DANSO INTRODUCTION
There are many kinds of flute in asia. Korean flutes can be end blown vertical flutes or horizontal flutes. A flute is an instrument that is open on both ends in contrast to a reed instrument, like a saxophone, which is only open on one end. This means the acoustic wave in a flute is contained entirely inside the instrument.
In the picture below:
- Two Chinese "xiao"
- A Korean plastic "daegeum"
- Two Korean "sogeum" Both bamboo and plastic are shown.
- Four Korean "danso". Both bamboo and plastic shown.
- Two Korean "piri". A small reed instrument.
Originally the danso was made of bamboo. Bamboo dansos have a more mellow sound, but are harder for beginners to play and are subject to the effects of humidity and degradation. Plastic dansos are best for beginners because they are rugged and easier to play. The danso that we will use is called a "dolgi" danso because of the two raised projections on the mouthpiece.
Playing danso is good for your health. It improves eye-hand coordination, improves reflexes, and greatly improves lung capacity with moderate practice times.
Playing danso is also a good way to meet people and make new friends.
I have been playing since 2014. I began playing by taking an elective class at KyungHee University while enrolled in language school there. I progressed to classes under professor Park and had an opportunity to play on Arirang TV in Korea. After that I enrolled in the Korean National Traditional Music school to continue my studies.
The danso we will be using for class is called a "dolgi" danso because is has to raised bumps on the mouthpiece to aid in positioning the mouthpiece on the lower lip.
