This instructional guide provides clear and concise information covering all aspects of learning the shakuhachi and reading honkyoku musical notation. It is highly recommended for beginning students of the instrument. Some of the chapters include notes on care of the flute, proper ways to hold the shakuhachi, and initial steps in making a sound. Detailed instruction is provided on learning how to read traditional Kinko-ryu notation. A fingering chart is accompanied by extensive notes as well as a complete analysis of meter, duration and modes of performance as they relate to shakuhachi music. This edition is highlighted by its many excellent hand drawings and calligraphy by the author which complement the text.

Taniguchi provides sheet music for several practice pieces of Japanese and American folk songs and Koten honkyoku which are included on an accompanying compact disk. The CD was recorded by Roderic Knight, chairman of the Ethnomusicology Dept., Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio in 1984 and remastered in 2000.

Tracks include:

1. Sakura (2:13)
2. Kuroda Bushi (1:51)
3. Tanko Bushi (1:21)
4. Shimabara no Komori-Uta (3:01)
5. Takeda no Komori-Uta (1:09)
6. Hanagasa Ondo (1:25)
7. Itsuki no Komori-Uta (2:52)
8. Edo no Komori-Uta (3:03)
9. Chugoku Chiho no Komori-Uta (3:22)
10. Ouma (1:05)
11. Goeika [Version 1] (2:03)
12. Jyunrei-Ka (1:45)
13. Goeika [Version 2] (2:44)
14. Komori-Uta (1:35)
15. Ta Muke (5:31)
16. Hon Shirabe (4:48)
17. Lesson 1 (2:18)
18. Lesson 2 (0:20)
19. Lesson 3 (0:23)
20. Lesson 4 (0:25)
21. Lesson 5 (0:18)
22. Lesson 6 (0:19)
23. Lesson 7 (0:35)
24. Lesson 8 (0:32)
25. Lesson 9 (0:35)
26. Lesson 10 (0:58)
27. Suzuru (4:14)
28. Taki Otoshi (8:37)

Tracks 15, 16, 27 and 28 are honkyoku pieces, the latter two played in a simplified form. Muscial notation for these pieces are not printed in the book.

Running Time: 59:20

53 pages. PG-2

Yoshinobu Taniguchi is one of the foremost living masters of shakuhachi in Japan today. In addition to having studied under three great pillars of shakuhachi -Aoki Reibo, Yamaguchi Goro and Yokoyama Katsuya - he has also mastered the playing styles and repertoire of many other shakuhachi sects. Mr. Taniguchi is a recipient of the transmission of Koden Honkyoku through Watazumido Shuso and Yokoyama Katsuya.

He has received several honors for his work in Japan including acknowledgement as top performer at the Osaka Geijutsu Sai. He was also given the honorary title of Sen Shin Kotsu Dai Shihan at the young age of 32, a title usually reserved for senior "ambassadors" of shakuhachi.

Mr. Taniguchi was Visiting Professor of Shakuhachi at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio where he taught in 1982 when he wrote this informative playing guide for his students. He presently resides in Mineyama-cho, a small city near the Sea of Japan outside of Kyoto.

Learn more about Yoshinobu Taniguchi
How to Play the Shakuhachi
How to Play Classical Shakuhachi
Recordings
Chikuzen Shakuhachi Series Sheet Music & CDs
DVD Video
Sumi-e Paintings