The beganah is usually heard outside churches in Ethiopia

Alemu Aga, who teaches students privately, has been playing the beganah for 40 years.

He told BBC World Service's The World Today programme that to continue the instrument's long history more people must begin playing it.

"For me it's a traditional instrument that must pass from generation to generation," Mr Aga said.

"Those people who know how to play, like me, have a mission to get it transmitted."

Genesis

The 10-stringed beganah - which looks a little like a guitar but is the height of a double bass and is plucked like a harp - is believed to be one of the oldest instruments in history.

We play it for religious purposes, not for secular purposes Ala Mwaga

"Our reference is the Bible," said Mr Aga.

"Genesis Chapter Four Verse 16 is the first place where the beganah is mentioned.

"When you put in the time, it's more than 3,800 years before Christ."

Because the beganah has such strong religious connections, it is traditionally only played in a religious context.

The instrument is never played purely for pleasure, according to Mr Aga.

However, though the beganah is sometimes played in church, it is much more often heard outside religious sites.

"It is for meditation and also for praying," said Mr Aga.