Searching for the Zither

More and more young people are learning and studying the zither.

The Tranh is one of the typical traditional musical instruments of Vietnam, with a clear, melodious sound, imbued with national nuances, once considered a symbol of gentle beauty, reconnecting with the roots of Vietnamese culture, while affirming its own unique features in the flow of music .

Currently, if you want to pursue a professional performing career, Zither lovers can study at the Viet Bac College of Culture and Arts, majoring in Traditional Instrument Performance. As for young people who simply love Zither and want to practice playing it as a hobby, finding a place to teach Zither in Thai Nguyen is still quite difficult.

Although there are hundreds of art centers operating in Thai Nguyen, the number of facilities that open classes to teach Tranh for beginners, especially classes outside the formal system, is still very limited. The number of centers that teach Tranh is only about 2 to 3 centers.

According to Ms. Ngoc Tuyet, Director of Music Wave Art Center, Phan Dinh Phung Ward, one of the few centers that are opening classes to teach Tranh in Thai Nguyen province, bringing Tranh into teaching not only helps students get acquainted with this unique traditional musical instrument, but also serves as a bridge for them to better understand traditional Vietnamese music.

After 2 years of learning the Tranh, Yen Phuong can confidently perform this traditional musical instrument.

The combination of formal training and a flexible, modern approach also helps the Tranh become increasingly familiar and attractive to young people. The fact that art centers in Thai Nguyen include the Tranh in their curriculum not only creates conditions for young people to access traditional music, but also opens up learning opportunities for many people of different ages.

Pham Yen Phuong, group 2, Phan Dinh Phung ward, has been pursuing the Tranh zither, sharing: I have been studying the Tranh zither at the Music Wave Arts Center since I was 6 years old. 2 years of studying the Tranh zither helped me develop my ability to perceive music, practice patience, meticulousness and nurture my love for national culture.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Khanh Linh, a student of Tourism K23, University of Science (Thai Nguyen University), has a love for traditional art and has sought out traditional musical instrument artists of the Thai Nguyen Province Ethnic Arts Troupe to learn from.

Learning the Tranh is not without its difficulties, but with the desire to conquer the traditional musical instrument, Khanh Linh has spent 3 sessions/week to practice. Now the Tranh has become a means of mental relaxation, and at the same time a way for Khanh Linh to reconnect with ancient cultural values in modern life. To preserve and promote the value of the Tranh, there needs to be synchronous and long-term solutions.

Art training institutions such as the Viet Bac College of Culture and Arts need to continue to maintain and expand the scale of training in the zither, while increasing communication to attract young students. It is also necessary to encourage cultural centers, children's houses, and general schools to include the zither in extracurricular activities or art education programs.

Organizing competitions, performances, and short-term classes on the zither is also an effective way to create a playground and spread the love to the community, especially the young generation.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202510/tim-ve-dan-tranh-819567b/