In Lao traditional music, the orchestra comprises several types of percussions (gong), mouth organs made from bamboo (kaen, pronounced 'can'), wooden xylophones (lanahd), cymbals (sing), hammered dulcimer (kim), and vocals.

We are partnering with Thongtanh Souvannaphanh and Bounseung Synanohn, two of the last masters in traditional Lao music. As music is traditionally taught by ear, there is no established system of notation. As a result, this art is in grave danger of fading away. As a first step to preserving this art, LHF is notating music of the Lao violin ('saw') and bamboo mouth organ ('kaen', pronounced 'can') currently in the form of tablature, and later in western notation; We are also currently working to produce professional-quality recordings of traditional music by masters Souvannaphanh (saw) and Synanonh (kaen). These steps will not only help to preserve the music, as but also to facilitate the teaching of it.

As music and dance go hand in hand, we are working with Kinnaly Dance Troupe to incorporate live music with an established dance program. To this end, we started classes in kaen and saw in August of 2007, with the aim of being able to hold performances where both music and dance are integrated by Fall of 2008. Funding needs for this project are estimated at $5,000.

more on the music project
more on the saw
more on the kaen