On behalf of the ASS committee, I hope everyone is healthy and feeling ok. These are rather difficult times we find ourselves in. With social isolation, our collective mental health will be tested to some degree over the next months, and beyond. People do speak, from time to time, of the social utility of art and music, and the benefit to humanity…. well, allow me to present one possible benefit. Escape the stress of being cooped up by joining us in the monthly ASS Melbourne workshop, and play some shakuhachi.

In addition to the face-to-face workshop, I also started streaming the workshop online at the end of last year. Got the ma right with that – streaming is now all we have. Despite a few technical issues, the stream has done the job, and is running well. Two cameras are used for a shot of my talking head, and a close-up on my instrument, so it’s easy to see and understand the fingerings.

For this workshop, we’ll be doing the Kinkoryū piece Hifumi hachigaeshi using the Kindo score. In recent months we’ve been looking at the KSK score, but to compare and contrast the scores, techniques, and aesthetics, we’ll be doing Hifumi in the Kinko style.

I’ve decided to make the participation fee for this weekend’s workshop donation-based, rather than setting the usual fee. ASS member or not, pay as much or as little as you like.

The next workshop is on this Sunday, April 5th. Absolute Beginners is at 13:00 – 14:30, and the main session at 15:00 – 17:30 (AEDT). Daylight savings ends on that day, so take care of the time.

I’ll still run our usual workshop format, looking at techniques and a honkyoku piece, but with a slightly longer break in the middle, and maybe some time at the end, for a bit of social connection.

We’ll be using Zoom, which is similar to Skype. Login and setup information for Zoom will be provided after registering. A link to the registration form is on the ASS front page; even if you don’t donate, you’ll still need to fill out the form to register.

Register at www.shakuhachi.org.au

Also, there could be something very special brewing in the next few weeks, so watch this space…………

Regards,
Lindsay Dugan

Date and time:
Sunday April 5th 2020
Beginners: 13:00 – 14:30
Int/adv class: 15:00 – 17:30

Cost:
Donation, for this workshop only. Participation fee is usually:

ASS Members: $40
Non-ASS members $50

Copies of notation used for the workshop will be available on the day, and also emailed out to registered participants before the event.

lindsay [at] lindsaydugan [dot] com or call 0415 305 777.

About Lindsay Dugan

Lindsay lived for ten years in Japan, studying classical honkyoku with Katsuya Yokoyama and Kaoru Kakizakai, and Kinkoryū honkyoku and gaikyoku with Jūmei Tokumaru.

He holds Masters degrees in shakuhachi performance from Tokyo Geidai (Tokyo University of the Arts) and Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and is a shihan of the Chikushinkai/KSK.

Lindsay currently teaches and performs in Melbourne. He can be heard performing on Kaoru Kakizakai’s most recent album, Honkyoku 3.

The Australian Shakuhachi Society invites you to monthly ASS workshops in Melbourne to experience the art and sound of the Shakuhachi – the Japanese bamboo flute.

Each month we will focus on one of several genres, including Yokoyama style honkyoku, and Kinkoryū honkyoku and gaikyoku, along with relevant technical aspects such as meri technique, ergonomics, breath, ornamentation, and tone.

Following on from recent workshops, we will firstly look at practice methods that focus on technical and musical points which are specific to the shakuhachi. If you want to locate and eliminate tension, improve positioning from fingertips to posture, maximise breathing and tone, fine-tune your intonation, or improve your finger speed, among other things, then you should most definitely join in! As Hisamatsu Fūyū wrote:

“Mastery does not lay in the mastery of technique, but in the mind of the music. Penetrating the mind of the music, however, is contained in technical mastery. Whoever has not mastered the technique will not penetrate the mind of the music.”

For the second half of the workshop, we’ll be doing the Kinkoryū piece Hifumi hachigaeshi (Yokoyama-kei), and a run through of Sanya Sugagaki (duet version).

Finally, we sometimes have a mini Hitoribuki no kai – solo performances by the participants.

The workshop is now live-streamed with multicam view. Not only can you see the group, but you can also get a close-up on the instructor’s instrument for a clear view of fingerings and embouchure. With professional audio mics, the sound quality will be as good as you can get over Skype. If you’re far from a teacher, want to participate in regular workshops, or simply want to connect with other shakuhachi players, sign up! Log on details for the live stream will be provided upon registration.

KSK materials will also be available for sale, including the honkyoku notation packs, and CDs by Katsuya Yokoyama, Watazumi, Teruo Furuya, and Kaoru Kakizakai. Email Lindsay in advance if you have any requests. Available items can be viewed at this link.

Date and time:
Sunday February 23rd 2020
Beginners: 11:00-12:30
Int/adv class: 15:00 – 17:30

Cost:
ASS Members: $40
Non-ASS members $50

What to bring:
The workshop will be taught on a standard 1.8 shakuhachi.

There will be a number of plastic Yuu shakuhachi available for use by absolute beginners on the day; please specify whether you need to borrow a flute when filling out your registration form. These flutes are also available for purchase.

Copies of notation used for the workshop will be available on the day, and also emailed out to registered participants before the event.

Music stands will be available.

Location:
210 Berkeley St, Parkville VIC 3010

Access:
Trams running along Royal Parade, Parkville, provide easiest access to the venue. For detailed route and timetable information, please visit Yarra Trams.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Contact:
lindsay [at] lindsaydugan [dot] com or call 0415 305 777.

About Lindsay Dugan

Lindsay lived for ten years in Japan, studying classical honkyoku with Katsuya Yokoyama and Kaoru Kakizakai, and Kinkoryū honkyoku and gaikyoku with Jūmei Tokumaru.

He holds Masters degrees in shakuhachi performance from Tokyo Geidai (Tokyo University of the Arts) and Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and is a shihan of the Chikushinkai/KSK.

The Australian Shakuhachi Society invites you to monthly ASS workshops in Melbourne to experience the art and sound of the Shakuhachi – the Japanese bamboo flute.

Each month we will focus on one of several genres, including Yokoyama style honkyoku, and Kinkoryū honkyoku and gaikyoku, along with relevant technical aspects such as meri technique, ergonomics, breath, ornamentation, and tone.

Following on from recent workshops, we will firstly look at practice methods that focus on technical and musical points which are specific to the shakuhachi. If you want to locate and eliminate tension, improve positioning from fingertips to posture, maximise breathing and tone, fine-tune your intonation, or improve your finger speed, among other things, then you should most definitely join in! As Hisamatsu Fūyū wrote:

“Mastery does not lay in the mastery of technique, but in the mind of the music. Penetrating the mind of the music, however, is contained in technical mastery. Whoever has not mastered the technique will not penetrate the mind of the music.”

For the second half of the workshop, we’ll be doing the Kinkoryū piece Hifumi hachigaeshi (Yokoyama-kei).

Finally, we sometimes have a mini Hitoribuki no kai – solo performances by the participants.

The workshop is now live-streamed with multicam view. Not only can you see the group, but you can also get a close-up on the instructor’s instrument for a clear view of fingerings and embouchure. With professional audio mics, the sound quality will be as good as you can get over Skype. If you’re far from a teacher, want to participate in regular workshops, or simply want to connect with other shakuhachi players, sign up! Log on details for the live stream will be provided upon registration.

KSK materials will also be available for sale, including the honkyoku notation packs, and CDs by Katsuya Yokoyama, Watazumi, Teruo Furuya, and Kaoru Kakizakai. Email Lindsay in advance if you have any requests. Available items can be viewed at this link.

Date and time:
Sunday December 1st 2019
Beginners: 11:00-12:30
Int/adv class: 15:00 – 17:30

Cost:
ASS Members: $40
Non-ASS members $50

What to bring:
The workshop will be taught on a standard 1.8 shakuhachi.

There will be a number of plastic Yuu shakuhachi available for use by absolute beginners on the day; please specify whether you need to borrow a flute when filling out your registration form. These flutes are also available for purchase.

Copies of notation used for the workshop will be available on the day, and also emailed out to registered participants before the event.

Music stands will be available.

Location:
210 Berkeley St, Parkville VIC 3010

Access:
Trams running along Royal Parade, Parkville, provide easiest access to the venue. For detailed route and timetable information, please visit Yarra Trams.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Contact:
lindsay [at] lindsaydugan [dot] com or call 0415 305 777.

About Lindsay Dugan
Lindsay lived for ten years in Japan, studying classical honkyoku with Katsuya Yokoyama and Kaoru Kakizakai, and Kinkoryū honkyoku and gaikyoku with Jūmei Tokumaru.

He holds Masters degrees in shakuhachi performance from Tokyo Geidai (Tokyo University of the Arts) and Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and is a shihan of the Chikushinkai/KSK.

The Australian Shakuhachi Society invites you to monthly ASS workshops in Melbourne to experience the art and sound of the Shakuhachi – the Japanese bamboo flute.

Each month we will focus on one of several genres, including Yokoyama style honkyoku, and Kinkoryū honkyoku and gaikyoku, along with relevant technical aspects such as meri technique, ergonomics, breath, ornamentation, and tone.

I was in Japan last month to perform and present at the 30th anniversary Bisei festival, and picked up some great hints from the workshops given by various KSK teachers, including Toshimitsu Ishikawa and Kuniyoshi Sugawara. Sugawara’s workshop on the use of the throat was especially useful, with near immediate results for me. I’ve created a few practice methods to put their ideas into use for myself and some students, and it’s been simple and effective for stability and centering. At last month’s workshop, we looked at the basics, and will expand on it in the coming months.

Also, we’ll be trying something new: live streaming with multicam view. This means you can see the group, but also get a close up on the instructor’s instrument to see more precisely what is happening. With professional quality audio mics, the quality will be as good as you can get over Skype. If you’re far from a teacher, want to participate in regular workshops, or simply want to connect with other shakuhachi players, sign up! Log on details will be provided upon registration.

Date and time:
Sunday October 27th 2019
Beginners: 11:00-12:30
Int/adv class: 15:00 – 17:30

Cost:
ASS Members: $40
Non-ASS members $50

What to bring:
The workshop will be taught on a standard 1.8 shakuhachi.

There will be a number of plastic Yuu shakuhachi available for use by absolute beginners on the day; please specify whether you need to borrow a flute when filling out your registration form. These flutes are also available for purchase.

Copies of notation used for the workshop will be available on the day, and also emailed out to registered participants before the event.

Music stands will be available.

Location:
Gate 12, Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3010

Access:
Trams running along Royal Parade, Parkville, provide easiest access to the venue. For detailed route and timetable information, please visit Yarra Trams.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Contact:
lindsay [at] lindsaydugan [dot] com or call 0415 305 777.

About Lindsay Dugan
Lindsay lived for ten years in Japan, studying classical honkyoku with Katsuya Yokoyama and Kaoru Kakizakai, and Kinkoryū honkyoku and gaikyoku with Jūmei Tokumaru.

He holds Masters degrees in shakuhachi performance from Tokyo Geidai (Tokyo University of the Arts) and Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and is a shihan of the Chikushinkai/KSK.

The Australian Shakuhachi Society invites you to monthly ASS workshops in Melbourne to experience the art and sound of the Shakuhachi – the Japanese bamboo flute.

The workshops will be led by Lindsay Dugan. Each month we will focus on one of several genres, including Yokoyama style honkyoku, and Kinkoryū honkyoku and gaikyoku, along with relevant technical aspects such as meri technique, ergonomics, breath, ornamentation, and tone.

For the February workshop, we will be looking at practice methods, some folk tunes, and a honkyoku piece (Hon Shirabe).

Date and time:
Sunday April 7th 2019
Absolute Beginners class: 10:00 – 11:00
Int/adv class: 15:00 – 17:30

Cost:
ASS Members: $40
Non-ASS members $50

What to bring:
The workshop will be taught on a standard 1.8 shakuhachi.

There will be a number of plastic Yuu shakuhachi available for use by absolute beginners on the day; please specify whether you need to borrow a flute when filling out your registration form. These flutes are also available for purchase.

Copies of notation used for the workshop will be available on the day, and also emailed out to registered participants before the event.

Music stands will be available.

Location:
Level 1, 210 Berkeley St, Parkville.

Access:
Trams running along Royal Parade, Parkville, provide easiest access to the venue. For detailed route and timetable information, please visit Yarra Trams.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Contact:
lindsay [at] lindsaydugan [dot] com or call 0415 305 777.

About Lindsay Dugan
Lindsay lived for ten years in Japan, studying classical honkyoku with Katsuya Yokoyama and Kaoru Kakizakai, and Kinkoryū honkyoku and gaikyoku with Jūmei Tokumaru.

He holds Masters degrees in shakuhachi performance from Tokyo Geidai (Tokyo University of the Arts) and Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and is a shihan of the Chikushinkai/KSK.

The Australian Shakuhachi Society invites you to monthly ASS workshops in Melbourne to experience the art and sound of the Shakuhachi – the Japanese bamboo flute.

The workshops will be led by Lindsay Dugan. Each month we will focus on one of several genres, including Yokoyama style honkyoku, and Kinkoryū honkyoku and gaikyoku, along with relevant technical aspects such as meri technique, ergonomics, breath, ornamentation, and tone.

For the February workshop, we will be looking at practice methods, some short folk tunes, and a honkyoku piece (Sanya Sugagaki).

Date and time:
Sunday February 24th 2019
15:00 – 17:30

Cost:
ASS Members: $40
Non-ASS members $50

What to bring:
The workshop will be taught on a standard 1.8 shakuhachi.

There will be a number of plastic Yuu shakuhachi available for use by absolute beginners on the day; please specify whether you need to borrow a flute when filling out your registration form. These flutes are also available for purchase.

Copies of notation used for the workshop will be available on the day, and also emailed out to registered participants before the event.

Music stands will be available.

Location:
Level 1, 210 Berkeley St, Parkville.

Access:
Trams running along Royal Parade, Parkville, provide easiest access to the venue. For detailed route and timetable information, please visit Yarra Trams.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Contact:
lindsay [at] lindsaydugan [dot] com or call 0415 305 777.

About Lindsay Dugan
Lindsay lived for ten years in Japan, studying classical honkyoku with Katsuya Yokoyama and Kaoru Kakizakai, and Kinkoryū honkyoku and gaikyoku with Jūmei Tokumaru.

He holds Masters degrees in shakuhachi performance from Tokyo Geidai (Tokyo University of the Arts) and Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and is a shihan of the Chikushinkai/KSK.