NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6

Music is an art form that uses rhythm, melody, sound, silence, and expression to communicate emotion, culture, memory, and identity.

In Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6, music becomes a space where tradition and modernity meet in “Twin Melodies”, while “A Friend Found in Music” presents music as comfort, therapy, companionship, and emotional strength.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6 help students answer textbook questions from Twin Melodies by Mitra Phukan and A Friend Found in Music by Bryanna T. Perkins. The chapter focuses on classical music, fusion music, family expectations, artistic freedom, emotional healing, musical vocabulary, exclamatory sentences, reported speech, non-lexical fillers, phrasal verbs, play script writing, and invitation letter writing. These Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6 solutions are written in a clear school-answer format for play, poem, vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and writing tasks.

Key Takeaways

• Play focus: “Twin Melodies” explores Shruti’s conflict between her love for fusion music and her father’s belief in classical tradition.
• Main idea: Tradition and modernity need not oppose each other when trust, dialogue, and respect are present.
• Poem focus: “A Friend Found in Music” shows music as a source of comfort, healing, joy, and emotional support.
• Language skills: The chapter practises idiomatic phrases, musical terms, asides, fillers, reported speech, exclamatory sentences, phrasal verbs, play scripts, and invitation letters.

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6 Structure 2026

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6: Twin Melodies

Reflect and Respond

I. Identify the stringed musical instruments.

Answer:
The stringed musical instruments may include:

• Sitar
• Sarod
• Santoor
• Surmandal
• Mandolin
• Violin
• Guitar
• Banjo

II. Do you play a musical instrument? Which one would you choose and why?

Answer:
I do not play a musical instrument regularly. If given a choice, I would choose the violin because it can express many emotions through its sound. It is used in Indian classical, Western classical, film, and fusion music.

III. Is there any difference in the choice of music between children and elders?

Answer:
Yes, there can be a difference. Children may prefer modern, film, pop, fusion, or fast-paced music, while elders may prefer classical, devotional, folk, or old songs. This difference happens because people connect music with their age, memories, training, and experiences. However, many families enjoy both old and new music together.

IV. Complete the paragraph using phrases.

Answer:

The theatre club was winding up their practice. Anil saw Sunny was wearing a look of distress and not speaking to anyone. They had a disagreement in the morning and since then, Sunny was lost in his thoughts. Anil did not want to bring it up and disturb Sunny further but he finally decided to bite the bullet and speak to Sunny. He was sure if he apologised first, his friend would come around. With a lot of anxiety, he found words to apologise. And finally, Sunny smiled! Everyone clapped and asked them to throw a party to celebrate.

Most of these phrases are used figuratively because they do not carry only their literal meanings.

Check Your Understanding: Twin Melodies Act I

I. Complete the table.

II. Will Shruti gather courage to speak to her father?

Answer:
Yes, Shruti will gather courage to speak to her father. Her friends encourage her, and she finally says that it is time to “bite the bullet.” This shows that she has decided to face the difficult conversation.

III. What might be Shruti’s father’s reaction?

Answer:
Shruti’s father might react angrily or strictly because he strongly believes in Classical Hindustani music. He may feel that playing the violin to Western tunes disrespects the instrument and the classical tradition.

Check Your Understanding: Twin Melodies Act II

I. Complete the summary.

Answer:

Shruti seemed absent-minded during dinner. She finally gathered the courage to inform her father, Nabin, about her wish to participate in an upcoming Indo-Western fusion concert. Nabin reacted negatively, expressing disapproval of fusion music and dismissed the idea. Despite Shruti’s plea to him to attend a practice before deciding, Nabin was firm in his decision. Shruti’s mother, Leela, scolded her for not seeking permission earlier. The tension highlights the clash between traditional and contemporary musical preferences within the family. Despite the setback, Shruti promises not to hide again and is urged to go to bed by her mother.

II. Will Shruti’s father go for the rehearsal?

Answer:
Yes, Shruti’s father may go for the rehearsal. Although he rejects the idea at first, Shruti’s request and Leela’s influence may make him reconsider. Since he is a musician himself, he may want to judge the performance after hearing it.

III. Would Shruti and her parents understand one another?

Answer:
Yes, they are likely to understand one another because they care for each other. Shruti respects her father’s opinion even though she wants to try fusion music. Her father is strict, but he loves music and his daughter. Leela can help both sides understand each other.

Check Your Understanding: Twin Melodies Act III

I. Identify the true statements.

Critical Reflection: Twin Melodies

I. Extract-based Questions

Extract 1

1. Select the option that correctly identifies Shruti’s situation.
   The correct answer is D. in a dilemma.
2. What does Shruti mean by “the right way”?
   Shruti means that she wants to speak to her father respectfully and carefully. She does not want him to think that she is rejecting his opinions or disrespecting classical music.
3. Complete the sentence.
   We can say that the extract reflects the generational gap in understanding art and tradition because Shruti wants to experiment with Indo-Western fusion music, while her father believes only Classical Hindustani music is worthy of serious artistic practice.
4. How are Iqbal’s words an assurance?
   Iqbal tells Shruti that her father will understand because he is her father. His words reassure her that honest communication is better than fear and silence.
5. Fill in the blank with a phrase from the extract.
   The critics argued that only films which provoke thoughtful discussion are of any worth.

Extract 2

1. Complete the sentence.
   Nabin’s breakthrough in his understanding of artistic freedom highlights a bridge between B. traditional values and modern expressions.
2. Fill in the blank.
   The extract uses the word “lost” both in the sense of losing cultural identity and physical separation.
3. Which word does not show what Shruti’s hug conveys?
   The word that does not show what it conveys is duty.
4. What can be inferred about Shruti’s future in music?
   Shruti’s future in music looks promising. With her father’s trust and support, she can explore fusion music while staying rooted in classical training. She is likely to grow as a confident and responsible artist.
5. Identify the phrase that refers to each artist’s unique journey.
   The phrase is “each bay, its own wind.”

II. Answer the following questions.

1. Justify the title “Twin Melodies”.

Answer:
The title “Twin Melodies” is suitable because the play brings together two musical worlds: Classical Hindustani music and Indo-Western fusion. It also reflects the relationship between father and daughter, where two different artistic choices finally harmonise. The play shows that tradition and modernity can exist together like two melodies in one composition.

2. What are Peter, Iqbal, and Avinash’s views on confronting authority?

Answer:
Peter, Iqbal, and Avinash believe Shruti should speak honestly to her father. Peter is practical and tells her to simply explain the practice timing and concert. Iqbal is warm and reassuring; he believes her father will understand. Avinash is humorous and direct; he says the worst that can happen is a little scolding. Their responses show friendship, optimism, and support.

3. Analyse the character of Nabin Sharma.

Answer:
Nabin Sharma is strict, disciplined, and deeply committed to Classical Hindustani music. At first, he dismisses fusion music because he fears it will weaken musical purity. However, he is not close-minded forever. After watching Shruti’s performance, he realises that she has respected the raga while experimenting with style. His attitude evolves from resistance to acceptance, showing that he is capable of reflection and growth.

4. How does Shruti’s internal conflict explore duty and passion?

Answer:
Shruti respects her father and does not want to hurt him. At the same time, she wants to explore fusion music and perform with her group. Her conflict shows the tension between family duty and personal passion. The play resolves this by showing that honest communication and trust can help both coexist.

5. Is the play’s conclusion effective?

Answer:
Yes, the conclusion is effective because it resolves the conflict through performance, understanding, and emotional honesty. Nabin does not accept fusion blindly; he first hears the group and recognises their musical skill. Leela’s reminder of his own past also makes the resolution believable. The ending feels positive because Shruti gains support without rejecting tradition.

6. How does cultural diversity contribute to the storyline?

Answer:
Cultural diversity is central to the play. The group includes different instruments like violin, flute, tabla, and keyboard. The fusion of Indian and Western styles reflects cultural mixing. The friends’ names, musical interests, and instruments also show a shared creative space where different traditions can meet respectfully.

Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I. What is an aside used for?

Answer:
The correct answer is (iv) (i), (ii), and (iii).

An aside is used to help a character speak directly to the audience, share thoughts or feelings, and create a direct link between the audience and the character. Other characters on stage usually do not hear the aside.

II. Why are “Ahem ahem” and “I…er…” used?

Answer:
They are used to fill gaps while speaking.

These are non-lexical fillers. Speakers use them when they are thinking, hesitating, starting a difficult conversation, or trying to gather their words.

III. Match music-related words with meanings.

IV. Meanings of underlined phrases.

V. Identify and convert exclamatory sentences.

The sentences are exclamatory sentences.

1. Direct: “Oh, how much I enjoy performing this piece!”
   Declarative: Shruti exclaimed with joy that she enjoyed performing that piece very much.
2. Direct: “Wah, how soulful! You all have done a wonderful job!”
   Declarative: Nabin exclaimed with admiration that the performance was very soulful and that they had all done a wonderful job.

VI. Write the sentences in reported speech.

1. “Wow Shruti! You’re a sensation!” suggested Avinash.
   Avinash exclaimed with wonder that Shruti was a great sensation.
2. “What an incredible achievement! I can’t believe we pulled it off!” said Iqbal.
   Iqbal exclaimed that it was an incredible achievement and that he could not believe they had pulled it off.
3. “Bravo! Each note was executed perfectly, and the performance was flawless!” said Shruti’s mother.
   Shruti’s mother applauded that each note had been executed perfectly and that the performance had been flawless.
4. Iqbal: I basically have a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day!
   Iqbal said humorously that he basically had a little bit of scolding for breakfast every day.
5. Shruti: Sorry mummy, won’t hide from you again. I promise!
   Shruti apologised to her mother and promised that she would not hide anything from her again.
6. Avinash: You are a sensation now! The least you can do is throw a party!
   Avinash exclaimed that Shruti was a sensation then and added that the least she could do was throw a party.

VII. Report the dialogue.

Answer:

Asma exclaimed excitedly that she had had a unique experience at the art studio that day. Deepa urged her to tell her as she was eager to hear. Asma said that she had accidentally spilled paint all over her canvas. Deepa pitied Asma. However, Asma replied to her not to worry as the painting then looked better than her original plan. Deepa exclaimed that it was incredible.

Writing Task: Play Script

Answer:

The Beat of Her Own Tabla

Characters:
Anuradha: A teenage tabla player
Mr Rao: Anuradha’s father and a vocalist
Mrs Rao: Anuradha’s mother
Arjun: Anuradha’s brother

Setting:
The living room of Anuradha’s house. A tabla set is placed near a small carpet. A tanpura rests against the wall.

Anuradha: (aside) I have been invited to perform at the Youth Music Festival. But how do I tell Papa? He still thinks I should become a vocalist.

Arjun: (entering) Why are you staring at the tabla as if it will speak for you?

Anuradha: I…er…I need to tell Papa about the performance.

Arjun: Then bite the bullet. You have practised for years.

Mrs Rao: (warmly) Your brother is right. Your talent deserves a stage.

Mr Rao: (entering) What stage are we talking about?

Anuradha: Papa, I have been invited to perform tabla at a prestigious event next week.

Mr Rao: (firmly) Tabla? Again? You have a fine voice. Why do you want to sit behind an instrument?

Anuradha: Because when I play tabla, I feel like I am speaking through rhythm.

Mr Rao: (silent for a moment) Rhythm is important, but tradition also matters.

Mrs Rao: Tradition grows when children carry it in their own way.

Arjun: Papa, please hear her play once before deciding.

Mr Rao: (softening) Very well. Play.

Anuradha: (plays with confidence)

Mr Rao: (after a pause) Your rhythm is clean. Your hands are steady. I was wrong to stop you.

Anuradha: Thank you, Papa!

Mr Rao: I will attend your performance. Let your tabla speak.

Curtain down

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6: A Friend Found in Music

Reflect and Respond

I. What kind of music do you prefer?

Answer:
I prefer instrumental music because it helps me concentrate and relax. The sound of instruments like sitar, flute, violin, and piano can express emotions even without words.

II. Name your favourite musician.

Answer:
My favourite musician is A. R. Rahman because his music combines melody, rhythm, emotion, and experimentation. His songs often mix Indian and global styles beautifully.

Check Your Understanding: A Friend Found in Music

I. Complete the poet’s diary.

Answer:

Today, I’ve been thinking about how essential music is to me. It is like an ocean that calls me to its shore. Music is the rhythm that harmonises with my core, moving me in ways I can’t explain. When I feel sad or upset about things, music is the therapy that eases the ache. It is amazing how music has the power to lift my spirits, and give me strength to pull through difficult times. I know that it is the effect of music whenever I feel cheerful. Music is the much needed, dependable friend when there is no one to care. Thank you, my dear music, for being my all-time comfort.

II. Let us appreciate the poem.

1. Identify the poetic device.

Answer:
The phrase “moves me” in the line “That moves me to the core” is an example of hyperbole because it exaggerates the depth of music’s emotional effect.

2. List metaphors and rewrite them as similes.

3. What is the rhyme scheme?

Answer:
The rhyme scheme is ABCB in each stanza.

It gives the poem a smooth musical rhythm. The rhyme makes the poem pleasant to read and suits the topic of music.

4. Why is the word “music” repeated?

Answer:
The poet repeats the word “music” to emphasise its importance in her life. The repetition also gives the poem rhythm and shows that music is present in every emotional situation.

5. What message does the poem convey?

Answer:
The poem conveys that music can comfort, heal, support, and uplift a person. It can act like a friend when one feels lonely or sad.

6. Identify the mood of the poem.

Answer:
The correct answer is (ii) thoughtful.

7. Give evidence that the speaker is the poet herself.

Answer:
The poem uses first-person expressions like “pulls me,” “moves me,” “I need,” “my spirits,” and “I feel blue.” These show that the poet is speaking from personal experience.

Critical Reflection: A Friend Found in Music

I. Extract-based Questions

Extract 1

1. Complete the sentence.
   The phrase “feel blue” indicates sadness or low mood.
2. Identify the line that shows music makes the poet happy.
   The line is “Music lifts my spirits.”
3. What does the last line signify?
   The last line “To make sure I pull through” signifies that music helps the poet survive difficult times and regain emotional strength.
4. State whether true or false.
   Music plays a vital role in the poet’s life.
   Answer: True.
5. Select the central idea.
   The correct answer is A. Music brings comfort during sadness.

II. Answer the following questions.

1. How is music able to move the poet “to the core”?

Answer:
Music affects the poet deeply. It touches her emotions, changes her mood, and gives her inner strength. The phrase “to the core” shows that music reaches the deepest part of her being.

2. Why does the poet compare music to a “needed friend”?

Answer:
The poet compares music to a needed friend because music supports her when no one else seems to care. Like a true friend, it comforts her during sadness and helps her feel less alone.

3. Explain the poet’s attitude towards music.

Answer:
The poet’s attitude is grateful, affectionate, and thoughtful. She sees music as therapy, support, joy, rhythm, and companionship. For her, music is not just entertainment; it is emotional strength.

4. Why does the poem have universal appeal?

Answer:
The poem has universal appeal because many people connect with music during happiness, sadness, loneliness, or stress. Music is a common human experience across cultures, ages, and languages.

5. Compare your experience of music with the poet’s feelings.

Answer:
Like the poet, I feel that music can change my mood. When I am tired or worried, soft music helps me relax. When I feel happy, energetic music makes me more cheerful. Music feels like a companion because it understands emotions without needing words.

Vocabulary in Context: A Friend Found in Music

I. Positive and negative emotions

Fill in the blanks.

1. The familiar tune stimulated a rush of nostalgia, transporting listeners back to cherished moments from their past.
2. The soulful ballad expressed the singer’s anguish, leaving the audience moved by the intensity of their emotions.
3. The pianist played a soulful melody on the stage, creating an ambience of melancholy.
4. The festive symphony filled the air with jubilant tones, lifting the spirits of everyone present on the joyous occasion.

II. Phrasal verbs with “move”

III. Phrasal verbs with put, get, look, and break

Writing Task: Invitation Letter

Answer:

24, Green Park
New Delhi

22 May 2026

Dear Grandpa and Grandma,

I hope both of you are keeping well. I am writing this letter to invite you to a special musical evening being organised by my school on 21 June, World Music Day.

I am very happy to tell you that I will be presenting a Sitar recital at the event. The programme will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. Many students will perform vocal and instrumental pieces, and our music teachers will also guide the event.

I would be very happy if you both could attend the programme. Your presence will encourage me and make the evening special for me. Please do come and bless me.

Yours affectionately,
Anirudh

Topics Covered in NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Chapter 6

• Twin Melodies Class 9
• Mitra Phukan Twin Melodies
• Shruti Sharma and Nabin Sharma
• Classical Hindustani music and fusion music
• Tradition and modernity in music
• Family expectations and artistic freedom
• Role of Leela Devi in resolving conflict
• Cultural diversity through music
• Asides in drama
• Non-lexical fillers
• Music-related vocabulary
• Exclamatory sentences Class 9 English
• Reported speech Class 9 English
• Play script writing
• A Friend Found in Music Class 9
• Bryanna T Perkins A Friend Found in Music
• Music as therapy
• Metaphors and similes
• Rhyme scheme and repetition
• Positive and negative emotions
• Phrasal verbs Class 9 English
• Invitation letter writing

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Kaveri Structure 2026