About Persian Ney

Ney is a cylinder shaped (flute-like) woodwind instrument. It can vary in diameter (1.5-3.0 cm) and length (30-70 cm). In all versions, 5 consecutive (finger) holes are placed closer to one end and one hole closer to blown-end. Tuning cannot be changed on a Ney instrument. Hence, it is usually utilized as a solo instrument. In an orchestra, Ney player usually has access to numerous Neys to accommodate different tunings. Ney’s range is about 2.5 octave. Going to higher octaves is possible by blowing more air. Meaning, by doubling the pressure, the sounds will become higher pitch by one Octave. Persian Ney is played throughout Iran.

 Traditional players have developed a technique to keep up the steady flow of air without running out of breath. Some air is saved in lungs and cheeks inhaled through the nose and is gradually blown into the instrument. The “complete” Ney has a total of 7 holes which is nicknamed accordingly (Haft-band). Seven was a revered number among the Babylonians. Astronomy played a big part in their system of beliefs and they thought Mercury, Venus, earth and Mars and Jupiter and Saturn and the moon and the sun are symbols of the gods. They named every day of the week to pay respect to one of their gods. When air is blown into the Persian Ney, it mainly exits from the nearest open hole. This gives the ability to Ney player to create a range of sounds by controlling the holes using fingers.

Online Ney lessons

Rhythmitica presents Ney online lessons via Skype by Kaveh Sarvarian This music online class can be taken in Persian and English languages. In order to register for Online Ney lessons, please book a free consultation session first.In this session you can talk directly with the manager via Skype and ask your questions about the class, methods, discounts or Persian instruments. After this session, you can set a time for weekly classes.