An introduction

Hello all,

I'm very glad to be a member of this forum. I learn something valuable here nearly every day.

I'm just starting to learn how to play the shakuhachi -- I've been "playing" since December 3rd. I arrived here via Native American-style flutes followed by transverse bamboo flutes. I began playing these flutes late this past spring. Some weeks ago I realized the sound of the shakuhachi is one I've heard off and on for ages, and I began to consider learning how to play. It's taken me decades to arrive at a point where I'm attempting to breathe through these flutes myself. In my teens and early twenties I played electric and upright bass as well as guitar but until earlier this year I hadn't played any musical instrument for a LONG long time.

Many thanks to Erin, whose wonderful blog A Shakuhachi Journey drew me in and gave me a real sense of the depth of this journey and of this practice. Through her I became aware of Perry Yung, Michael Chikuzen Gould and many other members of the world shakuhachi community. She also gave me some excellent advice and encouragement as I decided to begin my own practice.

Thanks also to Jeff Cairns for his guidance, and to Perry Yung for the same and most of all for guiding me to one of his excellent TENSEI shakuhachis.

Most of all, thanks to Erin for referring me to her teacher Michael Chikuzen Gould, who is now also teaching me via Skype. I'm honored and privileged to learn from such a generous and skillful teacher.

Fredric
Virginia, USA