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| Performing folk music at a coffee shop in Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province. Photo: Nhat Ha |
Traditional music always contains unique values and strong appeal deep in the soul of each person, but in reality it is becoming quite unfamiliar to young people. The preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values, including music , is receiving much attention, mainly from young people.
Sound of the origin
It is no coincidence that recently, music products with folk melodies by young artists have attracted attention, attracted audiences of many ages and "exploded" on music charts and awards. Deep down, traditional music is still an underground stream, quietly flowing in the lives of Vietnamese people, nurturing the soul, cultivating identity and reminding of national roots. When imbued with the values and identity of traditional culture, young people with talent, enthusiasm and creativity have spread traditional music in contemporary life, reaching out to the world .
We can mention artist Ha Myo with the successful MV Xam Ha Noi thanks to the bold combination of traditional Xam music and modern rap - EDM; Hoa Minzy with Thi Mau or recently Bac Bling; or the performances "putting on a new coat" for folk music that are loved by the audience in the music program Anh trai travail ngan cong gai such as: Mua tren pho Hue, Dao Lieu, Da co hoai lang, Chiec khan pieu...
With musical tastes leaning towards young, vibrant and entertaining music, those who "go upstream" to find traditional music not only express their personal passion but also nurture their love for national culture.
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| Ms. Thuy Trang performs the zither. Photo: NVCC |
Since the age of 6, Nguyen Thuy Trang (born in 1997, from Dong Nai province) has been familiar with the zither. With a father who plays traditional music and a mother who is passionate about traditional music, Thuy Trang was encouraged by her family and given the opportunity to learn and study the zither at Dong Nai Children's House and Dong Nai Culture and Arts College. While her peers chose other paths, her love for the zither grew and followed Thuy Trang throughout her high school years. She continued to study professionally and recently graduated with a master's degree in zither at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, and participated in many domestic and international programs.
“The clear sounds of the zither have been in my soul since childhood. The more I study professionally and participate in zither performances, the more I love and want to spread the unique value of the zither to the public, especially the youth,” Ms. Thuy Trang shared.
As a performer and flute maker, Nguyen Van Tham (living in Ho Chi Minh City) believes that traditional music still has a place in the hearts of the public. Through covering songs that are attracting young people today, the sounds of traditional musical instruments reach and are known to more young people. Many people have researched and ordered musical instruments on e-commerce platforms or taken courses on traditional musical instruments to satisfy their passion.
Having the opportunity to enjoy traditional music concerts, Mr. Hoang Minh (residing in Tam Hiep ward, Dong Nai province) expressed: "I still find young music songs good and catchy, but traditional instrumental concerts make me feel moved. If folk music materials are exploited and created creatively, they are very attractive and have high connecting value. I hope that there will be more intimate spaces for traditional music to spread."
Preserving traditional spirit in contemporary breath
On big stages, in entertainment programs or online platforms, folk music is still overshadowed by youth and commercial music. Despite its high artistic value and strong Vietnamese cultural identity, folk music has not yet found a worthy position in the vibrant entertainment market. Some young artists are still making creative efforts, combining traditional musical instruments with contemporary styles to breathe new life into traditional music.
Born in Ben Tre province (now Vinh Long province), Ms. Nguyen Hong An (born in 1994) grew up with the deep melodies of Don Ca Tai Tu. Passionate and diligent in practicing Dan Bau and Dan Ty Ba, Ms. Hong An decided to study professionally in Dan Bau at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music. From here, she and other young people who share the same love for traditional music have connected and found ways to spread it on large and small stages, focusing on students. Hong An is currently a member of Nam Toc (a band playing the Folk Rock genre - a combination of traditional Vietnamese instruments and modern instruments).
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| Ms. Hong An performs the pipa in a performance that combines traditional and modern music. Photo: NVCC |
According to Ms. Hong An, the most difficult thing is to smoothly combine traditional and modern musical instruments so that the sounds of the zither, monochord, and flute can resonate with electric guitars, trumpets, etc. on modern stages and be accepted by young audiences.
“Bringing folk elements into contemporary music is becoming a trend. Renewing musical works with arrangements and conveying traditional features in modern music products is a way for young people to preserve and spread the cultural values of the nation,” Ms. Hong An confided.
To continue the traditional music stream, the role of training the next generation is indispensable.
Master Phung Ngoc Long, Principal of Dong Nai College of Culture and Arts, said: In recent years, traditional music has created an attraction for young people. In the 2025-2026 school year, the school will enroll 80 students in various majors, of which 35 will be in traditional music.
Teaching does not stop at theory, but the school focuses on performing in schools, cultural institutions in the province, and in friendly exchange trips. Thereby, helping students experience and feel the beauty of folk music, practicing stage skills. In particular, the school encourages creativity, bringing new elements into the performance, enriching the folk music repertoire. When tradition is linked with contemporary breath, folk music will no longer be an "old treasure" but will become a source of living inspiration for young people.
“Teaching not only preserves but also focuses on adapting and developing so that when students graduate, they will have more career opportunities and so that traditional music can revive in the modern life. This is also a practical direction to preserve and promote the value of traditional music” - Master Phung Ngoc Long shared.
Nhat Ha
Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202510/nguoi-tre-lan-toa-am-nhac-truyen-thong-30a297e/
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