Learning Dan Bau

Ideas and content of the course: We wish to contribute to the construction and development of Vietnamese music and to bring easy access to those interested in art in general and Vietnamese arts in particular. The traditional vietnamese instrument Dan Bau is the first of the musical instruments we want to bring to you. Dan Bau is a typical musical instrument in the system of Vietnamese traditional instruments. It is also considered one of the most unique instruments in the world because of its simple structure, special performing style and sound produced from the harmonics of the string combined with the use of the rod/handle to tense or loosen the intrument’s single string, creating different pitches with attractive and unique timbre that is close to the tone of Vietnamese laguage. The project is not only aimed at Vietnamese people but is also for anyone in the world who loves this instrument and wishes to learn to play Dan Bau by themselves - and through that gain more knowledge about different kinds of Vietnamese art forms. We are making 2 series of videos:

• A series for Vietnamese speakers, where all the content will be in Vietnamese.
• A series for non-Vietnamese speakers, with text, instructions and subtitles in English, but the audio still in Vietnamese.

The program is divided into 3 parts:

• Part 1: Introduction and history of Dan Bau
• Part 2: Learning the basic techniques of Dan Bau
• Part 3: Dan Bau in traditional music genres

We will offer video tutorials, texts, music scores and videos of various Dan Bau music pieces.

** I. Introduction and history of Dan Bau**

** II. Basic techniques of Dan Bau playing **

• Introductory video ** Lesson 1: Basics of posture, turning and plucking **

** Lesson 2: Notes in neutral positions of the rod (hand positions) **

• Exercises for plucking the notes in neutral positions
• Some music example pieces

** Lesson 3: Introduction to intevals and major second **

• Exercise of bending the major second
• Some music example pieces

** Lesson 4: Minor third and perfect fourth **

• Exercises to bending 3rd and 4th intervals
• Some music example pieces
• ** Lesson 5: Legato and ornamentation**
• Legato excercises
• Grace notes and ornamentation excercises
• Some music example pieces

** Lesson 6: Vibrato **

• Vibrato exercises
• Some music example pieces

** III. Dan Bau in traditional music genres **

• Dan Bau in traditional art in northern Vietnam such as Chèo and Xẩm.
• Dan Bau in in traditional art in southern Vietnam like Tài Tử

Goal: Through the videos, you will learn more about the origins and history of the Dan Bau, development of Dan Bau in different traditional music genres and be able to learn the basic techniques and to play the Dan Bau music pieces from basic to Intermediate level.

Equipment necessary: Electric Dan Bau, loudspeaker, plectrum.