Slide on Strings – Five Years of Cultivating Classical Music in Da Lat

Nurturing the Next Generation of Young Artists

The melodies of violins, violas, and cellos echo prominently in major concert halls. However, the confidence exhibited under the spotlight comes from a long journey of dedicated practice, discipline, and a profound passion for music. This is exactly what Slide on Strings aims to cultivate.

Unlike traditional music classes, Slide on Strings functions as an immersive residential boot camp, allowing students to live, learn, and practise intensively together for multiple consecutive days.

The daily schedule starts early in the morning and stretches into the night, including orchestral rehearsals, chamber music groups, personal practice, and direct interaction with prominent Vietnamese artists and international instructors.

Every practice session involves more than just perfecting bowing techniques or understanding the subtleties of a musical piece. It is also an opportunity to enhance listening skills, learn to collaborate effectively in an ensemble, and develop the professional mindset required for performance.

Founded by violinist Le Minh Hien and violist Pham Vu Thien Bao, Slide on Strings was created with the goal of establishing a dedicated platform for classical music education with a focus on string instruments in Vietnam.

After five years of development, the program has formed relationships with esteemed music institutions, such as the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Paris, California Baptist University, and the Fulton Music Society in the United States, providing Vietnamese students with opportunities to learn directly from international artists in their home country.

According to violist Pham Vu Thien Bao, the aim of the program is not to produce prodigies, but to cultivate a sustainable musical community.

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We do not create prodigies. We hope that our students will love music more, learn to work as a team and understand that they are not alone on their artistic journey.

Violist Pham Vu Thien Bao, Co-founder of Slide on Strings

Pham Vu Thien Bao noted that the changes became noticeable within just a few days. Students exhibited greater punctuality and discipline, engaged more actively with their peers during performances, and built their confidence while participating in the orchestra. Even more significantly, they acquired something that is hard to measure: a sense of belonging to a musical community.

For many students, this experience transcends a simple summer course. After studying, practising, and developing her skills in Da Lat, Le Ngoc Dan Quynh views Slide on Strings as a unique chance to engage with international training methods in her home city.

What she has gained includes not only new performance skills but also the experience of playing alongside friends and professional musicians, helping her become more confident as a young artist.

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Learning from teachers from Vietnam and abroad, practising and performing alongside friends who share the same passion have helped me become more confident and stronger on my musical journey.

Le Ngoc Dan Quynh, Student at the Slide on Strings Music Camp

Meanwhile, student Cao Minh Nhan from An Giang was particularly impressed by the professional learning environment. For the first time, he spent several days surrounded by people who shared his love of music, with everyone practising their instruments diligently from morning until night.

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Everyone here plays an instrument, which motivates me to practise from morning until late at night. I have learned many new techniques and feel that I am improving every day

Cao Minh Nhan, Student at the Slide on Strings Music Camp

Slide on Strings not only offers performance training but also consistently cultivates a community where young individuals can connect and motivate each other to pursue classical music.

Professor Christophe Poiget from the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris stated that this atmosphere aids students in honing their technique, enhancing their ability to collaborate effectively as part of an ensemble, and deepening their musical understanding. Meanwhile, the tranquil surroundings of Da Lat inspire students to develop their artistic emotions.

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A good musician does not simply play the right notes. More importantly, they must know how to listen, communicate with their fellow musicians and convey the emotions of the work

Professor Christophe Poiget, Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris

Da Lat – A Space for Nurturing Musical Inspiration

If Slide on Strings serves as the gardener sowing the seeds, then Da Lat is the rich soil where those seeds can establish roots and thrive. The program's five-year relationship with Da Lat is intentional, reflecting the harmonious blend of art and a nurturing atmosphere.

As artist Pham Vu Thien Bao notes, the tranquil environment and natural beauty here offer unique inspiration for music, allowing students the opportunity to listen, experience, and cultivate their artistic feelings.

During his visit to Vietnam as an educator, Professor Christophe Poiget has cultivated a deep fondness for Lam Dong, known as the land of countless flowers.

He was especially struck by the peacefulness of Da Lat, its vibrant flower markets, the shifting patterns of sunlight and rain, and the ambiance that inspires artists to tap into their creativity. It serves as a perfect setting for the study and performance of classical music.

It's not just artists who appreciate Da Lat; many parents also see the city as a key factor in their decision to send their children to the music camp.

Huynh Cao Thi Tuyet from Ho Chi Minh City mentioned that her family chose to participate in the program not only due to its high-quality training but also because of the pleasant environment, convenient accommodations, friendly services, and the warmth of the local community. After spending several days there with the students, she became even more convinced that Da Lat is the perfect place for combining education, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

People's Artist Ngo Hoang Quan, former Director of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, described Da Lat as an inspiring choice for Slide on Strings. In his view, the tranquil and distinctive character of the city of thousands of flowers helps students nurture their emotions, enabling them to develop deeper interpretations of musical works.

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Da Lat is not only a dreamy land but also an ideal space for nurturing emotions and inspiring musical creativity

People's Artist Ngo Hoang Quan, former Director of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra

After several days of focused study, which included masterclasses, chamber music ensembles, and orchestral rehearsals, students wrapped up the course with a performance evening at the Da Lat Opera House.

Over 60 artists, instructors, and students showcased their talent with pieces for string orchestra. This event enabled students to enhance their stage presence, teamwork skills while gaining experience in a professional setting.

The backing of the Da Lat Opera House and Phuong Nam Medical Center contributed to crafting a high-quality artistic program, making classical music more accessible to the general public.

After five years, Slide on Strings has grown beyond the framework of a music camp to become a bridge between art and the community. Alongside this journey, Da Lat has also increasingly affirmed its appeal as a space for creativity and arts education.