The ancient Tamils paid great attention to detail in the music they composed. They devised rules and norms that musicians had to follow. One who had mastered this musical knowledge was called ஆசிரியன் and முதல்வன். According to the சிலப்பதிகாரம் a maestro was one who was an expert in vocal as well as instrumental music, had an understanding of the subtleties of music and clearly enunciated sounds bringing out their moods and flavours. Special mention is made, in this section, of the percussionists who had to know the முத்தமிழ் arts of இயல், இசை, நாடகம். The சிலப்பதிகாரம் describes the playing of the தண்ணுமை, a percussion instrument in the performance of the legendary court dancer மாதவி.