Established in 1968, the Institute of Music is a specialised agency charged with responsibility for collecting, conserving, studying and popularising the traditional and popular music of Việt Nam, both within and outside the country. The Institute’s Collection and Study Bureau (Phòng Sưu tầm-Nghiên cứu) comprises eight music researchers who travel the countryside collecting and documenting popular music. These individuals also participate in scientific work as well as working with other music research institutions. The Institute incorporates an Musical Instrument Exhibition Room, a Sound Archive and studios for recording, managing, processing and conserving the traditional and popular music of Việt Nam. Each year the Institute publishes a range of scientific works and participates in exchange activities with other research institutes throughout the world. It also publishes a quarterly Bulletin.