Saigon: Oriental Musical Instrument Workshop

The Saigon: Oriental Musical Instrument Workshop offers a distinctive cultural experience in the vibrant Hoas corner of Saigon-Cho Lon Town. Participants can expect an intimate 1.5-hour session, limited to just 10 attendees, where they’ll engage with traditional Vietnamese instruments like the dan nhi, dan ty ba, and dan tranh under the guidance of a resident artist. Through captivating live performances, this workshop provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and techniques of these instruments, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s musical heritage. Booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot.

Key Points

• Experience a hands-on workshop exploring three traditional Vietnamese instruments: dan nhi, dan ty ba, and dan tranh, with guidance from a resident artist.
• Engage in a captivating performance showcasing the unique sounds and playing techniques of these historical instruments, dating back to the 6th-13th centuries.
• Gain insight into the rich cultural heritage and evolution of Vietnamese music by learning about the instruments’ origins and significance.
• Enjoy the opportunity to learn plucking and bowing methods, appreciating the craftsmanship and developing a deeper understanding of the musical traditions.
• Book the 1.5-hour workshop in Saigon-Cho Lon Town, with pricing starting from 579 VND per person and the option to explore nearby cultural attractions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Workshop Details

The Saigon: Oriental Musical Instrument Workshop offers participants a captivating 1.5-hour experience exploring three distinct traditional instruments.

Held in Hoas corner in Saigon-Cho Lon Town, District 5&6, the workshop accommodates a small group of up to 10 people. Conducted in English, the hands-on session allows attendees to learn about and play the two-stringed vertical violin (dan nhi), the pear-shaped lute with four strings (dan ty ba), and the long zither (dan tranh).

An artist performance is included, and participants can discover the story and history behind these traditional instruments. The workshop is wheelchair accessible, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Instrument Highlights

During the Saigon: Oriental Musical Instrument Workshop, participants have the opportunity to explore and learn about three distinct traditional instruments. These include the two-stringed vertical violin known as the dan nhi, the pear-shaped lute with four strings called the dan ty ba, and the long zither known as the dan tranh. Participants will have hands-on experience under the artist’s instruction and witness a performance showcasing the unique sounds and histories of these traditional instruments.

Instrument	Description	History
Dan Nhi	Two-stringed vertical violin	Originated in the 13th century, used in classical Vietnamese music
Dan Ty Ba	Pear-shaped lute with four strings	Dating back to the 8th century, associated with imperial court music
Dan Tranh	Long zither	Documented since the 6th century, integral to traditional Vietnamese folk music

Hands-on Experience

After learning about the rich history and cultural significance of the three traditional instruments, participants eagerly get hands-on with them during the Saigon: Oriental Musical Instrument Workshop.

Under the artist’s patient guidance, attendees have the opportunity to try playing the two-stringed vertical violin, the pear-shaped four-string lute, and the long zither.

They discover the unique techniques required to produce the instruments’ distinctive sounds, from plucking the strings to applying the bow.

This interactive experience allows participants to develop a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and skill involved in mastering these time-honored musical traditions.

Artist Performance

Accompanying the hands-on activities, the workshop features a spellbinding performance by the resident artist. Participants will be captivated as the artist masterfully showcases the musical prowess of the traditional instruments. The performance includes demonstrations of the instruments’ distinct sounds and playing techniques.

Instrument	Description
Dan nhi	Two-stringed vertical violin
Dan ty ba	Pear-shaped lute with four strings
Dan tranh	Long zither

This live performance provides valuable insights into the history and cultural significance of these time-honored instruments, enriching the overall workshop experience.

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Instrument History

The centuries-old histories of these traditional Vietnamese instruments date back to ancient dynasties.

The two-stringed vertical violin, known as the dan nhi, has its roots in the court music of the Ly and Tran dynasties from the 11th to 14th centuries.

The pear-shaped lute with four strings, the dan ty ba, was popularized during the Le dynasty in the 15th century.

The long zither, the dan tranh, can be traced to the Ly dynasty in the 11th century and has become an integral part of Vietnam’s classical music tradition.

Each instrument reflects the rich cultural heritage and musical evolution of Vietnam over the centuries.

Booking Information

Pricing for the Saigon: Oriental Musical Instrument Workshop starts from 579 VND per person.

There’s no upfront payment required – you can reserve your spot and pay later. The workshop organizers recommend booking at least a day in advance to ensure availability for your preferred starting time.

You can check the schedule and availability on their website. The workshop is limited to 10 participants, so it’s best to secure your spot early.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance if you need to change your plans, and you’ll receive a full refund.

Nearby Attractions

Along With the musical instrument workshop, visitors to the Saigon – Cho Lon area can explore a variety of nearby cultural attractions.

The iconic Binh Tay Market, a historical landmark, offers a vibrant shopping experience with local handicrafts, textiles, and street food.

The nearby Mini Lion Head Decoration workshop allows participants to create their own traditional Vietnamese decorations.

Visitors can also enjoy the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine by joining a homestyle cooking class at Hoas Kitchen.

These complementary activities provide a well-rounded cultural experience beyond the musical instrument workshop.

Recap

The Saigon: Oriental Musical Instrument Workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore Vietnam’s rich musical heritage. Participants can engage in hands-on sessions with traditional instruments, guided by resident artists, and enjoy captivating live performances. This intimate workshop provides an enhanced appreciation for the history and techniques of these instruments. Booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot in this vibrant cultural experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: