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I have just aquired an Shakuhachi Yuu online...i am eager to learn this instrument. I already play a native american flute.I Sent for some instructionam material,But will appreciate any help or pointers.My e mail is available for that purpose or you can post. Thank You
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The best advice I can give is to enjoy every moment with the instrument. My worst times come when I approach playing with a preconceived idea of what I think I should sound like. My best times come when I just play, and forget about the future. It helps to have my eyes shut, but then of course you can't read any notation...
Enjoy it, and try playing in different places. Small rooms with lots of blank wall space are great to hear yourself play in.
Cheers
John
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congrats! i also have a yuu and it was recommended by my teacher as an affordable way to wade into the shakuhachi waters. good choice! i like john's comment. i also get caught up in why i don't sound like this or that and i think it does lessen the journey. my best times are when i just practice and don't worry about progress. that said, i think it important to find a teacher to give you some things to work on that match with your current level of progress.
i'm sure by using the forum you will find someone who can do that for you. good luck and welcome to the board - it's a great place!
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I too started playing flutes with the Native American flute. The shakuhachi is much harder, but at least the fingering is similar! With patience, you will get some sounds, and you will greatly improve your breath control.
May I recommend Andrew McGregor's Shakuhachi manual and CD? It is the only book I have seen that is reasonably easy to understand. For the record, he is my teacher, but I got the book before I met him.
Also, if you can get at least one or two lessons, it will help greatly, even if you have to travel to attend them.
Good luck!
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Hello,
I already posted these two reccomendations on another introduction but I thoght it is worth to post them twice. As a begginer they have really helped me as a source of knowledge and inspiration:
Riley Lee's web page an his "Thoughts on Learning": http://www.rileylee.net/shaku_thoughts.html
Playing tips: http://www.kotodama.net/shakuhachi/tips.html
Salud!
Alex
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