“Ram Tori Maya”
Use the embedded audio, video, and interactive sheet music on this page to teach, sing, and play “Ram Tori Maya.” Then, use the classroom activities to learn about melody, harmony, rhythm, movement, and poetry.
Student Participation: Recorder Star, Singing
Recorder Notes: (Opt. C#) D, E, F#, G, A, B, High D
Language: Hindi
National Standards: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11
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Interactive Sheet Music
“Ram Tori Maya”
Text
Ram tori maya, nach nachave
Nis din mera manva vyakul
Sumirat sudhi nahi ave
Jorat tori, neha sut mera
Nirvarat arujhave
Kehi bhidi bhajan karu more sahib
Barbas mohe satave
Ram tori maya, nach nachave
Translation
(Oh Lord*), these worldly distractions are making me dance to their tune.
Every day, my mind is so restless that I’m not finding the time to focus.
And without that focus, peace will not come to me.
My mind is like a child
And I have gotten entangled in that worldly attachment.
(Oh Lord*), when can I find the time to engage with you
When the mundane things are nagging at me?
(Oh Lord*), these worldly distractions are making me dance to their tune.
* This reference is not literally religious, but an exclamation
that aspires to a higher purpose.
Classroom Activities
Learn fundamental concepts of music and engage in creative activities through a deeper exploration of the ideas and themes of the Link Up repertoire.
Explore Melodic Contour
Explore how melodies rise and fall through drawing and physical movement.
Explore the Taal in “Ram Tori Maya”
Introduce students to the taal, a cyclical rhythmic pattern common in Hindustani music.
Explore Layers through Unison and Harmony
Explore the difference in sound between singing in unison and singing in harmony.
Melody and Poetry in “Ram Tori Maya”
Introduce students to a Hindustani poetic form called the bhajan and have them create their own.
Cultural Influences on Melodies
Explore the elements of Hindustani music and how melodies reflect cultural influences.
Melodies and Movement
Introduce students to the kathak, an Indian classical style of dance that can be danced in conjunction with the “Ram Tori Maya” bhajan.
