Itinerary
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.
Stop At:
• Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum, Brivdabas Iela 21, Riga 1024 Latvia
See Availability.
The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia, Brīvdabas iela 21, Rīga, LV-1024, Latvia
11:00 AM
2 hours(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Posted By : Fearless17045829571
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!
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-08-09
Posted By : Larry_L
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.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-07-04
Posted By : Larry_L
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.
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Posted On : 2023-06-23
Posted By : VeronikaT64
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.
Rating :
Posted On : 2022-07-20
