Kaval

Kaval lesson

In the beginning of the kaval lesson we will work on the basics, which are practiced on every flute: tone production, intonation, fingering and posture. A lot of kaval-techniques are different from most playing techniques for classical flutes like the recorder or the transverse flute. So even if crucial basics have already been learned it might be necessary to work on them again.
The techniques generally vary according to the style and repertoire. The students’ individual musical interests determine which compositions will be practiced.
As soon as the crucial playing techniques have been acquired there is a lot of beautiful music, that can be discovered with this instrument. According to the students’ needs we will practice either playing by ear or reading sheet music. In this context knowledge about music theory can be helpful to understand the sound and the notation in a broader context.
Laura’s main concern while teaching the kaval is passing on the joy of making music and moreover developing a personal relationship to the instrument.

Kaval group lesson

This course is appropriate for players of all kavals: Macedonian, Bulgarian, Turkish, etc. During the lessons the country-specific differences will be taken into consideration, especially when it comes to technique, repertoire and interpretation. Of course it is possible to play classical repertoire, jazz or pop styles, with the kaval too.
If you are interested there is the option to rent or purchase a Macedonian or a Turkish kaval through Laura directly.

Learn more about the instrument

The kaval is an instrument with a century old tradition in Eastern Europe and the middle East. It comes in many different types and tunings, but the way of playing remains the same: The open tube is blown angularly at the edge, thus splitting the airstream, which results in the warm and breathy tone. Different scales and modi emerge through different finger positions on the tone holes.

In the beginning it can be very challenging, but if you are patient enough you obtain warm, gentle sounds and lovely melodies from the instrument.
The sound can be modulated in a number of ways and by different blowing techniques you can reach a range of two and a half octaves. In addition, the fingering and articulation offer a variety of possibilities.