A Friend Found in Music Class 9- Summary & NCERT Solutions

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At a Glance

Poet	Bryanna T. Perkins
Genre	Lyric Poem
Number of Stanzas	Three quatrains (four-line stanzas)
Rhyme Scheme	ABAB in each stanza
Central Theme	Music as a constant, comforting companion through both joy and sorrow
Tone	Gentle, reflective, and appreciative
Key Devices	Metaphor, personification, repetition
Message	Music offers comfort, healing, and companionship in both difficult and joyful times

NCERT Solutions

Reflect and Respond

1. What kind of music do you prefer to listen to — vocal or instrumental?

Answer: I prefer instrumental music, particularly piano pieces, because I find that the absence of lyrics allows me to focus more fully on the emotion carried by the melody itself.

2. Name your favourite musician(s).

Answer: My favourite musician is Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, because of his remarkable contribution to Indian classical flute music.

3. Give reasons for your choice.

Answer: I admire him for the expressive quality of his flute playing and his ability to create a peaceful and captivating mood through music. His performances show how a simple instrument can convey deep emotions without words.

Check Your Understanding

I. Read the poem again to complete the poet’s diary about her feelings on music. Fill in the blanks with words from the poem.

Answer: The completed diary entry reads as follows —

 1. shore, 2. rhythm, 3. core, 4. therapy, 5. spirits, 6. blue, 7. needed, 8. care.

Let Us Appreciate the Poem

1. The phrase ‘moves me’ in the line ‘That moves me to the core,’ is an example of __________.

Answer: Personification. Music is given the human ability to move a person emotionally. The phrase shows the deep effect music has on the speaker.

2. The poet compares music to an ocean, rhythm, therapy and a needed friend. These metaphors can be rewritten as similes as follows:

• Music is like an ocean that draws me towards the shore.
• Music is like a rhythm that moves me deeply.
• Music is like therapy that helps me when I feel sad.
• Music is like a trusted friend who is there when no one seems to care.

3. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? What impact does it have?

Answer: The rhyme scheme is ABAB in each stanza.

For example:
ocean – shore (A–B)
rhythm – core (C–B)

More accurately, across each four-line stanza, the 2nd and 4th lines rhyme, while the 1st and 3rd lines do not form a rhyme pair. This creates a smooth, flowing and musical rhythm, which suits the subject of the poem.

4. What is the poet’s purpose in using the word ‘music’ repetitively?

Answer: The poet repeats the word ‘music’ to keep the poem focused on its central subject. The repetition emphasises that music is a constant presence in the speaker’s life and affects her during both happy and difficult moments.

5. What is the message the poet wishes to convey through the poem?

Answer: The poem conveys that music can be a source of comfort, healing and companionship. It can lift our spirits when we are sad and share our happiness when we are cheerful. Thus, music can become a meaningful part of our emotional life.

6. Identify the mood of the poem from the options given below.

(i) nostalgic
(ii) thoughtful
(iii) amused
(iv) playful

Answer: (ii) thoughtful

The speaker reflects on the important place music has in her life. Her words show reflection, appreciation and gratitude, especially when she describes music as a form of therapy and as a friend when she feels alone.

7. Give evidence from the poem to support that the speaker is the poet herself.

Answer: The poem expresses the speaker’s personal feelings and experiences through the first-person words ‘me’, ‘I’ and ‘my’. For example, she says, ‘Music is the therapy I need when I feel blue’ and ‘Music lifts my spirits’. These personal statements show that the speaker is expressing her own experience of music.

Critical Reflection

I.  Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow

 Music is the therapy

 I need when I feel blue.

 Music lifts my spirits

To make sure I pull through.

(i) Complete the following sentence suitably: The phrase ‘feel blue’ indicates ____.

Answer: The phrase ‘feel blue’ indicates feeling sad or low in spirits.

(ii) Identify the line which shows music makes the poet happy.

Answer: The line ‘Music lifts my spirits’ shows that music makes the poet feel happy.

(iii) What does the last line of the extract signify?

Answer: The last line of the extract signifies that music gives the poet the strength and resilience she needs to overcome difficult times in her life.

(iv) State whether the following sentence is true or false: Music plays a vital role in the poet’s life.

Answer: The statement is true.

(v) Select the central idea of the extract:

(A) Music brings comfort during sadness.

(B) Music is a necessity in times of happiness.

(C) Music improves our ability to pull heavy loads.

(D) Music is a source of knowledge and excitement.

Answer: The correct option 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 is able to move the poet ‘to the core’ because its rhythm connects with her emotions on a deep, almost physical level, going beyond surface enjoyment to touch her innermost feelings.

2. Why does the poet compare music to a ‘needed friend’?

Answer: The poet compares music to a ‘needed friend’ because, like a true friend, music is dependable and present during both her happiest and most difficult moments, offering comfort even ‘when no one seems to care’.

3. Explain the poet’s attitude towards music.

Answer: The poet’s attitude towards music is one of deep gratitude and reliance; she views it not merely as entertainment but as an essential emotional support that shapes her happiest memories and helps her endure hardship.

4.  Support the opinion that this poem has a universal appeal.

Answer: The poem has universal appeal because the comfort and joy that music provides is an experience shared across cultures and generations, and the simple, accessible language of the poem allows readers from any background to relate to its central message.

5. Compare your experience of music with the feelings expressed in the poem.

Answer: My experience of music is similar to that of the poet because music affects my emotions in different situations. It helps me feel calm when I am upset and makes happy moments more enjoyable. Like the poet, I feel that music can provide comfort and become a source of companionship when I feel alone.

Vocabulary in Context

I. Classify the expressions as positive or negative emotions.

Answer:

Positive emotions (happiness): lifts my spirits, most cheerful
Negative emotion (sadness): feel blue

Now, fill in the blanks by choosing the correct word.

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. Read the highlighted word in the line given below.

To make sure I pull through.

What does ‘pull through’ mean?

Answer: ‘Pull through’ means to succeed in dealing with a very difficult situation.

III. Choose the correct meaning of the phrasal verbs.

Answer:

1. move out — (v) to leave a place where one has been living.
2. moved in — (ii) to begin living in a new home or place.
3. moved on — (i) to start doing or discussing something new.
4. move over — (vi) to shift position to make space for someone or something.
5. move along — (iv) to go to a new position, especially in order to make room for other people.
6. moved off — (iii) to start moving; to leave.

IV. Create phrasal verbs from ‘put’, ‘get’, ‘look’ and ‘break’.

Answer:

Verb	Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Sentence
put	put off	to postpone something	We had to put off the music rehearsal because of the rain.
get	get over	to recover from a difficulty or unpleasant experience	Shruti slowly got over her fear of speaking to her father.
look	look forward to	to feel happy or excited about something that is going to happen	The students look forward to the school concert.
break	break down	to stop working	The keyboard broke down just before the performance.

Listen and Respond

Question	Correct Answer
1.	(i) parent-child
2.	(i) music centre
3.	(ii) santoor
4.	(ii) irregularity of the music class
5.	(iii) watching videos about playing the instrument
6.	(iii) purchase the musical instrument

Speaking Activity

Music Teacher: I understand that you have been missing your music classes. I encourage you to make up for the missed classes so that you do not fall behind.

Student 1: Ma’am, I am a little confused. I feel that attending extra music classes may take away time from my schoolwork and studies.

Student 2: I understand your concern, but I feel music can actually help us manage our time better. If we plan our schedule properly, we can give enough time to both studies and music.

Parent: I was doubtful about the idea at first because I did not want music classes to affect your studies. However, after listening to your views, I think we can discuss a suitable schedule.

Music Teacher: That sounds sensible. With proper planning, you can continue your music practice without neglecting your school responsibilities.

Student 1: That makes sense. I think I can try making a timetable that gives time to both.

Parent: Good. Let us work out a routine that is comfortable and manageable for you.

Writing Task

Your school is organising a musical evening on 21 June, World Music Day, and you are presenting a Sitar recital. Draft an invitation letter requesting your grandparents to attend.

123, Rose Villa,

Parbatpuri

 12 June  2026

Dear Dadaji and Dadiji,

I hope this letter finds you both keeping well. I am writing to share some exciting news with you — my school is organising a musical evening on 21 June, World Music Day, and I have been chosen to present a Sitar recital at the event. The programme will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the school auditorium.

It would mean a great deal to me if you could attend and watch me perform. Your presence would make the evening truly special for me, and I know how proud it would make me to see you both in the audience.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Yours affectionately,

Ananya

Short Poem  Summary

‘A Friend Found in Music’ by Bryanna T. Perkins is a short lyric poem that celebrates music as a constant, comforting presence in the poet’s life. Across three stanzas, the poet compares music to an ocean that pulls her towards the shore, a rhythm that moves her to the core, and a therapy that eases her sadness and lifts her spirits. She reflects that her happiest, most cheerful moments have always involved music, and closes by calling it a needed, dependable friend who is present even when no one else seems to care. The poem’s gentle tone, simple language, and regular rhyme scheme combine to reinforce its central message: that music offers comfort, healing, and companionship through both joy and sorrow.

Author Biography & Literary Style

Bryanna T. Perkins

 ‘A Friend Found in Music’ reflects a simple, sincere, and personal style that is typical of contemporary reflective and inspirational verse, and it focuses on the emotional comfort that music provides in everyday life.

Detailed Explanation (Stanza-by-Stanza)

The poem presents music as a powerful and comforting presence in the poet’s life. It develops this idea in three stages. First, music is shown as a force that draws and deeply affects the poet. Next, it becomes a source of comfort and emotional strength during difficult times. Finally, music is described as a dependable friend who remains present in both happy and lonely moments. The simple progression from emotional attraction to healing and companionship makes the poem warm and meaningful.

Stanza 1

Music is the ocean
That pulls me to the shore.
Music is the rhythm
That moves me to the core.

The poem begins with two powerful comparisons that show how strongly the poet feels about music. She compares music to an ocean, suggesting that it is vast, powerful and capable of drawing her towards it. The phrase ‘pulls me to the shore’ suggests that the poet is naturally attracted to music and finds a sense of comfort and security through it.

The poet then compares music to rhythm, highlighting its ability to reach her deeply. The expression ‘moves me to the core’ means that music affects her emotions very deeply. The repeated opening ‘Music is…’ gives the stanza a steady rhythm and keeps music at the centre of the poet’s thoughts.

Thus, the first stanza establishes music as a powerful force that attracts the poet and touches her deeply.

Stanza 2

Music is the therapy
I need when I feel blue.
Music lifts my spirits
To make sure I pull through.

In the second stanza, the poet presents music as a source of emotional healing and support. She calls music ‘the therapy’ she needs when she feels sad or low. The expression ‘feel blue’ means to feel unhappy or sad. This shows that the poet turns to music when she is facing difficult emotions.

The phrase ‘lifts my spirits’ shows that music helps her become more positive and cheerful. The phrasal verb ‘pull through’ means to manage or get through a difficult situation successfully. Together, these expressions show that music helps the poet regain her emotional strength and face challenges with greater confidence.

The stanza therefore presents music as a source of comfort, hope and emotional strength.

Stanza 3

The times when I’m most cheerful,
It’s clear, music was there.
Music is the needed friend
When no one seems to care.

The final stanza shows that music is present not only during the poet’s difficult moments but also during her happiest times. The poet reflects on her cheerful moments and recognises that music has been a constant part of them. The phrase ‘It’s clear’ shows her strong realisation about the important place music has in her life.

The poet finally gives music a human quality by calling it a ‘needed friend’. This metaphor suggests that music provides companionship, comfort and emotional support, especially when the poet feels that nobody seems to care. The word ‘needed’ is important because it shows that music is not merely a source of entertainment for her; it fulfils an important emotional need.

The poem ends by presenting music as a constant and trustworthy companion, whether the poet is happy or feeling alone.

Word Meanings

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Feel blue	To feel sad or low in spirits.
Lifts my spirits	Makes one feel happier or more hopeful.
Pull through	To succeed in overcoming something difficult.
To the core	Very deeply; completely.
Cheerful	Feeling or showing happiness.

Literary Devices & Terms

Device	Explanation and Use
Metaphor	Music is directly compared to an ocean, rhythm, therapy, and a needed friend to show its powerful, healing, and supportive role in the poet’s life.
Personification	Music is presented as having human-like qualities, such as moving the poet, lifting her spirits, and being a friend.
Repetition	The word ‘music’ is repeated at the beginning of several lines to emphasise its constant presence and importance in the poet’s life.
Rhyme scheme	The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme in each stanza, creating a smooth, flowing and musical effect that suits the subject of the poem.
First-person voice	The poet uses first-person expressions such as ‘me’, ‘I need’, ‘I feel’, and ‘I’m’ to present her personal feelings and experiences with music.

Important Exam Questions (NEP 2020 Aligned)

Section A: Extract-Based Questions

Extract 1

Music is the ocean
That pulls me to the shore.
Music is the rhythm
That moves me to the core.

1. Identify the two things music is compared to in this extract, and name the literary device used.

Answer: Music is compared to an ‘ocean’ and a ‘rhythm’. The literary device used is metaphor.

2. What does the phrase ‘pulls me to the shore’ suggest about the poet’s relationship with music?

Answer: It suggests that the poet feels strongly drawn towards music, just as the ocean draws something towards the shore.

3. Explain the meaning of ‘moves me to the core’ in your own words. (Very Short Answer)

Answer: It means that music affects the poet very deeply and touches her innermost feelings.

Extract 2

The times when I’m most cheerful,
It’s clear, music was there.
Music is the needed friend
When no one seems to care.

4. According to this extract, when is music most clearly present in the poet’s life?

Answer: Music is most clearly present during the poet’s happiest and most cheerful moments.

5. Why does the poet call music a ‘needed friend’?

Answer: The poet calls music a ‘needed friend’ because it gives her comfort and companionship, especially when she feels that no one else seems to care.

6. What does the final line suggest about the poem’s central message? (Very Short Answer)

Answer: It suggests that music can provide comfort and companionship when a person feels lonely.

Section B: Short Answer Questions (40–50 words)

1. How does the poet use the metaphor of the ocean to describe music?

Answer: The poet compares music to an ocean that ‘pulls me to the shore’, suggesting that music exerts a powerful, almost irresistible emotional pull on her, drawing her towards it in the same way an ocean’s current draws something towards land.

2. What role does music play when the poet feels sad?

Answer: When the poet feels sad, or ‘blue’, she turns to music as a ‘therapy’ that eases her pain. Music ‘lifts my spirits’ and gives her the strength to ‘pull through’ difficult times, showing its healing, restorative power.

3. Why does the poet describe music as being present during her ‘most cheerful’ times?

Answer: The poet describes music as being present during her happiest moments to show that music is not only a source of comfort in sadness but also an integral part of her joy, reinforcing how deeply woven into her life it is.

4. Explain the significance of the poem’s closing line.

Answer: The closing line, ‘When no one seems to care’, signifies that music remains a reliable source of comfort even in moments of loneliness or isolation, reinforcing the central idea that music functions as a constant, dependable friend.

5. How does the poem’s rhyme scheme contribute to its overall effect?

Answer: The poem’s ABAB rhyme scheme in each stanza gives it a steady, musical, song-like quality, which mirrors and reinforces its subject matter, making the reading experience itself feel gentle and rhythmic, much like music.

6. What emotions does the poet associate with the phrase ‘feel blue’, and how does music respond to them?

Answer: The poet associates the phrase ‘feel blue’ with sadness and low spirits. In response, she turns to music as a therapy, which lifts her spirits and helps her overcome those difficult emotions.

Section C: Long Answer Questions (120–150 words)

Extrapolation Questions

1. The poet presents music as a source of comfort and strength. Imagine that a friend is going through a difficult time and finds comfort in music. How might music help the friend? Explain your response with reference to the ideas expressed in the poem.

Answer:
Music could help the friend by providing comfort and lifting their spirits when they feel low. As the poet describes music as her ‘therapy’ and says that it helps her ‘pull through’, it can give a person emotional strength during difficult moments. Music may also reduce feelings of loneliness, as the poet calls it a ‘needed friend’. Thus, music can become a source of hope, comfort and companionship.

2. The poet describes music as an ‘ocean’, ‘rhythm’, ‘therapy’ and a ‘needed friend’. What do these comparisons collectively suggest about the role of music in her life?

Answer:
These comparisons show that music has a deep and varied role in the poet’s life. It attracts her, touches her deeply, helps her cope with sadness and gives her companionship when she feels alone. Together, the comparisons present music as a powerful source of emotional support, comfort and joy.

3. Write a short paragraph (120–150 words) describing how you personally experience music as a source of comfort, using the poem’s central ideas as a starting point.

Answer: Music is an important part of my life because it helps me deal with different emotions. When I have had a tiring or difficult day, listening to soft music helps me relax and feel calmer. At times, a favourite song can lift my mood and give me the confidence to face my worries. Music is also connected with many happy memories, such as family celebrations, school events and journeys with friends. Sometimes, I listen to music when I want to be alone, as it makes me feel comfortable rather than lonely. In this way, I can understand why the poet calls music a ‘needed friend’. Like the poet, I feel that music is more than just sound. It can comfort us when we are sad, share our happiness and give us strength when we need it most.

Theme and Character Questions

1. Discuss how the poem develops the idea of music as a ‘friend’ across its three stanzas.

Answer: The poem develops the idea of music as a friend step by step. In the first stanza, music is shown as a powerful force that draws the poet towards it and touches her deeply. In the second stanza, music becomes a source of comfort and healing, helping the poet feel better when she is sad and giving her strength to ‘pull through’. In the third stanza, the idea becomes clear when the poet calls music a ‘needed friend’. Music is present not only during her happiest moments but also when she feels that no one seems to care. Thus, the poem presents music as a constant source of comfort, strength, happiness and companionship.

2. Evaluate the poet’s use of simple language and short stanzas in conveying the poem’s message. Does this style strengthen or weaken the poem’s emotional impact?

Answer: The poet’s use of simple language and short stanzas strengthens the poem’s emotional impact. The clear and familiar words make the poet’s feelings easy to understand and allow readers to connect with her experience. Each four-line stanza develops one aspect of music, while the regular rhyme gives the poem a smooth, musical flow. The simplicity also makes the message more memorable: music can comfort us, lift our spirits and stay with us in difficult as well as happy moments. Therefore, the poem’s simple style supports rather than weakens its emotional effect.

Section D: Case-Based Question (Competency-Based)

Naina has been feeling low after moving to a new city where she knows no one. She finds that listening to the playlist she used to enjoy with her old friends helps her feel a little better each evening, even though she still misses her old home.

1. Which idea from ‘A Friend Found in Music’ best explains why Naina’s playlist helps her feel better?

Answer: The idea that music can act as a ‘needed friend’ best explains Naina’s experience. Her familiar playlist gives her comfort and connects her with happy memories when she feels lonely, just as music comforts the poet when she feels low.

2. Using the poem’s ideas, suggest one way Naina could use music to help her settle into her new city.

Answer: Naina could use music to create new positive experiences in her new city. She could listen to new songs, join a school or community music activity, and gradually build happy memories through music while meeting new people.

3. Does Naina’s experience support or challenge the poem’s claim that music is a ‘needed friend’? Explain your answer.

Answer: Naina’s experience supports the poet’s claim because music gives her comfort and helps her cope with loneliness. Although her playlist cannot replace her old friends, it provides emotional support and helps her feel less alone.

Section E: Higher-Order Thinking Questions (HOTS)

Analytical Thinking

1. Analyse why the poet chooses to compare music to a ‘friend’ rather than to a family member, a place, or an object. What does this specific comparison add to the poem’s meaning?

Answer: The comparison of music to a ‘friend’ makes music seem like a source of companionship, comfort and emotional support. A friend is someone who can be there in both happy and difficult moments. This suits the poem because music is present when the poet is cheerful, helps her when she feels low, and supports her when ‘no one seems to care’. The comparison therefore makes the poet’s connection with music feel personal and meaningful.

Evaluation-Based Questions

2. Evaluate whether the poem’s brevity (three short stanzas) is a strength or a limitation in conveying its message about music.

Answer: The poem’s brevity is a strength because the poet expresses her central idea clearly without unnecessary detail. The three short stanzas show different roles of music: it draws her, comforts her and stays with her like a friend. The simple language and regular rhyme also make the poem easy to read and remember. Although a longer poem could give more examples, its short form suits its simple, warm and thoughtful message.

Application-Based Questions

3. Suppose a friend of yours is going through a difficult time and does not know how to cope. Using ideas from ‘A Friend Found in Music’, suggest how they might use music to help themselves.

Answer: I would suggest that my friend listen to music that they find calming and comforting. Like the poet, they could use music to lift their spirits when they feel low and to help them get through a difficult day. They could also listen to songs connected with happy memories. Music may not remove the problem, but it can provide comfort, hope and emotional strength.

Assertion-Reason Questions

Read the following extract and answer the Assertion–Reason question that follows.

Music is the therapy
I need when I feel blue.
Music lifts my spirits
To make sure I pull through.

Assertion (A): The poet regards music as essential to her emotional wellbeing.

Reason (R): The poet describes music as a ‘therapy’ that lifts her spirits and helps her overcome sadness.

Choose the correct option:

(A) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason correctly explains Assertion.
(B) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason does not correctly explain Assertion.
(C) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(D) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Answer: (A) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason correctly explains Assertion.

Explanation: The poet calls music a ‘therapy’ that helps her when she feels ‘blue’ and lifts her spirits. This shows that music plays an important role in helping her manage sadness and maintain her emotional wellbeing.

Section F: Language and Literature (Competency-Based)

1. Identify the figure of speech in the line ‘Music is the ocean / That pulls me to the shore’ and explain its effect.

Answer: The figure of speech used is metaphor, since music is directly described as being an ocean rather than merely being compared to one using ‘like’ or ‘as’. This creates a stronger, more immediate sense of music’s powerful emotional pull on the poet.

2. Rewrite the line ‘Music lifts my spirits’ using a simile instead of the original construction.

Answer: Sample rewrite: ‘Music lifts my spirits, just as sunlight lifts a wilting flower.’

3. Use the phrasal verb ‘pull through’ in a sentence of your own that is unrelated to the poem.

Answer: Sample sentence: Despite the setback in the first half of the match, the team managed to pull through and win in the final minutes.

4. Identify the rhyming words in the poem’s first stanza and state the rhyme scheme they form.

Answer: In the first stanza, ‘shore’ rhymes with ‘core’, and ‘rhythm’ loosely pairs with the overall pattern established by the second and fourth lines, forming an ABAB rhyme scheme across the stanza.

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