[csnrain]

I've actually wanted to learn how to play this instrument for a few years and figured that once I graduate from college I won't have enough time, with work and all...which has encouraged me to start now.

A few questions:
1. how much does a gayageum actually cost? And if you live around north Jersey, where did you buy it?
2. around how many years does it take for one to play fairly well?
3. how do you read music? I'm guessing it's different from reading music for western instruments such as the piano or violin...or is it? Do you read music at all?
4. Any one know instructors around north Jersey? or even NYC?

I'm not aiming to become an amazing player, it's really for my own enjoyment, but I would like to get to the point of where I can play relatively well.

Any replies would be much appreciated, thanks =)

[yalla]

1. how much does a gayageum actually cost? And if you live around north Jersey, where did you buy it?

A gayageum for a beginner, it should only cost around $500. Then again, I got mine in Korea, so you should look for a teacher first, then he/she could take care of other things like getting an instrument.


2. around how many years does it take for one to play fairly well?

It all depends on your definition of "fairly well" and how often you practice/get lessons... and from what I've seen, the progress varies alot between individuals. If you have played other strings before, you should feel pretty comfortable tackling a new piece by yourself in half a year.


3. how do you read music? I'm guessing it's different from reading music for western instruments such as the piano or violin...or is it? Do you read music at all?

Traditionally, it's written differently(in words), but nowadays they use the westernized music.


4. Any one know instructors around north Jersey? or even NYC?

I've seen ads online-- on youtube and even craigslist. I could teach you, but I don't know for sure if I'm moving to NYC yet.


I hope you find this helpful

[csnrain]

thanks for the reply, no one else??

[geneyoonit]

wow good luck tackling that instrument!

i always envied people who can play/sing korean traditional stuff...

maybe i should ruin my voice and start throat singing

[understanding_fiction]

i played for about 1-2 years as a kid, but left it back in korea so ;X

when I learned it, (about 5, 6 years ago) I used the standard music line stuff they use for pianos, violins, etc.

oh ;X and you'll get blisters, the strings have to stay tight-ish

i have no idea how well i played xD cuz i didn't really know any other people who played other than the people in my club at school