Musical Instruments

If you are fond of music and musical instruments, then you are in for a treat. At the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, we provide lessons for more than 8 Tibetan musical instruments, all having different sounds and play methods. These lessons will help you learn the instruments from the very basic level to the advanced level.

Basic Level: As every lesson goes, you would first understand and learn about how and what the particular instrument is made of. The history of the instrument and then the right posture and position to hold the instrument before you start playing. Once you have learned about the Tibetan musical instrument of your choice, you’ll start learning about notations, as in how many notations, what kind of notations you can play on the instrument, and how you can play them.

Musical Instruments - Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts

Advanced Level: The advanced level will help you master the notations and move over to melodies. This includes using different techniques, methods to generate the ideal melody of either folk songs or be it any music. Once you’re done with the advanced level, you would have a great understanding of the instrument.

Tibet Musical Instrument Lessons available at TIPA:

  1. Dram-nyen (lute) – The Dram-nyen (lute) looks like a mix of a guitar and sitar and produces a melodious sound. The instrument has six strings and is primarily used to play folk music from Tibet and Bhutan.
  2. Piwang (fiddle bow) – Piwang (fiddle bow) is a two-stringed Tibetan Musical Instrument that’s played by monks and saints in many movies. The sound of this instrument is pure and can be heard till a fair distance.
  3. Ache Lhamo Drum (hand-held drum) – The Ache Lhamo Drum is a hand-held drum that is played by artists during Ache Lhamo Opera performances. It is a typical drum, however, the lessons for this instrument are based on the musical performances of Ache Lhamo.
  4. Bubchen (Cymbal) – A common percussion instrument, the Cymbal has different methods of play. This is a very popular instrument that’s played in religious ceremonies in India as well. The size of Cymbal varies, some being so small that you can carry them in your pocket.
  5. Yangching (dulcimer) – Dulcimer varies in types, at some places the hammered dulcimer is popular whilst the common one is the mountain dulcimer. The latter is easier to handle and play than the formal. This instrument produces a great sound as well.
  6. Flute – Flute needs no introduction and is one of the most fascinating musical instruments on earth. Thanks to its easy handling and super melodious sound, the flute has gained immense popularity worldwide.
  7. Dungchen (telescopic longhorn) – This longhorn is mostly played during ceremonies, it is as long as 5 feet and produces a sound that is often compared to the singing of elephants.
  8. Suna (oboe) – Somewhat similar to a flute, the Suna musical instrument produces quite a different sound from Flute and is a double-reed woodwind instrument.
  9. Dhaman (kettle drum) – A large membrane at the top and a base made of copper. Dhaman or kettle drum is exactly what the name suggests, a drum that produces loud music.