In autumn of 2003, I played Dan Bau for the first time in public at the general meeting of JAPA VIETNAM. While I was living in Viet Nam, I was often asked to play it, though I always declined that invitation because of my immature technique. But they encouraged me saying, "Do not mind the playing technique since you are a foreigner!" This encouragement worked contrary. I rather wished them say, "You can play well in spite of being a foreigner," I admitted though a hard barrier to get over for a foreigner. So, when I passed the examinations and obtained the Intermediate Certificate, playing in front of the Vietnamese audiences, I was so surprised and finally got some confidence in myself. This experience led me starting to teach Dan Bau.

After returning home, I am teaching myself by listening all the time to CDs of famous players since I have no teacher in Japan. I record my playing and send it to my teacher in Vietnam to be commented. My teacher is still severe in his comments. Dan Bau has a special sound to which people are enchanted. According to my teacher, I should not depend on it. I don't know how to correctly translate the word, but he used the word 'magical' or 'miracle' to describe the sound.

There is the superstition about Dan Bau among Vietnamese musicians that good Dan Bau players are all hit by tragedy. I suppose it has something to do with the historical background of the instrument. As far as I know, tragedy means here just familial discord, but some say, "If you learn how to play Dan Bau, you will be blinded," or "You will become very poor."

In other words, Dan Bau is so deeply implanted to the life of people that superstition is naturally accepted. I feel some envy towards good players of this instrument no matter prevailing superstition. Should I believe in this superstition in order to make an excuse for my slow development of playing?