Scholarship Student's Testimony

From Himawari, 6 month scholarship student

I have been playing the western concert flute for over half of my life now. In college I fell in love with not just playing the concert flute, but other culture’s instruments like the irish flute, dizi, recorders and more. The shakuhachi is an instrument that I have always wanted to learn and when I searched for shakuhachi videos, one of the first channel’s that popped up for me was Sensei Shawn’s. Through youtube I was able to find the Alejandro Vázquez scholarship, and this scholarship has granted me the opportunity to begin my shakuhachi journey. I am forever grateful for the valuable teachings and history lessons I learned from Shawn. Not only did I learn the technical parts of playing the shakuhachi, but I was able to learn the culture and history as well. I was able to progress really quickly and thanks to his guidance I was able to impress not only myself but my shakuhachi peers as well. I have had the opportunities to learn with other shakuhachi instructors as well, but Shawn’s teachings really matched with my learning style. Other instructors would play a passage and you would just copy, and that was the expected way to learn. However, Shawn takes the time to explain to you in detail with helpful analogies. His teaching style also allows for you to think/ try things for yourself and give you freedom.
One of my favorite parts of this entire experience was the discord community. The discord chats are always active with others who are passionate about practicing the shakuhachi as well. It is such a welcoming community and it truly was one of the highlights for the whole scholarship experience. I was able to watch other student’s recitals or listen to practice sessions, and my only regret was not being able to attend more of them!
Looking back on the six months that flew by, not only did I learn how to play notes or pieces, but I was able to make valuable insights on the tradition and history of the shakuhachi. I have a newfound appreciation and love for the instrument. Of course, my shakuhachi journey does not end here and I plan on continuing on with all of the valuable lessons I have learned. The Alejandro Vazquez scholarship is so special and it honors someone who was an absolute legend.This scholarship is something that I will be forever grateful for, and I am humbled and honored to have been a recipient. Thank you so very much to Shawn for his time and support, and thank you to the donors and board who have made this truly and unforgettable experience for me.