Learning how to play Morin Khuur

Morin Khuur is a traditional Mongolian bowed stringed instrument. It is almost the symbol of the Mongolian culture and people. It has only two strings, therefore people say that it is not extremely difficult to learn how to play with Morin Khuur.

So while I was having a summer break, I had classes in "Khoyor Zagal" center to learn how to play Morin Khuur. I had bought a Morin Khuur from the center. I attended a class every other two days.

The first 3 classes were complete boredom. It is because I had to review and memorize the musical notes. During those classes, I also had to just sit there and move the hand-drill back and forth. However later on I realized how important it is to move the hand-drill. Mathematically speaking, it is important from which angle to pull and push. It is because in some cases, the hand-drill was not placed in the right position and the notes sounded wrongly. I personally think that learning how to play Morin Khuur requires lots of memorizing and technique. I had to memorize all of the different positions of holding the instrument and playing different notes.

Definetely, through this activity I have undertaken new challenges such as learning how to play a musical instrument, which never interested me before. After the first lesson, my legs were in pain. It is because the way we hold Morin Khuur is keeping them between our legs. Only for 2 hours I had practiced playing Morin Khuur and the next day my whole body was in pain. Then I felt like I do not want to continue. However, because I set this activity as a goal, I did not want to give up either. Therefore, I came back with even more inspiration and motivation.

I am sure that learning how to play Morin Khuur will benefit me in the future. When I think about studying abroad and living there, I can be proud of myself and Mongolian culture by playing this instrument to foreigners.