Tserenjigmed

Preparing to play the 100 year old flute from China

Tserenjigmed playing the aman khuur

Tuning the morin khuur

Playing his morin khuur

Playing his flute

*All questions and answers were translated on the spot by Bodio, a 12th grade student at my school, and written down in paragraph form by me*

1. What is your full name? What does it mean?

Tserenjigmed. Most Mongolians have Buddhist names from Tuvd, so I don’t know what it means.

2. How long have you been making instruments?

I make and repair old instruments and can play them, like the morin khuur. Old instruments require different hand positions. I made instruments when I was young, and I stopped repairing instruments 10 years ago.

3. What kinds of instruments did you make?

Hulsan khuur (aman khuur) and morin khuur.

4. Which is your favorite to play?

My father brought this flute from China when he was seven, so I like it. My mom played the aman khuur, so I love it.

5. What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?

I retired, so I am usually at home. My friend came and learned how to sing.

6. Please describe a childhood memory. Why did you decide to share this memory?

My grandfather, father, and mother all could play any instrument, so my hobby was playing any instrument such as the aman khuur, flute, and morin khuur. I play the khuuchir just for myself.

7. What would you like people to know about Mongolia and/or Mongolians?

Mongolians are nomadic, and they always carry the gods and the morin khuur, especially when they are migrating. During that time, the gods and the morin khuur are most important.

8. What are your goals and dreams for the future?

I wrote a new long song about the Govi, and I want Mongolians to listen to my new song.