When the sound of the piano nourishes the soul of a child

(GLO)- Currently, there are some places in the mountainous town of Gia Lai that teach zither, t'rung, piano, guitar, etc., attracting many students of all levels. Each lesson not only helps students practice perseverance and awaken their talents, but also cultivates a love of music and a pure soul.

Huong Nhac Center (No. 33B Le Thi Rieng Street, Hoi Phu Ward) was established in 2010 by Mr. Nguyen Huu Huong (born in 1984, graduated from Hue Academy of Music). Currently, classes at Huong Nhac teach piano, organ, guitar, with more than 50 students.

Among them, there are many ethnic minority children, those in difficult circumstances, who are shared and supported by Mr. Huong to pursue their passion. They also participate in performing in charity music programs organized by the Center every year, thereby practicing self-confidence, sharing spirit and nurturing love of music.

Huong Nhac Center attracts many young students. Photo: Ngoc Duy

Y Nhon (born 2008, Ia Khuol commune) said: “In 2020, I learned guitar at Huong Nhac Center. At first, the strange and complicated notes and musical scores confused me, but thanks to Mr. Huong's patient teaching, I recognized them, gradually got used to them and imagined them as normal characters and letters. Then I was able to play from simple to complex melodies... Music helped me become more confident, taking me to another world ."

Y Nhon has been passionate about the guitar since he was a child. Photo: Ngoc Duy

From many passionate practice sessions at Huong Nhac, Y Nhon has now become a young musician, regularly performing in cultural exchange programs in the highlands.

Mr. Y Kha (born in 1974, Y Nhon's father) emotionally said: "My family is poor, living nearly 60 km from Pleiku.

Since childhood, Y Nhon has helped his family with many jobs, from hoeing the land, pulling weeds to working on the farm for others, and had to drop out of school in 9th grade.

Seeing my child’s love for music, especially guitar, I try to arrange time to take him to class. Mr. Huong’s class helps my child develop his talent, opening up future opportunities.”

After graduating from the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, Ms. Ho Nhu Quynh (born 2000, Hoi Phu Ward) opened Quynh Music House (236 Truong Chinh Street, Hoi Phu Ward) in 2023, with classes teaching zither, pipa and modern musical instruments for students aged 5 and up, currently with nearly 30 students studying.

Ms. Quynh shared: “Many students have difficulty with theory and how to keep up with the rhythm, but I always try to inspire and instill a love of music. Teaching the zither and pipa is not only about technical guidance, but also about helping students understand, appreciate, preserve traditional music and connect with Vietnamese culture.”

Quynh Music House also organizes performances, covering songs praising the Fatherland on major holidays, helping children practice their skills and connect with traditional music.

Cao Thai Son (left) listens attentively to his teacher's instructions on practicing the zither at Quynh Music House. Photo: Ngoc Duy

Cao Thai Son (grade 8, Tran Phu Secondary School, Hoi Phu Ward) expressed: “I started learning the zither at Quynh Music House in 2023. In each practice session, despite the difficulties, I still persevered to be able to play each piece of music. I like learning folk songs the most, because through that, I can feel more clearly the rustic but attractive sounds of traditional musical instruments and feel closer to my homeland.”

Mr. Y Ploi (born in 1984, Jrai ethnic, An Phu ward) graduated from the Faculty of Vocal Pedagogy, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. For many years, he has opened a free music class in Plei Pong Phrao village (An Phu ward) and then expanded the model to other localities in the province.

The class attracts students and children of all ages, mostly Jrai and Bahnar, helping bring music closer to disadvantaged children.

Mr. Y Ploi shared: “I can play many traditional and modern musical instruments, so many families in difficult circumstances proactively send their children to learn suitable musical instruments. I hope to rekindle my youthful passions in them and who knows, some of them will grow up and develop their talents, bringing the soul of Vietnamese culture through traditional music in general and the Central Highlands in particular to more people.”

A “special student” in the class is little girl H’Thuong (Jrai), who was adopted by Mr. Y Ploi in 2021, weighing only 1.3 kg at birth. He named her and taught her to play the T’rung instrument with other students, both to hone her skills and to connect her with traditional music.

The sound of the T'rung is associated with H'Thuong's childhood. Photo: Ngoc Duy

H'Thuong (4 years old) excitedly said: "I like playing the t'rung. Father Y Ploi taught me each note, taught me to feel the melody and love the people around me."

“Classes teaching how to play the zither, pipa, and t'rung in the mountain town help to continue and spread traditional music. When children are exposed to and learn to play traditional instruments, their souls are nurtured, while at the same time arousing pride and awareness of preserving cultural identity,” said music producer Nguyen Thanh Thiet (Thong Nhat ward).

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/khi-tieng-dan-nuoi-duong-tam-hon-tre-tho-post570904.html