When young people are passionate about ancient musical instruments

One weekend morning, I had the opportunity to follow Huynh Van Khang, a first-year student majoring in Mathematics at Kien Giang University, to the Dan Kim class of teacher Thai Thanh Hung (also known as Ut Hung). I witnessed the enthusiastic learning atmosphere of the young students. The classroom was small but cozy, with many traditional musical instruments such as the Dan Bau, Dan Kim, Dan Tranh... neatly arranged on the table. Khang and his friends attentively followed each of the teacher's lectures, their hands gliding over the strings with excitement. The atmosphere of the classroom was very focused but also filled with laughter from young people who were finding joy with traditional musical instruments.

Teacher Thai Thanh Hung guides Chau Minh Hoa in practicing the stork. Photo: TUONG VI

“I got to know the Dan Kim from the time I participated in the Don Ca Tai Tu singing performance before. At that time, I only followed a few aunts and uncles to sing because of my passion, but the first time I saw an artist playing the Dan Kim on stage, I really liked it so I decided to learn. In August 2023, I started learning the Dan Kim from teacher Minh Thoi, he was very enthusiastic in teaching me each beat and each string. After finishing the basics, I studied with teacher Ut Hung until today,” Khang said.

At first, learning the Dan Kim was not easy for Khang. There was no official curriculum, from how to hold the instrument, place the fingers, press the strings to feel the rhythm and characteristic tones of the instrument, all were big challenges. Khang shared: “When I first started learning the instrument, I was very discouraged. However, every time I saw the instrument and my aunts, uncles, and brothers and sisters performing passionately, I felt like I was given more strength. Not only did I study in class, I also actively searched online for documents, videos , and related lectures, studying and practicing at the same time, so I gained a lot of experience for myself.”

While telling the story, Khang took out a small notebook from his backpack and showed it to me. The notebook looked a bit old, inside were all of Khang's notes on important things from knowledge, techniques to things to remember when practicing the Dan Kim. Although he is a new face, Khang has received many invitations to perform. Most recently, Khang participated in a performance at a theme of dramatizing some rituals in a Southern wedding performed by the Provincial Museum. The appearance of a young face with a passion for traditional music alongside the "veteran" names made many audiences excited.

While chatting with Khang, I was attracted by the sound of the fiddle played by Chau Minh Hoa, born in 2007. He only started learning the fiddle in September 2025, but Hoa's ability to use this instrument is truly impressive. The opportunity that brought Hoa to the fiddle was when he participated in the logistics work in the program of dramatizing some rituals in a Southern wedding organized by the Provincial Museum. Standing in the wings watching the artists playing the fiddle, the soulful, rustic sound of the fiddle made Hoa interested and decided to learn this instrument. Hoa actively practiced, learned from teachers and online documents, and participated in amateur music exchanges to improve his skills in playing this instrument.

“I have not thought about performing the Dan Co to earn money. To me, the Dan Co is like a new friend. Every time I pick up the instrument, all the pressure and stress in life seem lighter. I focus on each note, each beat, and everything else naturally falls behind. Playing the Dan Co is not just about practicing or performing, but also a way for me to keep my mind stable. I think traditional musical instruments can become an effective relaxation tool for young people,” Hoa confided.

Folk artist Thai Thanh Hung happily said: “I am proud to see more and more young people interested in and loving traditional musical instruments. Not only Khang or Hoa, my students are always proactive in learning and expressing their passion for traditional music. Traditional musical instruments are cultural heritages that young people receive and spread in their own way. Every time I see them perform, I feel like my efforts are multiplied. I believe that traditional music will be preserved and developed for a long time.”

WALL VI

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/khi-nguoi-tre-dam-me-tieng-dan-xua-a468412.html