Learning the nai

I have been practicing nai for some time now and really enjoy it. The instrument is a series of tubes arranged in a beautifully curving set with largest on my right and smallest on my left. I have two excellent instruments made in Chisinau, one with 22 pipes and one with 27. It is a very different feeling from playing the transverse flute, but very satisfying (when I hit the right notes...).

But it is not easy! I have been working through Vasile Iovu's new nai instruction book, translating the Romanian and practicing the exercises. I am working patiently and systematically while having fun trying to play tunes and easy Baroqe solos.

The high notes are already legendary in our neighborhood in Laramie, WY. While I struggle to get a good consistent sound, my dog tends to get up and leave for another room after a while. Sometimes he and I get into a barking vs. high note competition. And I am pretty sure that neighbors cross the street to pass our house when I am really fired up!

In any case, I am looking forward to getting some great help in Chisinau very soon.

Thanks for following my blog!

Rod

Getting ready!

Wednesday September 29
I will fly to Moldova on Sunday. It is a crazy time getting ready to go and feeling both sadness about leaving and anticipation of learning so many new things. Moldova is a fantastic place and I am honored to have great friends there.

And the music is fantastic!!!

Every day I encounter more things to prepare. Mostly I am trying to weigh all my stuff as I think about packing it and transporting it all over there!

Keep in touch!

Rod