Just a few quick observations, prompted by Bas's reply to Tots.
If studying with a teacher is expressed as merely "learning from someone
else", it is easy to think that doing so is a 'take it or leave it'
proposition, and as far as creative, self-fulfilling playing for yourself
is concerned, it might be better to leave it.
It is, however, easy to forget that by studying with a good teacher, one is
not just learning from one person. One is really studying with his/her
teacher, and his teacher's teacher, and that person's teacher, etc.,etc.,
for maybe 20? 50? generations of teachers.
Think of the 'tradition' in this case as being the collective experience
and wisdom of several hundred (thousand?) players, some of whom, in
previous centuries did virtually nothing but muck about on their flutes all
day long! (How many of us do that these days?) Imagine how many shakuhachi
playing/hours are represented in what is transmitted from one teacher to
another within the 'tradition'. Certainly more than is ever allotted to a
single lifetime.
In other words, studying with a teacher allows the player to reach the
creative, self-fulfilling bit faster, without having to reinvent the wheel
again. By studying with a good teacher, the player can reach the level of
ability to do his/her own music faster than otherwise.
Having said all of the above, Bas is right in stating that you don't really
need a teacher at all....
Best regards, Riley
Dr. Riley Lee
PO Box 446
Springwood NSW 2777
Australia
Tel: 61 (02) 4751 6524
Fax: 61 (02) 4751 6286
Mobile: 0414 626 453
>Hi Tots,
>
>About the self study - it is not your first instrument I understand ? Let me
>tell you my history, it may stimulate you to play just yourself.
>
>Cause, study means teaching = learning to do what an other already does -
>and is that usefull ? Better to play your own things, your own way to be an
>asset to the world.
>
>I learned to play the trombone at the age of eleven and played in brass
>bands. In that time I develloped an admiration for the people who can create
>something from nothing - composers and improvisational instrumentalists.
>
>When having an ear-problem I started to play the Double bass. With this
>instrument I went in to classical music and on trombone in to
>Jazz-improvisations. Especially in the latter, when the company was right
>something more than just playing happened. We were played by the music stead
>the way around.
>
>After the jazz-club closed I had to find an other way to play in the
>creative way. When trying to learn to meditate I heard the shakuhachi on a
>tape thinking "that's my sound". Been searching for 1,5 years couse I didn't
>know what it was called, what it looked like.
>
>And to japanese a Shakuhachi is what to Dutch people wooden shoes are (very
>old fashion). So in the Jap. shops they proclamed not to know of it.
>
>At a friends party a guy showed up playing it and selling one. By chance I
>produced sound right away and learned to play it by myself. On this
>instrument now I can right away invoce the happening of the music playing
>me.
>
>There is nothing wrong with learning to play from somebody else. You will
>learn to use it in special ways and to do things I will never know. On the
>other hand I use it in ways I guess a studdied player will never think of.
>
>What's more, it takes guts to let go of the security of having written music
>in front or the confirmation of a teacher.
>
>Anyway, good luck with your instrument and your playing.
>
>Bas Vogel
>
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