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#1 2009-04-29 19:58:38

geni
Performer & Teacher
From: Boston MA
Registered: 2005-12-21
Posts: 830
Website

Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

I want to share my experience with Online Skype Lesson with Michael Chikuzen Gould.

Chikuzen is one of the most organized teachers I had!! He is very direct with his instructions.
All the questions are explained in Detail!!

He has put together professional Booklets for each level.
Each booklet comes with 1 or 2 cd performed by Chikuzen.

And, the lesson is $40 for 90 min!!!  i been taking lessons for 2 years now & I have grown a lot!
Worth Every penny!! We just need to practice!

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#2 2009-04-29 20:07:50

Musgo da Pedra
Member
From: South of Brazil
Registered: 2007-12-02
Posts: 332
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

I also made some skype lessons with him...

Will not say a thing, because it will not be better, not even closer with the good vibes of his lessons!


: {p

Last edited by Musgo da Pedra (2009-04-29 20:08:15)


Omnia mea mecum porto

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#3 2009-04-30 07:49:40

BrianP
Member
From: Ocala, FL
Registered: 2006-11-03
Posts: 289
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

Funny thing is that I just wrote about my lessons with Michael over at my blog ( http://gaijinkomuso.blogspot.com ) To save anyone the time of leaving here to go read it I will just post it here.

Begin blog post:
How was your lesson tonight?
How was your lesson tonight? A question my wife asked me the other night. I answered "Great!" What made my lesson great? I started the lesson as many of you may have started a lesson a million times. I started off slightly frustrated with difficulties some of the pieces I have been working on were giving me and not necessarily feeling up to a lesson. As I have talked about on here many times my teacher is Michael "Chikuzen" Gould.

When I started my lesson I think Chikuzen could tell where my head was and did a great job of helping me work out the issues and break down my current piece in a way that was extremely helpful. Before I knew it I was being drawn excitedly into the piece I was working on and the frustration disolved into motivation. I think this is why it is critical to have a great teacher. I have worked with teachers in the past who seemed to be unaware of these things and only cultivated more frustration to the point where I was so discouraged that I no longer would work on a piece. Having had those kind of experiences in the past makes me even more appreciative of a great teacher like Chikuzen. He has helped me over "bumps" in my playing many times and after almost a year of near weekly lessons with him I cannot express how happy I am with the progress I have acheived. I am making this post to not only express how important I feel a great teacher is but to help those lost in the shakuhachi darkness to find the light so to speak.

If you are looking for a way to learn and don't live near a teacher or you are feeling frustrated with your current teacher you may want to contact Chikuzen for a skype lesson or an in person lesson if you are lucky enough to live close to him. I have been taking skype lesson with him from where I live in Florida and I have taken lessons with him in person at Ro camps and I can honestly say that the skype lessons are as good as the live lessons and just as beneficial. If you don't believe me you should try it. You won't be disappointed.

Sorry if this seems like a blatant "plug" but when you appreciate someone as much as I appreciate Chikuzen you want to let others know so they can benefit also.

End Blog Post

As you can see I am very happy with the time Michael has spent with me and the great strides he has helped me with over nearly the last year.  If you have ever thought about a lesson on skype or just getting any lessons at all, I recommend Michael Chikuzen Gould.  If you haven't thought of getting lessons and you want to make more progress and faster you should really start considering it more.  You won't be sorry and in the end, neither will your playing smile

Thanks,
Brian

edited for spelling

Last edited by BrianP (2009-04-30 07:51:17)


The Florida Shakuhachi Camp
http://www.floridashakuhachi.com
Brian's Shakuhachi Blog
http://gaijinkomuso.blogspot.com

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#4 2009-04-30 14:36:06

James J.
Member
From: Upstate NY
Registered: 2007-09-11
Posts: 24

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

Another Chikuzen Sensei student here.

Brian, you said it alot better that I could.  My wife asks me that too, and I always say "It was great!"  No matter how unprepared I have come to lessons ( Domo sumimasen, Sensei!) he has made something constructive out of it. 

I have always gotten much more than I have put into it.  Great post, Brian.

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#5 2009-04-30 22:26:31

airin
Member
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Registered: 2008-10-17
Posts: 303
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

With such praise of Michael I'm tempted to sign up for lessons with him too...but, oh yeah, I do a have a local teacher already! 

Sometimes I think beginners are a real challenge for a teacher.  Given their high skill level, I wonder if its a bit of a drag for pro shakuhachi players to listen to the struggles of a newbie and to think of ways to help the beginner build skills and find appropriate materials for their level.

I wonder if some teachers are better with beginners than others, and, if so, how would we newcomers to the shakuhachi know who those particular teachers would be?  Just trial and error....or...?


Please understand that these are just my musings and are written with all due respect to shakuhachi teachers in general and my own teacher in particular.

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#6 2009-05-02 06:46:27

purehappiness
Member
From: Connecticut USA
Registered: 2009-01-13
Posts: 528

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

I just wanted to say that I take lessons with michael too and he is great. Skype works good for me except sometimes the microphone wants to go to a card on my computer instead of the webcam. Anyway, he is a great teacher. It is great to be able to get lessons even though the person is miles and miles away.


I was not conscious whether I was riding on the wind or the wind was riding on me.

Lieh-tzu

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#7 2009-05-07 15:58:40

airin
Member
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Registered: 2008-10-17
Posts: 303
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

I just had my first skype lesson with Michael this morning.  I was incredibly impressed with his teaching skills and his style of presentation.

What a great era we live in to be able to access so much more knowledge and instruction because of technology!

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#8 2009-12-02 12:44:16

BrianP
Member
From: Ocala, FL
Registered: 2006-11-03
Posts: 289
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

This thread has been dormant for a little bit. I just wanted to say I have spent quite a bit of time with Chikuzen in one on one lessons in person and one on one lessons on Skype since I last wrote here.  I can say that without a doubt I am able to get the same benefits from lessons on Skype as I do when I take in person lessons.  I am sharing this because from time to time I have people write me through the Florida Shakuhachi site and ask if Skype lessons are worth it.  Of course it is awesome witnessing the sounds and energy in person but if you can't make it to in person lessons you should not feel like you will be missing out from a learning perspective. 

Another thing I would also like to share about Chikuzen that I find different from others I have learned from is his ability to communicate the techniques in such a way that they become readily accessible.  Also his ability to describe how to get good tone and diagnose embouchure to make them more effective.  I have taken lessons with teachers who tell you it will come in time and not to worry about it.  That may be the case but if you can access someone who can knock years off that process I thoroughly suggest you do so.  It will only make the journey of learning the shakuhachi less frustrating and more enjoyable.  Every time I take a lesson I am gaining a better understanding of the flute and myself.  That is hard to find in all teachers but I have definitely found it with Chikuzen. 

One last thing, regardless of who you take lessons from, take some.  It will make this so much more enjoyable and like I said, don't let your location hold you back.  Try Skype, you won't be sorry!

Brian


The Florida Shakuhachi Camp
http://www.floridashakuhachi.com
Brian's Shakuhachi Blog
http://gaijinkomuso.blogspot.com

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#9 2009-12-02 13:21:06

edosan
Edomologist
From: Salt Lake City
Registered: 2005-10-09
Posts: 2185

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

This month, the Chikuzen Fan Club will be meeting (via Skype, of course) at my house here in SLC.

Everyone is asked to please bring Hot Dish.

Beverages will be supplied...

Last edited by edosan (2009-12-02 13:21:54)


Zen is not easy.
It takes effort to attain nothingness.
And then what do you have?
Bupkes.

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#10 2009-12-02 13:22:45

BrianP
Member
From: Ocala, FL
Registered: 2006-11-03
Posts: 289
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

I will be there!  Do you like veal?


The Florida Shakuhachi Camp
http://www.floridashakuhachi.com
Brian's Shakuhachi Blog
http://gaijinkomuso.blogspot.com

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#11 2009-12-02 14:02:14

madoherty
Moderator
Registered: 2008-03-15
Posts: 366

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

I'll be there.  I've got a line on a great pumpkin tamale recipe I would like to try.

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#12 2009-12-02 14:10:18

BrianP
Member
From: Ocala, FL
Registered: 2006-11-03
Posts: 289
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

Ohhhh that tastes awesome!  I had pumpkin tofu curd the other day!  mmmmm....


The Florida Shakuhachi Camp
http://www.floridashakuhachi.com
Brian's Shakuhachi Blog
http://gaijinkomuso.blogspot.com

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#13 2009-12-02 15:07:27

edosan
Edomologist
From: Salt Lake City
Registered: 2005-10-09
Posts: 2185

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

BrianP wrote:

I will be there!  Do you like veal?

Veal Saltimbocca alla Romana, please?


Zen is not easy.
It takes effort to attain nothingness.
And then what do you have?
Bupkes.

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#14 2009-12-02 15:20:01

BrianP
Member
From: Ocala, FL
Registered: 2006-11-03
Posts: 289
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

That is exactly what I was thinking! See you soon!


The Florida Shakuhachi Camp
http://www.floridashakuhachi.com
Brian's Shakuhachi Blog
http://gaijinkomuso.blogspot.com

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#15 2009-12-02 16:00:07

Tairaku 太楽
Administrator/Performer
From: Tasmania
Registered: 2005-10-07
Posts: 3226
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

edosan wrote:

BrianP wrote:

I will be there!  Do you like veal?

Veal Saltimbocca alla Romana, please?

One of my faves, fax me some!


'Progress means simplifying, not complicating' : Bruno Munari

http://www.myspace.com/tairakubrianritchie

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#16 2009-12-02 21:20:58

Moran from Planet X
Member
From: Here to There
Registered: 2005-10-11
Posts: 1524
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

Tairaku wrote:

edosan wrote:

BrianP wrote:

I will be there!  Do you like veal?

Veal Saltimbocca alla Romana, please?

One of my faves, fax me some!

(Picture of awful, abused veal calf redacted by member.)

Last edited by Chris Moran (2009-12-04 00:45:46)


"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass...and I am all out of bubblegum." —Rowdy Piper, They Live!

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#17 2009-12-02 22:07:22

BrianP
Member
From: Ocala, FL
Registered: 2006-11-03
Posts: 289
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

Your making me hungry Chris.  Look at how juicy that calf looks!  smile


The Florida Shakuhachi Camp
http://www.floridashakuhachi.com
Brian's Shakuhachi Blog
http://gaijinkomuso.blogspot.com

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#18 2009-12-02 22:08:52

BrianP
Member
From: Ocala, FL
Registered: 2006-11-03
Posts: 289
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

Note: I think it is horrible how they are treated and I am only joking.  I don't really eat veal.


The Florida Shakuhachi Camp
http://www.floridashakuhachi.com
Brian's Shakuhachi Blog
http://gaijinkomuso.blogspot.com

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#19 2009-12-02 23:05:16

mrwuwu
Member
From: Chicago, Illinois
Registered: 2007-11-23
Posts: 160

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

Please, beware.   I believe Brian P. does not eat veal yet he is a vampire and sucks young calf's blood thru a bamboo straw.  smile


" You know, it's been three years now, maybe a new teacher can help you? ...... " Sensei

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#20 2009-12-03 00:07:20

Jam
Member
From: Oxford, England
Registered: 2009-10-02
Posts: 257

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

Sucking blood through a shakuhachi would be very difficult! You'd have to close all the holes and suck hard.


That's usually how I play, but I don't get any blood that way.

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#21 2009-12-03 13:40:48

lowonthetotem
Member
From: Cape Coral, FL
Registered: 2008-04-05
Posts: 529
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

If we aren't supposed to eat animals (young or old), why are they made of meat?  A question to ponder through the ages.

Last edited by lowonthetotem (2009-12-03 13:41:02)


"Turn like a wheel inside a wheel."

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#22 2009-12-03 13:48:52

BrianP
Member
From: Ocala, FL
Registered: 2006-11-03
Posts: 289
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

Genius, pass the veal.  Parties back on!!  I heard that brocolli has a tremendous nervous system.  Why don't we care about brocolli?  And mushrooms, who has it worse then mushrooms?!


The Florida Shakuhachi Camp
http://www.floridashakuhachi.com
Brian's Shakuhachi Blog
http://gaijinkomuso.blogspot.com

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#23 2009-12-03 18:58:23

Moran from Planet X
Member
From: Here to There
Registered: 2005-10-11
Posts: 1524
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

BrianP wrote:

And mushrooms, who has it worse then mushrooms?!

Right. I can relate. Fed on shit and kept in the dark all the time.

I have also heard that potatoes scream when they're pulled out of the ground.


"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass...and I am all out of bubblegum." —Rowdy Piper, They Live!

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#24 2011-01-07 15:03:26

TCB
Member
Registered: 2006-09-25
Posts: 34

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

Just a quick question here. Can I assume that he takes very very beginner?

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#25 2011-01-07 15:46:31

LowBlow
Member
From: Germany
Registered: 2009-08-23
Posts: 15
Website

Re: Michael Chikuzen Gould Online Skype Lesons!!

TCB wrote:

Just a quick question here. Can I assume that he takes very very beginner?

YES

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