My name is Ross Allen and I have been playing now for about 5 years. I first
heard the shakuhachi played at Monash University, In Melbourne, Australia,
played by Riley Lee. I was facinated by the natural and range of sounds that he
achieved. It was not until a long time afterwards that I found a teacher here
in Melbourne. I am now a student of Andrew MacGregor and playing mainly
honkyoku. I have studied some sankyoku, such as Kurokami, Rokudan and Sandan,
with Koto. I find these hard as not only do you have to play in tune but also
in time with the koto. I am now starting Shika no Tone, which I like very much,
but requires great strength. I have a 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.1 shakuhachi, all are
bamboo except the 1.8 which I hope to change soon to a good quality bamboo one.
I am finding now that a players mental approach is more important than other
physical skills, which I guess confirms the flute was used as a meditative tool
by the Fuke sect. I lookforward to sharing ideas with others about this
beautiful, but at times frustrating, Shakuhachi. Ross Allen
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