Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

I believe Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin gives lessons in Baltimore on a monthly basis. www.nygetsu.com he is an excellent teacher.

Welcome Ginger. There's a "teachers and dojos" section on this forum that is probably monitored by more teachers than this introductory section here, so placing your request for a teacher there would be a good idea. If you find a teacher quickly, contact the teacher first about what will be a suitable flute. I don't understand all the details, but apparently even good playing instruments may not be suitable for all styles. Perry Yung is a very knowledgeable maker and performer, is fully aware of this and could probably tell you a lot more, and if for some reason you need to get a flute before finding a teacher he would probably be able to help you out. I'm not studying traditional Japanese music so I'm coming from a bit of a naive perspective, but I, like DJ and many others here, find Perry's flutes to be wonderful. There is a thread about his flutes in the "reviews" section. It should be noted that there are other very reputable and popular flute makers on this forum too. There is also a plastic instrument that many here say is suitable for lessons called a Yuu. There's a lot of information about it here but it's kind of difficult to sort through with all the discussions about the acoustic properties of different materials. You can find the sales information and descriptions about that on www.shakuhachiyuu.com.

The real reason why I decided to respond to you is that while I'd encourage you to pursue your study of shakuhachi, there are some popular products that make silver flutes much more ergonomic. They are called Bo-peps. They've been around for a while for the left hand, but I think the right hand thumb dock is relatively new. Maybe they could help you continue your silver flute study. I find that playing shakuhachi is good cross training (if that's the word for it on instruments) and has improved my tone on silver flute, The bo-peps are available in many places, but here is one link:  http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bo/navig … 001+202354

P.S. I was just looking at Ronnie Selden's schedule. He's conducting a workshop in Baltimore on April 29. That might be of interest to you too. http://www.nyogetsu.com/events.html

Last edited by radi0gnome (2007-03-24 17:52:19)

Ginger,

Carpal tunnel is nasty! As you choosee a shakuhachi, I would recommend that you stay away from the Yuu (ABS plastic shakuhachi). It is heavier than bamboo and after a while wears on the thumb.
I found bamboo to be the lightest, followed by PVC and maple. There are others, I'm sure, but that's what I've been using.

If you practice a light hold and purchase a shakuhachi sutable for your hand size you should be just fine. I have mild carpal tunnel and I only really feel it when I grip too hard.

If you discover that it's too painful to play the shakuhachi, you might consider the didgeridoo.

Best to you.
Phil

Hi Ginger and welcome!

You may have already have seen this, but just in case...

Monty Levenson's "Shakulute" at www.shakuhachi.com. It's a bamboo shakuhachi headjoint that attaches to a Boehms flute. Changing the flutes orientation from transverse to vertical would probably greatly reduce hand and wrist pain. On top of that, you'll be able to bend pitches like shakuhachi players do. Robbie Hanna Anderman, who apparently helped Monty design the Shakulute, addresses carpal tunnel in the "What people say about the Shakulute" section of Monty's site.

I'm very new too and don't know much, but I've had some rewarding experiences with shakuhachi, I'm sure you will too.


Best of luck on your new adventure!

Leland

Jeff,

Thanks for the information....I will get the book and see if it helps.

I know I have CTS, I have been rather non-traditional in my choice of profession, an HVAC technician/contractor, first woman HVAC Master in the State of Maryland, and, now, a Mechanical Engineer, newly minted. I have ruined my hands, and my knees.....So far, though, I am having no problem playing my new flute, (and I have been pushing it a little).

Thanks to all of you for your help!