Traditional Shakuhachi Lesson 1

The time honored Japanese method of teaching and learning to play the Shakuhachi is demonstrated in a way that the viewer can play along. Teacher and student sit across from a small table for an intimate master class for a first lesson.
Beginning with Kurosawa Kinko I (1710-1770) students have studied with personalized lessons that hand down both the knowledge and spirit of meditative bamboo flute playing. This style is called Kinko-Ryu, and is the largest style of Shakuhachi school as well as the most traditional.
The style and approach demonstrated here is largely based on the notation and playing of Jin Nyodo (1891-1966). Kimigayo is the piece used to introduce the standard notation used by Kinko players.
Daniel Nyohaku Soergel studied under Ronnie Nyogetsu Reishin Seldin for 35 years and performs the Kinko repertoire which includes works from the monastic tradition as well as chamber music from the “floating world” of refined 17-19 century Japan.
There are six free “Traditional Shakuhachi Lessons”, viewers will need a standard 1.8 flute to play along. Lesson 2 is at • Traditional Shakuhachi... Inexpensive and playable options are recommended at • Shakuhachi -Inexpensiv... Professional quality and collectible antiques for sale are at • Shakuhachi Connoisseur...
A full length (1 hour) introductory lesson in the meditative “Honkyoku” repertoire “Daiwagaku” begins at • Daiwagaku 1: How to Br... (Students should finish the first six introductory “Traditional Lessons” first.)
Please support the channel if you would like to show your appreciation and keep these videos flowing. My Cashapp is $Nyohaku
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All videos and free lessons are posted without commercial interruption so students can play along, and listeners can enjoy calm moments in a supportive and creative environment.

[@fgg4136]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I bought a Native flute 4 months ago and it's great for improvising but it's range is limited so I bought a Yuu. The shakuhachi is leagues harder to play but seeing my progess from barely being able to make a sound to somewhat playing the scale is almost as fun as actually playing. I've never had an interest playing music 4 months ago but there's something about flutes that resonates with me. It's one of the oldest instruments so maybe It's something thats instinctually engraved. Anyways I'd like to thank you again. Learning the shakuhachi looks like a long road and I appreciate you for teaching us.

[@nyohaku]

It seems ironic that this highly refined flute inspires virtuosity and lifelong study, but at the beginning the act of playing a few simple beautiful tones is deeply inspiring. And you don’t need an expensive instrument to train your breath to be steady and mind to relax. I am excited for you and wonder where this journey will take you.

[@MrNiceIsaiah]

Thank you so much, im new to playing. I have a 1.8 Shakuhachi Yuu, this video has taught me a lot. Its a stunning instrument. Still trying to get the hang of half notes lol. Thank u for your time.

[@nyohaku]

Without a student, there’s no teacher. Thanks for making my day. There seemed to be a need for methodical instruction free online. Keep it up, and don’t get discouraged. ⛩

[@zenmoments4841]

Loving your content plus the subtle comedy in your videos

[@kathykonkle1097]

I totally agree. The subtle humor is charming and the content is very interesting.

[@nyohaku]

Keeping it light & breezy...

[@JeffStarr]

This was great. I can’t believe how much I’ve forgotten! Watching your videos has really made me want to revisit learning the shakuhachi. Ronnie was such a great teacher and it’s great to see you keeping the tradition alive. When you were talking about the partially covered holes you actually sounded like him and his vocal inflections. Thanks for sharing these videos.

[@nyohaku]

Hopefully, I am keeping his passion and Shakuhachi spirit alive. But maybe I sound like him because we were both born in Flushing, Queens. New Yawkers.

[@NorthForkFisherman]

There are days that YT provides nothing but junk. And then there are days that true gems are found. Sensi Soergel, I learned more about this art in these fifteen minutes and eight seconds than I have in the years of studying from a book and CD. Bravo sir.

[@nyohaku]

Sometimes I wonder why I spend two weeks on a 15 minute video. Thanks for the answer.

[@francyduska556]

This is such a lovely and accurate description of a lesson and the Teacher and Student relationship. It reminds me of lessons with my Sensei. Thank you.

[@nyohaku]

🎶🙏⛩

[@ronaelf]

I have been learning shakuhachi on my own for the past year and this video is very helpful and encouraging for I too feel that despite any frustration and difficulty of the process, the shakuhachi is an instrument that has it's own "spirit" and will not allow itself to just be a "tool" for expression. It demands that the musician listen to what the shakuhachi wants to teach us.And to me that is magical and charming and why I enjoy the practice. I play guitar, fiddle, and Irish tin whistle and the shakuhachi is so much more responsive and alive compared to other instruments. It was nice to hear your description of the learning process for it encourages me that I am on the correct path. Thank you! At some point soon I will seek a teacher.

[@nyohaku]

Magical and charming. But also alluring and teasing. In the last few days I feel like I have been coaxing out some beautiful tones that have always been just out of reach. Welcome to this wonderful quest. I have 7 beginner level lessons posted and a few more advanced pieces as well. It sounds like you are about ready to receive the “transmission” of a teachers spirit and tradition; a gradual yet subtle life experience.

[@beingfrank40]

That was nice of you to give free lessons to beginners!

[@nyohaku]

I hope some students will seek lessons with a personal teacher at some point. That makes this worthwhile.

[@beingfrank40]

@@nyohaku do you give on-line lessons? Don't know if" on- line" is the accurate term, but you know what I mean: not in person, in" cyberspace", lol!

[@nyohaku]

Yes, skpe or FaceTime

[@deanraf]

I had only a few lessons with Ronnie and it was exactly as you describe it. I was so lost, but I am better now after everyday for years. Thanks!

[@nyohaku]

Many traditional teachers still use this method. It’s great how we can in inspire each other. Lesson number two was posted today.

[@fernandorojasvargas97]

Gracias

[@nyohaku]

I am happy you enjoyed it.

[@hervedesormeaux1478]

Thank you so much. This is, for me, a great discovery. Far from the Western learning of music that I have known for 60 years.

[@nyohaku]

I still find it fascinating after many years of study. ironically, I still know little about western pedagogy. It is good to live in the Information Age.

[@CHIMENADIR]

Thanks for your precious help

[@nyohaku]

Beginnings are important. I am glad the video is useful.

[@vasilypanteleev]

What a great lesson. This channel is just perfect for beginners. Thank you so much.

[@nyohaku]

Glad to help out. 🙏

[@shamshermann]

This is such a lovely video. It’s very informational and for beginners like me, it provides a great sense of direction especially in a country like India where there aren’t options to access this information. And the quality of the overall video is Grade A+++. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@nyohaku]

I’m happy to be of service. There are several more lessons posted.

[@donnaisa6100]

Great Lesson. Thank you

[@nyohaku]

My pleasure. 🙏🙏🙏

[@beingfrank40]

That was good advice ,thanks.

[@nyohaku]

Your welcome. It is good to share knowledge and experience. 🎵

[@floringrad373]

Beautiful video, thanks for sharing!

[@nyohaku]

Very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@VitalijKaramakov]

That was a great video really! Good teaching skills, mate... Very clear and fluid... Easy to follow))) I think the most difficult part of playing the shakuhachi is finding the embouchure.... Cause i didnt see a big challenge to read the notes etc (just sharing my experience) Plus u only have 5 notes to memorize if you just want to use the pentatonic scale to play xD Just please start using the correct pronounciation when u say the names of the kanas.... so people will learn the right way from the start.....

[@nyohaku]

Thanks for your support. It always seems that when you master one aspect of the Shakuhachi there’s something else on the horizon just out of reach. Maybe I will achieve a basic functioning level of Japanese someday. It can’t be harder than the Shakuhachi!

[@obiestill5785]

I only get a sound when I don’t try, and just breath out. It is nice to watch my frustration really make it easier to make a sound.🤣🤣Not. Must release everything and become still in my mind for success, I can tell.

[@nyohaku]

If you try too hard, and grasp for the sound it might stay away. It will come if you stay calm and persistent. Traditional Shakuhachi Lesson 4 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHKlZ4mYhdKNfKs in this video I put a candle out to help judge the direction and steadiness of your breath.

[@Enolu]

That's lovely! Thank you!

[@PharaohciousX]

Really appreciate your instruction Sensei 😇 this was my first lesson and I learned a lot. Still need to understand how to read the fingering chart

[@nyohaku]

Maybe a musical friend near you can help. I remember struggling at the beginning, and trying things like writing Shakuhachi notes on actual piano keys. Good luck.

[@bdataiji]

Thank you much appreciated

[@nyohaku]

My pleasure to serve. 🎶

[@dreihochdrei]

Great! ❤❤❤🙏

[@nyohaku]

Thank you

[@zeusdarkgod7727]

Thank you for this, i just picked my first 1 up today in Kyoto. I couldn't make a sound at first and then i closed my eyes and stopped trying and before long i was able to make atleast a bit of sound with almost every breath, sometimes a complet breath filled with sound. Opened my eyes and 2 hours had gone by. Still not able to do anything with eyes open or focusing yet, maybe in a few months. Is it a zen like state when you play or are you thoughtful about each and every action?

[@nyohaku]

Your description “ A complete breath filled with sound” is very beautiful and is quite true. In playing the meditative repertoire I do find myself in a heightened state of calm and awareness. I try to approach each zen piece as if it were the very first time I am playing it. On the other hand there is also fast and complicated music that requires repetition and hard work. After years of study even the complicated pieces tend to put me in that special frame of mind.

[@martinschuetter2084]

hi Daniel, first of all I would like to thank you for your great videos, they are educational, entertaining and it is a pleasure for me to watch and listen to you. you have a very great charisma and that is a bit of ZEN in itself. Enough compliments for now, my question is how can I get a little more professional from my rank amateur playing? My Shakuhachi Bell is on the way and I want to play with it a bit more "Japanese" than my sounds so far. What if I don't understand a lick of Japanese? I can't do much with all your notations. I'm especially interested in the half notes, because I can't get them right. I play shakuhachi every day because I love the sound so much. Greetings from Germany - you are wonderful - thank you.

[@nyohaku]

Thank you Martin for the glowing review and support. In a sense the channel is “volunteer work”, but since I enjoy sharing and creating the content it simply feels like “going with the flow” (as in the “Tao te Ching”). A Japanese teacher I once had felt it was ludicrous that a downed pilot could learn how to play the Shakuhachi behind enemy lines with merely a flute, notation chart, and the Daiwagaku score. (Daiwagaku part 1 lesson). Play softly! Seriously, you will need a real sit down lesson with a teacher at some point, earlier the better. But it sounds like you are off to a good start and progressing steadily. You will sound more “Japanese” by listening to old recordings of famous players. That way you will have a tone quality in your mind to reach for. When I finally got around to finding a teacher I could play two octaves, but really struggled with the half notes like everybody does. No need to learn to speak or write Japanese, you only need to know the characters for each note. For now, I would recommend playing long tones loudly; it helps develop the lungs and lips to make everything else possible. Best wishes.

[@martinschuetter2084]

@@nyohaku Thank you Daniel for your long feedback and good honest tips. I will take it to heart and hope to take lessons in the future. Is it a good method online then? Can it be done via skype or how do I imagine it? Very best regards and thank you for your valuable work and special knowledge. first, however, I will hang on your lips at your videos :)

[@David-jx5jk]

Sounds like the ones who love Japanese culture very much

[@nyohaku]

Yes, Japanese culture has enriched my world in many ways.

[@obiestill5785]

Thank you very much Sir. So we begin by only learning notes, but not how to blow the flute to make tones? Am I being over ambitious by blowing into it in every possible mouth configuration I can imagine, longing to hear the Shakuhachi sing?

[@nyohaku]

The Shakuhachi makes us humble. It does take great ambition to not give up. Some people have great power and talent, but their sound is not warm and full. Players should always remember what it was like to be a beginner. You can always hear the beginnings of beautiful tone in playing. Please don’t give up.

[@obiestill5785]

@@nyohaku Thank you for your encouragement. Every day I pick up my Shakuhachi and practice humility. It is all I can play so far.

[@dominicchan4315]

Nice video on how Sensei used to teach. Excellent advice for beginner students on how to follow the path of the bamboo. However I am afraid the kanji character you used for ‘kan’ at 6:08 is not quite correct, it should be 甲.

[@nyohaku]

Yes, I can see that the middle horizontal stoke is too thin and short. Thanks.

[@dominicchan4315]

Actually the problem is the central vertical line goes over the top of the square, so it becomes the character 申, which is an entirely different character. By the way, I was one of Ronnie’s last students in Philadelphia before he passed away.

[@nyohaku]

Teachers have so much to learn from students. Thank you.

[@maxaudibert5793]

Very interesting. Thank you! Do you know why this instrument is sometimes cut in two pieces and then fixed together, while others are made in just one piece?

[@nyohaku]

Cutting it in half and adding a joint makes it easier to reach inside with files to carefully shape and paint the inner surfaces. Craftsman can also lavish great attention to the joint as a signature feature of refined beauty. One piece flutes can sound just as good and be sturdier. I rarely open my flutes so the joint does not have to be serviced as frequently.

[@maxaudibert5793]

@@nyohaku thank you so much for your answer.

[@dogotof]

bonjour j'ai un shakuhachi et j'aimerais beaucoup suivre des cours faites vous par zoom ? et en francais ? je suis en Suisse

[@cleric670]

Any link preference for a fingering/key chart?

[@nyohaku]

Screen shot at 0:39 for the low octave used for this piece.

[@SilverC3ll]

Thank you, Sensei. Please tell me, if a lot of saliva gathers in the flute, am I blowing wrong?

[@nyohaku]

The dampness inside is probably just condensation and is quite normal. I often play outside for a few hours and have to use my cleaning rag often. Please refer to my video “ shakuhachi care”.

[@SilverC3ll]

@@nyohaku Thank you, Sensei.

[@JohannesPardes]

10:49 What is the significance or significance to you of those rocks in the background? They look awesome I'm interested in knowing the story behind them.

[@nyohaku]

The round stone on the left feels good in the hand and is very beautiful in form. Next to it on a base are two stones that I found nestled together but are colored so differently I imagine they were together for a very long time. They remind me of yin yang concept of inseparable opposites that define each other. These are all granite from Central Ontario. The flat stone I picked up in a forest in Australia during the shakuhachi festival there. On the far right is a volcanic rock from Long Island. I once composed a piece using smooth quartz from the Long Island sound; notes are written on their soft surfaces. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoKboZd7rtKreas

[@JohannesPardes]

@@nyohaku Thank you for your quick and full reply! I also love collecting rocks from various places, ones that call out to me or catch my eye. I'm not the only one it seems! haha Well it's a very nice aesthetic with them in the background. :)

[@Ryak1234]

Hi Sensei. Is there any way to find pdf versions of the sheet music you present here and in other videos? Both for beginners and more advance players.

[@nyohaku]

For PDFs, I don’t know. My original scores were copies from my teacher, but over the years I have purchased the real printed notation from Meijiro in Tokyo. They have an excellent website in English and you can buy Kimigayo and all levels of shakuhachi scores. Needless to say, these publishing houses are closing down after many generations of service to the community. We all strive to keep this special tradition alive in the 21st century.

[@Ryak1234]

@@nyohaku Thank you for the response. I did not know about Mejiro store. I found them online :)

[@mokuho]

The beat could be 4/4?😔

[@nyohaku]

Since there are no measures in old Kinko notation, it is tricky to compare. The RIGHT/left (strong/soft) beats are marked with an alternating dot/dash. The following beat “pair” is dash/dot, but written a little lighter. New players should not be too concerned; it is easiest to think of it as 2/2. The four beats are related, but it is very subtle.

[@mokuho]

@@nyohaku thank you so much! 🙏

[@Jak2100]

Gracias

[@nyohaku]

🙏🙏🙏