The Japanese, vertical end-blown bamboo flute, the shakuhachi, has become an icon of traditional Japanese music. The beautiful, mystic sound of the bamboo attracts world wide interest from those cultivating Japanese aesthetics to avant-garde composers. During the Edo period (1603 - 1867), the shakuhachi was 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 SOAS Summer School is to create an environment where many of the different schools and styles of shakuhachi playing can be explored and their differences celebrated.

Shakuhachi students can choose among a number of styles to study including honkyoku (the traditional Zen Buddhist repertoire), traditional and modern sankyoku (ensemble music) accompanied by shamisen (3-string long-necked lute) and koto (zither), min’yô (folk songs ), and the shakuhachi in jazz and improvisation. This is an exciting opportunity to try something new.

The Summer School is open to anyone who has an interest in shakuhachi including beginners. 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 shamisen (3 stringed lute) arrived in Japan via the Ryûkyû Islands during the 16th century. During the Edo period (1603-1867), the shamisen developed into an versatile instrument used in a range of different contexts from min'yô (folk song) to theatrical genres and as an accompaniment to songs in the traditional entertainment districts.
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 became a symbol of the new urban merchant class and used in Japanese chamber music.

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.

For four weeks prior to the Summer School at SOAS, a Beginners Course in shakuhachi will be provided to learn initial blowing and fingering techniques, the notation system and a few pieces. PVC flutes will be available for borrowing and possible purchase.

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 main language at the Summer School will be English. Please let us know if you need any language assistance.

We would like to thank:

The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation for kindly supporting this effort to share the beautiful music of the shakuhachi, koto and shamisen. We hope this will help connecting all enthusiasts of Japanese music in Europe.
www.gbsf.org.uk

Ken LaCosse for kindly providing shakuhachi for people to borrow at the Summer School with the possibility of purchase.
www.mujitsu.com

Delmar Mavignier for all the help with the website and posters.
www.passionpixels.com

The Music Department at SOAS, University of London for supporting, advertising, helping with the administrative work and for providing the space for the classes and concerts at the Shakuhachi, Koto and Shamisen Summer School.
soas.ac.uk/music_department

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