Keeping Then alive through digital platforms

Born in Phu Luu Commune, Tuyen Quang Province, home to a large Tay ethnic community, Phung Van Tien developed a special love for Then folk melodies and the sounds of the Tinh lute from an early age. What began as a childhood passion has grown into a commitment to teaching and promoting Then singing among young people through online classes.

Phung Van Tien performs Then singing at an exchange programme featuring Then singing, Tinh lute playing and folk dancing in Phu Luu Commune.

Although no one in his family knew how to sing Then or play the Tinh lute, Tien became fascinated with the art form after listening to local women perform. He taught himself to sing by listening to the radio, watching television and later following performances on social media platforms. In 2019, while studying at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Hanoi, he worked part-time to save enough money to buy his first Tinh lute.

After graduation, while working in Hanoi, Tien continued pursuing his passion. He regularly practised, recorded his performances, and shared videos on TikTok and Facebook. Through these platforms, he connected with more people who shared his interest and received requests to teach Then singing and Tinh lute playing. Recognising the growing demand, he decided to launch online classes to help Then enthusiasts learn and perform basic songs.

Phung Van Tien (third from left) at the 2026 Then Singing and Tinh Lute Festival held in Cam Giang Commune, Thai Nguyen Province.

To make his lessons effective, Tien developed his own teaching materials, selected suitable digital applications and designed an appropriate teaching method. Students receive guidance on everything from holding the instrument correctly, tuning it and identifying musical notes to practising finger techniques and combining playing with singing. To date, he has organised five online courses, each attracting an average of six to seven students from various provinces and cities.

Luu Thi Hien from Dam Thuy Commune, Cao Bang Province, said that after just 10 lessons, she was able to play the Tinh lute and sing three basic songs simultaneously. Beyond acquiring new skills, students also have opportunities to connect, exchange experiences and nurture their shared passion for Then art.

Van Tien practises Then singing and Tinh lute playing.

Alongside teaching, Tien currently serves as Chief of Office, an Executive Committee member and Secretary of the Then Heritage Sub-Association under the Vietnam Then Heritage Association. He regularly participates in organising cultural exchanges, Then festivals and activities to expand the association's membership.

With nearly 7,000 followers and more than 156,000 likes on TikTok, Phung Van Tien is helping bring the sounds of the Tinh lute and Then folk melodies closer to the public, particularly younger generations.

Huyen Linh