In 1965, when U.S. planes began bombing North Vietnam, the government relocated the 500 students to a neighboring village 30 miles away. The school’s 60 pianos and other instruments were carried on ox carts. “We lived with the peasants, and classes were taught underground,” Madame Lien said. “It was terrible.”

The uneducated farmers were annoyed by the noise of unfamiliar musical instruments and were terrified that the racket would attract enemy aircraft. There was no electricity. Classes were held in bunkers dug deep in the earth.

Most of the pianos, though, had to remain above ground, taking up space and making the villagers’ quarters all the more cramped. Piano students took turns practicing around the clock. There was never quiet.

RTWT