On March 2, 2025, I’ll be giving a free online workshop organised by the European Shakuhachi Society. Click here for information and registration.

If you are interested, please register even if you cannot attend the event live. You’ll get the teaching material and a link to watch it back afterwards.

From the Heart

The theme of the workshop is From the Heart. I’ll be teaching Nyoi Chōshi, which is a short prelude to a longer piece, Nyoi, composed by Miyakawa Nyozan at the end of the 19th century.

The level is beginner/elementary but the workshop will also be interesting for more advanced students. Going back to the basics is always good!

Playing a simple piece allows for more precision to pitch, ornementation, phrasing, tone quality, etc. The beginners’ version will allow participants to learn the main line and enjoy its simplicity (simple doesn’t mean easy!).

We will also work to embody the piece so that you can make it your own.

You learn honkyoku from notation but you play it from the heart.

I am happy to share some aspects of my work during this workshop, such as chakra meditation, warm-up routines, simplified versions of honkyoku.

Schedule

The workshop will start with meditation. Then I will address warm-up routines and technical exercises. After a short break, I will teach two versions of Nyoi Chōshi.

There will be time for questions and participants performances of either version of the piece. Be prepared to participate actively!

Here is the detailed schedule. Times are in Central European Time (CET)

10:00-10:30 Robuki and Chakra Meditation

10:30-11:15 Daily Warm-up Routine, Technical exercises, questions.

Short break

11:30-12:30 Teaching of Nyoi Chōshi. From simple to original version, working on phrasing and ornaments.

12:30-13:00 participants performances, feedback, questions, etc.

Hope to see you there!