HA NOI – The funeral for beloved Guitarist Ta Tan, one of the most influential artists in Vietnamese music, was held earlier this week in Ha Noi after he passed away at the age of 87.

Tan was born in 1925 as Ta Duy Thai in suburban Ha Noi. He helped his parents in business and by chance had an opportunity to learn guitar from a Japanese musician.

He was immediately attracted to the instrument and pursued the art. He continued his studies with a professional guitarist from the Philippines and joined his band to perform in HCM City.

Tan opened Ha Noi's first guitar class in 1944 which was followed by many other classes for people from all walks of life.

He was one of the founding members of the National Music Academy in 1955 and during his 30 years as a teacher there he trained many guitarists who have been honoured at home and abroad.

Tan's contributions of teaching, holding workshops and composing Vietnamese folk songs for guitar earned him the noble title Excellent Teacher in 1990.

In addition to music, Tan also had a passion for sculpture and painting. His 300 sculptures and paintings were displayed at exhibitions both at home and abroad and some are part of the collection at the National Fine Arts Museum.

"In both fine arts and music, I work with desire for love, happiness and equality," he said. "Working for art is my joy." – VNS