Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

I have been lurking on the forum since I got my Yuu a few weeks ago, but decided to post an introduction after a couple of members I have been corresponding with privately encouraged me to.

There's not really much to say. I have played other instruments before, mostly string instruments, but never gotten very good--I think mainly because I spent too much time learning music theory and not enough practicing/listening mindfully. I decided to try shakuhachi to sort of reset the learning clock (whole new mechanism of producing sound, whole new repertoire) and also to improve my breathing. I'm really enjoying the process so far and feel like it's improving my ability to listen attentively to music in general.

My current teacher is a Japanese min'yō specialist, a very friendly guy and happy to explain technique as well as demonstrating it. I eventually hope to be able to play something like the Myōan-ryū records at komusou.jp, as well.

I live in a quiet part of Shōnan, which means that in the mornings I can choose whether to practice on the beach with the surfers or in the park with the dog-walkers. My day job involves translating, writing, and coordinating other translators and writers. I also write a blog, mostly about Japanese language and literature, at no-sword.jp/blog.

I've already learnt a lot from the folks here and look forward to learning more. Hopefully I'll be able to give something back someday too.