“The shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute that has a history dating back more than 1000 years. It is characterized by its unique design and sound, and it holds cultural and spiritual significance in Japan. ”
Why Should You Learn Shakuhachi on Youtube
Yozan Mei Shakuhachi
Pick up a shakuhachi today at YozanMei Shakuhachi. Fully sponsored and backed by Shawn.
Traditionally, the shakuhachi has been transmitted from teacher to student in face-to-face lessons. The student can closely observe the minute details of the teacher’s playing to pick up all the subtleties of angle, hand position, and breath control that make the shakuhachi such an expressive instrument. Today it can be difficult and costly to arrange such in-person lessons—even if you live in Japan—but with our YouTube programs, you’ll have a front-row seat to instruction by a master.
With our tutorial videos, you’ll get precise demonstrations of playing technique, as well as line-by-line explanations of the classic pieces that make up the shakuhachi repertoire. You can rewatch passages as many times as you wish, whenever you wish. You can even slow down or loop the playback to catch every little nuance. This combination of technological and traditional teaching methods brings the shakuhachi to you, no matter where you live, or how hectic your schedule is.
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FOur Levels
There are four levels for the Online Youtube Program. Here is what each one offers.
LEVEL 1 : Shoden Trial Series: $2.99
For a small taste of the material, begin with the Trial Series, a 20-video introduction to the foundations of shakuhachi.
LEVEL 2: Shoden Lesson Series: $4.99
The 70-video Shoden Lesson Series covers the first level of the shakuhachi repertoire.
· 52 instructional videos totaling over 10 hours of content
· 3 Guest Lectures on Rhythm
Bonus CD content
LEVEL 3: Chuden Lesson Series: $14.99
The Chuden Lesson Series contains over 100 videos, and grants full access to the first and second level of the repertoire.
· 25 Chuden Lesson Videos
· Western Music Reading Course
· Bonus Lesson Tracks on Zan Yuyake, Yamato Choshi, Banshiki Cho, Sashi, Etenraku, Sogei no Kyoku, and Hitomi
· 20-video Bonus Technique Series
LEVEL 4: Bamboo Champion: $24.99
Full access to all videos and hidden content, as well as an exclusive concert access pass. Enjoy live recordings of Tairyu’s performances with on-demand viewing of his live and virtual concert series.
All New Honkyoku Series Coming Soon!
One on One Lessons With Shawn
Tairyu Studios offers individual shakuhachi lessons, masterclasses and more..
Lesson REquest Form
PRICING AND INFORMATION
30 min lessons: $37.50
60 min lessons: $65
Beginners as well as players of all experience levels are welcome.
Licenses
Tairyu studios offers shakuhachi students the opportunity to work toward the rank of Dai Shihan (Associate Teacher's Certificate)
Awarding rank based on the student’s level of playing is as common in shakuhachi as it is in Aikido, Judo, Kendo, Go, and many other Japanese arts. The criteria for earning each level varies from teacher to teacher, but in general the student must demonstrate the ability to play a predetermined selection of pieces, as well as answer questions about the history of the works.
Of course, it is not everyone’s destiny to become a shakuhachi teacher, and that is usually not the reason one starts shakuhachi study. Even so, it is useful for all students to know the level at which they are training, regardless of whether or not they are goal-oriented. Tairyu provides a list of pieces to his students so that they can get a relative view of where they came from and what they will be doing soon. Holding the rank of Meiyo Dai Shihan gives Tairyu the authority to bestow licenses up to the rank of Dai Shihan.
The levels and associated fees are as follows:
Shoden (Beginning level) $175:
Chuden (Intermediate Level) $350
Okuden (Advanced Level) $500
Jun Shihan (Associate Teacher's License ) $1000
Shihan (Master’s License) $2000
Dai Shihan (Grand Master’s License)
The list of songs and testing materials used by Shawn Tairyu Head are available to his students upon request. If you have any questions concerning the ranking aspects of shakuhachi, feel free to contact Shawn directly.
Want more information on Menkyo and leveling? Read more here…
https://www.shawnheadmusic.com/blog/what-are-shakuhachi-menkyo-licenses-and-levels
Student Testimonials
“I have been studying Shakuhachi with Shawn via Skype for about eight months now, and I’m enjoying both his teaching style and the repertoire. I came to the Shakuhachi with experience in Western music, so Shawn’s orchestral background has been very helpful in explaining Japanese music to me in terms I could easily grasp. His mastery of the instrument allows him to break down the techniques required for proper playing, and present them in accessible steps—no small feat with an instrument as subtle and organic as this one. His command of the Japanese language is also very useful in clarifying the more obscure notations found in the scores, and his continued study of the Shakuhachi’s place in Japanese music and culture gives his students a much deeper understanding of the pieces studied. I’m certain that he can enhance the Shakuhachi experience of any player.”
Linus Callahan, USA
“Shawn is an outstanding instructor. He gets right into the nitty gritty of advancing in technique and repertoire from day one - demystifying with ease what others might struggle to convey. His uncanny knack for detailed assessment, moment by moment, has been a wonderful asset. Lessons with him feel perfectly tailored to what I need in order to properly continue my shakuhachi journey.”
Drew R., USA