"Keeping the flame alive" through homeschooling.
Meritorious Artist Dang Hoang Linh (commonly known as Sau Lon) and his wife, People's Artist Nguyen Thi Tuong (commonly known as Phuong Hong Tham), have dedicated themselves to Southern Vietnamese traditional music (Don Ca Tai Tu). With a burning passion for their craft and a desire to preserve and promote this representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity, in 2017, Mr. and Mrs. Sau Lon opened a free Don Ca Tai Tu class at their home in Long Xuyen ward. Initially, the class was for children, but later, many students of all ages and skill levels joined. Held regularly every Sunday morning, the class teaches from basic knowledge such as origins, pentatonic scales, and melodies to the practical application of each piece. “Some students came to learn without knowing anything at all. Seeing their love for traditional art, I tested their voices, checked their sense of pitch and rhythm, and then started teaching them!” Mr. Sau Lon shared.
A gathering of the traditional folk music club in Vinh Trach commune. Photo: Phuong Lan
Meritorious Artist Dang Hoang Linh and People's Artist Nguyen Thi Tuong are always proud and enthusiastic about personally mentoring and teaching the younger generation. They not only focus on professional skills but also educate their students about professional ethics. For them, this is not only about preserving and promoting the national heritage but also a great joy to see the love for Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) being passed on in the hearts of young people.
In particular, Mr. Linh and Mrs. Tuong have collected and stored a treasure trove of songs, ready to share them with their students whenever needed. With great dedication, they have recorded the songs and sent them via Zalo so that students can learn them at home. This dedication has helped their students achieve many high results in major competitions. For example: My Nhung won the runner-up title at the "Golden Rice Award" in 2023 and the silver bell award at the "Golden Bell of Traditional Music" competition in 2024; Kim Sang won gold medals at many traditional music festivals; and Vuong Quan Tri won first place in the "Amateur Musician of the Countryside" competition in 2024.
A gathering of the traditional folk music club in Vinh Trach commune. Photo: Phuong Lan
Meritorious Artist Dang Hoang Linh shared: “After Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) was recognized by UNESCO as a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity, this art form has received more attention. I believe that the lack of interest in Cai Luong among young people in the past was partly due to our failure to promote it properly. We need appropriate teaching methods, starting with small, familiar songs and melodies so that young people can access it more easily.”
Traditional Music Club - a place to nurture and "pass on the flame"
Besides private classes at home, in many rural areas of An Giang province, traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music (ĐCTT) is preserved and developed through clubs. A prime example is the Vinh Trach ĐCTT club in Vinh Trach commune, established in 2010 with 26 members. To date, more than 10 enthusiastic members remain. The club's membership is quite diverse, ranging from retired officials to working professionals such as teachers and doctors. They all share a love for ĐCTT and maintain regular activities every Sunday afternoon.
Distinguished artisan couple Dang Hoang Linh and his wife are always dedicated to teaching traditional Vietnamese folk music to the younger generation. Photo: Phuong Lan
One of the outstanding members of the Vinh Trach Traditional Music Club is Meritorious Artist Tran Van Hung (also known as Tu Lem). For him, being recognized as a Meritorious Artist is not only a joy but also a responsibility. "I always think about how to promote, guide, and teach the art of traditional music to future generations!" Mr. Hung confided.
The Vinh Trach Traditional Music Club is also a place to nurture new talents, completely free of charge. A member of the club, Mr. Chau Thach, residing in Vinh Trach commune, said: “When teaching traditional music to beginners, Mr. Tu Lem starts by guiding them through music theory and rhythm, then moves on to vocalization. Each note, such as the rising and falling tones, is linked to notes in the pentatonic scale like ho, xu, xang, xe, cong, helping students easily grasp the basics. Once they have a solid understanding, he teaches singing and shows them how to use embellishments to make the songs even more beautiful.”
A gathering and exchange of experiences among members of the traditional folk music club in Vinh Trach commune. Photo: Phuong Lan
Having suffered from an eye disease since childhood, and despite being blind, Meritorious Artist Tran Van Hung found his passion and meaning in life through the melodies and songs of traditional Vietnamese music. He made his first musical instruments himself, and later received encouragement, guidance, and gifts of instruments from the people and friends. Although he did not receive formal musical training, thanks to his efforts and the help of many people, he mastered many instruments such as the kìm, tranh, and bầu lutes. What everyone admires most about him is his ability to compose traditional songs based on the traditional pentatonic scale. "As long as I have my health, I will continue to teach traditional Vietnamese music to the younger generation!" affirmed Meritorious Artist Tran Van Hung.
Traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music (ĐCTT) is a precious heritage, a persistent cultural source flowing in the hearts of its devotees. Thanks to those who persistently "keep the flame alive" and pass on the craft, the pentatonic melodies still resonate in everyday life, continuing to nourish the souls of generations, so that this heritage is not only preserved but also lives on in the hearts of the people.
PHUONG LAN
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/-truyen-lua-don-ca-tai-tu-noi-dai-di-san-a461838.html
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