Greetings,
I just acquired a bamboo shakuhachi in Japan, of the "root" variety, and
was very happy to find this list.
Naturally, I have a couple of questions for all of you experts.
The Japanese man from whom I acquired the shakuhachi told me that if the
weather is dry in my area (and in my city of Edmonton, Alberta, it
certainly is, at least in the wintertime) I should put the shakuhachi in a
sealed bag with a moist cloth and leave it there whenever I'm not playing
it. In perusing your archives I've seen a variety of advice, including
using a cello "dampit" inside the shakuhachi itself, and doing nothing at
all. Is there any consensus on the virtues or drawbacks of
humidification? If it is a virtue to humidify, is there an ideal humidity
level?
My other question concerns learning to play. What book(s) are recommended
for the beginner? I'd like to learn traditional notation if possible. On
the other hand I am unlikely to find a teacher here. Any good
self-instruction manuals available which you can recommend?
Thanks very much.
best regards,
Michael
* * *
Michael Frishkopf
Assistant Professor
Department of Music
Faculty of Arts
University of Alberta
3-82 Fine Arts Building
Edmonton, AB T6G 2C9
CANADA
Office: 3-67 FAB
Office tel and fax: (780) 492-0670
Email: michaelf@ualberta.ca
Music Department:
Tel: (780) 492-3263
Fax: (780) 492-9246
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