What is the kaval?
The kaval is an end-blown Bulgarian folk flute built in three joints, with eight playing holes: seven in front and one at the back. It is almost fully chromatic, which is what lets it play far more than simple folk melodies. Most players start on the kaval in D.
Before your first note it is worth knowing the instrument in your hands. I have written the whole story in one place, where the kaval comes from, how it differs from the ney and the dzamara, what it is made from and how it is built:
The Bulgarian Kaval: what it is, how it sounds and how it is made
Structure of the kaval
The three joints, called ekleme in Bulgaria, fit together into a single pipe. The head joint carries the mouthpiece, where you place your lips. The body joint carries the finger holes. The acoustic piece at the bottom carries four more holes, the "devil's holes", which are never covered while playing.
That was it for the first lesson of the course. So, stay tuned and find out how to maintain your kaval in the next lesson.
Do you have a kaval to practise on?
These lessons only work with an instrument in your hands. The Starter Bundle is what most of my beginners begin with: a professional plastic kaval in D, tuned and tested by me, together with this complete beginner course.
Get the Starter BundleSee all kavals
Not sure which kaval suits you? Book a trial lesson with me and we will work it out together.