Artisan preserves the Hmong flute tradition through free community classes

In Tham Luong Hamlet, Du Gia Commune, artisan Thao Nhe Chu is helping preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Hmong ethnic group by offering free khen (Hmong bamboo flute) dance classes in a natural cave.

Students practice Hmong khen dance in Thao Nhe Chu’s cave classroom.

Introduced to the khen at the age of 12 by his father, Thao Nhe Chu mastered its most challenging melodies and dance techniques by the age of 18, winning several first prizes at khen dance competitions organized by the former Yen Minh District. To him, the khen is more than a musical instrument - it is a symbol of Hmong culture, closely associated with festivals, weddings, traditional markets, and community life.

Concerned that traditional culture could gradually fade amid modern lifestyles, he began teaching khen dancing to local children and young people at the age of 20. Initially held in his family’s courtyard, the classes were moved in June 2026 to a spacious natural cave in Tham Luong Hamlet as the number of students continued to grow. The cave’s cool environment and natural acoustics have created a unique learning space while also becoming an attractive cultural experience for visitors.

The class now has nearly 60 students aged between seven and 15 and is offered entirely free of charge. In addition to children from Du Gia Commune, students from neighboring localities also come to learn. Notably, girls are increasingly joining the classes, helping to challenge the long-held perception that the khen is an instrument exclusively for men.

Beyond training a new generation of local performers, Thao Nhe Chu’s classes have helped introduce Hmong culture to both domestic and international visitors. Many foreign tourists visiting the nearby Du Gia Waterfall have stopped to watch the performances, try playing the khen, and learn about this unique traditional art form.

Through his dedication and decades of quiet commitment, artisan Thao Nhe Chu is ensuring that the sound of the Hmong khen continues to resonate across the mountains of Du Gia, inspiring younger generations to cherish and preserve their cultural heritage.

Giang Lam