throughout the United States. Mention any two pioneering Jazz musicians.

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Question 4 [20]
If you could put yourself into the shoes of your favourite artist for one day, who would
that be? Explain your choice with reference to his / her / their early life, reasons for popular
appeal and musical contributions.

Question 5 [20]
Write a short essay on the life and musical contributions of any one of the following
composers:

(i) Ludwig van Beethoven

(ii) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

(iii) Johannes Brahms

(iv) Franz Schubert

(v) P.I. Tchaikovsky

Question 6 [20]
What is a “Concerto”? Describe its structure (form). Analyse any one concerto of your
choice with special attention to the tempo, key and instruments used in any two
movements.

Question 7 [20]
Choose any one composer from the following list. Describe in detail his contributions to
Jazz.

(i) Louis Armstrong

(ii) Duke Ellington

(iii) George Gershwin

(iv) Miles Davis

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Question 8 [20]

Write an essay highlighting any one of your musical experiences in your school,
community or place of worship.

Question 9 [20]
What is a Digital Audio Workstation? Examine the features and applications of any one
DAW you are fond of. How has it helped you in the production of popular music?

Question 10 [20]
Answer the following questions with reference to EDM:

(i) Describe EDM. Name any two sub-genres of EDM.

(ii) Trace its origin and reasons for popularity as a genre. Mention any two
influential exponents.

Question 11 [20]
Write short notes on any four of the following music genres:

(i) Folk music

(ii) Country music

(iii) Gospel music

(iv) Soul music

(v) Reggae music

(vi) Pop music

(vii) Rock music

(viii) R&B

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