NEWS: Last Moment Participants Welcome!.
NEWS: Information for teachers and speakers.
NEWS: Scores for pieces being studied during the summer school are available for download.
NEWS: No places are left on the shakuhachi making course at the summer school.
NEWS: The venue of the ESS European Shakuhachi Summer School 2011 has been changed to the Vernon Square Campus of SOAS, University of London, as the old SOAS building will be closed down due to engineering work. Evening concerts will take place in the old SOAS building at Russell Square. Please review About SOAS and the directions.
About the ESS Summer School 2011
The Japanese, vertical end-blown bamboo flute, the Shakuhachi, has become an icon of traditional Japanese music. The beautiful, mystical sound of the bamboo attracts world-wide interest, from those cultivating Japanese aesthetics all the way to avant-garde composers.
The Shakuhachi came to Japan from China in the 8th century and during the Edo period (1603 - 1867) it became to be used as a tool for meditation by Zen Buddhist priests in order to reach enlightenment, but it is now used in a wide variety of musical forms and styles. Whatever approach to the instrument one chooses to take, the aim of the ESS Summer School at SOAS is to create an environment where many of the different schools and styles of Shakuhachi playing can be explored and their differences celebrated.
An Exciting Programme: Shakuhachi, Koto and Shamisen
We are hoping that by creating a space for all Shakuhachi players, as well as for Koto and Shamisen players, to get together, we can enhance an interest in these beautiful instruments, share experiences, widen an understanding of different styles of music and develop playing techniques.
The programme consists of four days of intensive study and playing, evening performances, including a students’ concert, and talks on different aspects of Shakuhachi. The programme will be broken down into two day blocks to enable participants to access a wide variety of offerings or to focus on the same specific genres for the whole four days, but with different pieces.
Shakuhachi students can choose from a number of courses including:
- min’yō (folk song),
- honkyoku (the traditional Zen Buddhist repertoire),
- traditional and modern sankyoku (ensemble music) accompanied by:
- Shakuhachi in enka (popular music genre).
There will also be sessions on effective practice and the spiritual approach to playing.
For the first time, the Summer School will feature two 2-day intensive workshops on making your own Shakuhachi. This is an exciting opportunity to try something new. Numbers are restricted and places will be allocated on the basis of the date of application.
It is important to view the full details of the costs and booking procedure for the Shakuhachi Making Workshop.
Opportunity To Learn The Koto and Shamisen
The Summer School will also provide classes on learning the Koto and the Shamisen.
The Koto (13 string zither) came to Japan as a part of the court music imported from China via Korea in the 8th century. The Koto later came to be a symbol of the new urban merchant class in 18th century chamber music and has developed a wide and exciting repertoire of new, contemporary music.
The Shamisen (3 stringed lute) arrived in Japan via the Ryûkyū Islands during the 16th century. During the Edo period (1603-1867), the Shamisen developed into perhaps Japan`s most versatile instrument, used in a range of different contexts from min’yō (folk song) to theatrical genres including bunraku and kabuki and as an accompaniment to songs in the traditional entertainment districts.
The Summer School offers daily group and individual lessons for Koto and Shamisen. These classes explore playing techniques and styles, and will focus on a range of different pieces, including sessions with Shakuhachi.
By inviting several Koto and Shamisen teachers and accompanists, we are providing a rare opportunity for many people in Europe to be able to play in a sankyoku ensemble.
Who is the Summer School For?
The Summer School is open to anyone who has an interest in Shakuhachi, including beginners for whom there will also be specialist classes.
Instruments
PVC Shakuhachi flutes will be available for purchase. Price will be published here soon.
There are often bamboo Shakuhachi for sale from various makers attending the summer school.
Koto and Shamisen instruments will be provided for use during the Summer School.
Language
The main language at the Summer School will be English.
Please contact the ESS if you will need any language assistance.
