Stav,
Thanks for starting this thread on the shakuhachi list. Your question
and all of the responses have been interesting and relevant.
My thoughts on the issue are as follows.
Shakuhachi is an instrument which is an outgrowth of Buddhist practice.
As such the practice itself is rewarding. Unless one is interested in
becoming a professional shakuhachi performer questions of mastery and
virtuosity are largely irrelevant. Playing shakuhachi on any level has
many rewards, psychological, physical and sometimes spiritual. Studying
the breath is one of the fundamental ways of improving life. You should
not be inhibited by comparing your performance to that of other, more
experienced players. None of us will ever be the "best" shakuhachi
player in the history of the instrument. That player is either dead or
is not yet in existence.
The important thing is to study diligently and play with sincerity.
Shakuhachi is an introverted instrument. Flashy displays of virtuosity
may excite the player and dazzle an audience, but they are not the
essence of the instrument. Many of the most profound honkyoku are simple
and easy to play. Concentration is the main point.
On a practical level, you will be able to play music which will please
yourself and casual listeners within a few months or a year of playing.
Of course you can also study for decades and not achieve total mastery.
But the journey will be rewarding. Stick with it and you will not regret.
Regards,
Brian Ritchie
Stav Tapuch wrote:
>
>
> First of all I just wanted to express my appreciation for all of the
> encouraging comments I have received from so many people on the list.
> This is clearly the warmest virtual forum I have ever encountered.
>
> What has been most interesting to me is the extent that people enjoy
> playing this instrument without any regard for long-term potential to
> be "masters" or virtuoso performers. This is an incredibly beautiful
> idea - and not one frequently encountered nowadays.
>
> A long time ago I somehow bought into the notion that one should
> invest their time and energy in pursuing an art only if he or she had
> potential to be a truly great artist. I imagine this is sour
> by-product of our ultra-competitive society which places a greater
> premium on the cult of the artist than on any authentic piece of art.
> It is a very liberating notion to say that the end product is of
> little or no importance - and that one should pursue an art for the
> sheer joy of it alone. I guess it is a sad commentary on our tv, cd
> age that this should be a dramatic realization for someone of my age.
>
> But of course the Shakuhachi is not only a tool for meditation but it
> is also a musical instrument- so I more than understand the feelings
> behind Zachery's comment. I would love to be able to please a crowd by
> playing beautiful music. And though, yes, I love trying to play the
> shakuhachi on my own- (I mostly make a lot of screeching noises at
> this point, but for some unexplainable reason even this is incredibly
> enjoyable) - my hope is to be able to bring the beauty of this music
> to others. This music is ancient, and incredibly beautiful, but
> somehow brings with it the abstract individualism that many modern
> composers aspire towards, but fail to bring to their audiences. (Why I
> would need to perform this music for others as opposed to just playing
> a great cd of shakuhachi music for people to hear is another question.)
>
> Again - thanks for all the words of encouragement. I'll keep you
> posted on my progress.
>
> Stav
>
>
>
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