The bandura is a Ukrainian stringed instrument resembling a lute. In the nineteenth-century, banduras were played as solo instruments by lone, often blind, traveling musicians called kobzari, who would play and sing as they strolled from one rural village to another. Beginning in the early 20th century, it also became popular in urban settings. Members of Ukrainian diasporic communities, who have migrated to different places around the world for various reasons, continue to embrace and sustain the bandura tradition as an artful and elegant symbol of history, identity, pride, and resilience. In this lesson, we explore the music of Julian Kytasty, a Ukrainian Canadian and one of the world’s premier players of the bandura. Like a nineteenth century kobzar, Julian travels from place to place spreading Ukrainian cultural traditions, values, lessons, and stories through music. His efforts introduce new audiences to Ukraine's rich cultural traditions provides displaced Ukrainians with opportunities to connect with their heritage and homeland.

Lesson Paths & Learning Objectives

1. Introduction to the Bandura

   • Explain where, when, and how the bandura tradition developed and evolved.
   • Explain who kobzar/kobzari were and identify the different types of songs they played.
   • Explain who Julian Kytasty is and why his work is important for members of Ukrainian diasporic communities.
   • 30+ minutes

2. Sounds of Bandura

   • Identify some important general characteristics of bandura music and describe how the instrument is played.
   • Identify three distinct types of bandura and explain their similarities and differences.
   • 20+ minutes

3. Sounds of Bandura

   • Identify some core human values that many cultures have in common.
   • Identify several songs that attempt to counter false narratives in society.
   • Describe how you could embody the role of "kobzar" in your own life.
   • 20+ minutes