Kokle Workshop: Discover Traditional Latvian Music and Instruments
5.0
4 Ratings
Rīga
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of traditional Latvian music with a kokle workshop. Discover the pure and magical sounds of this ancient string instrument.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia - You will meet the musician at the entrance of the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum. In the beginning the folk musician will provide you with a short background of the kokle history and different types of the instrument. Then the magical sounds of the kokle will cast a spell on you while she plays a few songs. But later
- it will be your turn to play! The folk musician will teach you the basics of the kokle and up to three simple, but beautiful Latvian folk songs. Do not worry, you do not need to have any previous experience in playing music, although the ability to read sheet notes would be useful (but is not required).
After the kokle workshop you can explore the museum on your own, have a picnic next to the lake or simply enjoy the pine forest.
The workshop takes place outdoors, please, dress according to the weather.
What's Included
- Instrument-making workshop featuring kokles
- Admission to the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia
Additional Information
Intrigued by the indigenous tunes and devices from all corners of the globe? This workshop is tailor-made for you! A native folk artist will acquaint you with the kokle, a distinct string instrument from Latvia. There’s a popular Latvian adage that attributes the kokle as a divine gift, while the bagpipes are considered infernal. You’ll realize the truth of this saying in no time. We can guarantee that the kokle produces one of the most serene, enchanting, and soothing tones you’ve ever encountered. You will be given the chance to coax age-old harmonies from the kokle yourself.
Location
The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia
Brīvdabas iela
You will meet the folk musician at the entrance of the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia, and she will take care of the tickets.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Fearless17045829571
Aug 9, 2023
Highlight of my first trip to Latvia! - I loved this one-to-one lesson with Solveiga! She greeted me at the entrance and talked about the history of the museum while walking to a quite part of the museum. There she offered traditional Latvian herbal tea and dried cranberries. She discussed the history of the Kokle and played some pieces before it was my turn to try. She is a very good teacher (taking it from me I’m a music teacher myself) and was well prepared with differentiated pieces. After she gave me copies of the piece of music I learned which I look forward to arranging on my guitar when I get home. I recommend this to any musician visiting Latvia! Thank you Solveiga!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Larry_l
Jul 4, 2023
lovely day in the brīvdabas muzejs - Had a wonderful time learning folk songs I hadn't learned as a kid and remembering how to read sheet music. By the end it reality sounded like I knew what I was doing and the instructor was so good about the fact that I had injured my arm and only had one hand to play with.
Review provided by Viator
Larry_l
Jun 23, 2023
My favorite experience on my trip - A wonderful experience. A small tour of the open air museum, herbal tea, a concert by the teacher with original songs and a lesson on the history of the instrument. Then the experience kicks into high gear with one on one instruction on the kokle, building from simple melodies, including chords and then layering in extra rhythms. I was provided seasonal songs celebrating the Janis summer solstice celebration. I was able to enjoy the lesson in full English with a very patient teacher.
Review provided by Viator
Veronikat64
Jul 20, 2022
Magical music workshop - I highly recommend this experience if you are into music and learning. Kokle is a great instrument with a magical sound and Solveiga did a great job briefly explaining its history, types and interesting, easy to remember facts about kokle itself and wider Latvian culture. She was very friendly, easy to talk to and accommodated the experience for my level of music knowledge which was very much appreciated. Makes you want to play kokle more and check it out further. I must mention that the location is also stunning and well worth seeing after the workshop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor