Self-study guide to playing the kobza or bandura
Zlobynets M. O. Self-study guide for playing kobza or bandura. Part 1 / M. Domontovych [pseudonym] – Odesa : Dilo. Printing house of Y. Fesenko, 1913. – III, 16, [1] p. : illus., notes.
“Self-Teacher for Playing the Kobza or Bandura” is a unique work in two parts by the prominent Ukrainian bandura player, cultural and public figure, poet, and teacher Mykhailo Zlobynets (1883 1937), who was published under the pseudonym M. Domontovych. This textbook was one of the first Ukrainian-language manuals for learning to play the kobza or bandura. It is the result of the author's many years of experience and research, based on his direct acquaintance with kobza players and his own teaching experience.
The first part contains a detailed description of the instrument, its structure, tuning and playing technique. The author provides historical information about kobza art, various regional variants of holding the kobza, and explains the physiological features of performance and sound production. The structure of the textbook includes the following sections: the appearance and structure of the kobza; the formation; how to hold and play the kobza; semitones.
Mykhailo Zlobynets not only developed this textbook, but also played an important role in the development of Ukrainian bandura art by organising the first ensemble of sighted bandura players. His “Self-study” remains a valuable historical and methodological source for researchers and those seeking to learn more about traditional Ukrainian music.