European Sakuhachi Society Summer School, July 28 - 31 2011, London

European Sakuhachi Society Summer School
July 28 - 31 2011
SOAS, London, UK

About the ESS Summer School 2011
The Japanese, vertical end-blown bamboo flute, the Shakuhachi, has become an icon of traditional Japanese music. The beautiful, mystical sound of the bamboo attracts world-wide interest, from those cultivating Japanese aesthetics all the way to avant-garde composers.

The Shakuhachi came to Japan from China in the 8th century and during the Edo period (1603 - 1867) it became to be used as a tool for meditation by Zen Buddhist priests in order to reach enlightenment, but it is now used in a wide variety of musical forms and styles. Whatever approach to the instrument one chooses to take, the aim of the ESS Summer School at SOAS is to create an environment where many of the different schools and styles of Shakuhachi playing can be explored and their differences celebrated.
An Exciting Programme: Shakuhachi, Koto and Shamisen

We are hoping that by creating a space for all Shakuhachi players, as well as for Koto and Shamisen players, to get together, we can enhance an interest in these beautiful instruments, share experiences, widen an understanding of different styles of music and develop playing techniques.

The programme consists of four days of intensive study and playing, evening performances, including a students’ concert, and talks on different aspects of Shakuhachi. The programme will be broken down into two day blocks to enable participants to access a wide variety of offerings or to focus on the same specific genres for the whole four days, but with different pieces.

Shakuhachi students can choose from a number of courses including:
- min’yō (folk song),
- honkyoku (the traditional Zen Buddhist repertoire),
- traditional and modern sankyoku (ensemble music) accompanied by:
Koto (13 stringed zither) and
Shamisen (3-string long-necked lute),
- Shakuhachi in enka (popular music genre).

There will also be sessions on effective practice and the spiritual approach to playing.

For the first time, the Summer School will feature two 2-day intensive workshops on making your own Shakuhachi. This is an exciting opportunity to try something new. Numbers are restricted and places will be allocated on the basis of the date of application.

Opportunity To Learn The Koto and Shamisen

The Summer School will also provide classes on learning the Koto and the Shamisen.
The Koto (13 string zither) came to Japan as a part of the court music imported from China via Korea in the 8th century. The Koto later came to be a symbol of the new urban merchant class in 18th century chamber music and has developed a wide and exciting repertoire of new, contemporary music.

The Shamisen (3 stringed lute) arrived in Japan via the Ryûkyū Islands during the 16th century. During the Edo period (1603-1867), the Shamisen developed into perhaps Japan`s most versatile instrument, used in a range of different contexts from min’yō (folk song) to theatrical genres including bunraku and kabuki and as an accompaniment to songs in the traditional entertainment districts.

Cost of the ESS Summer School
The ESS Summer School 2011 runs over four days, Thursday 28th - Sunday 31st July.
Note: The costs for the ESS Summer School are lower for ESS members. You can join the ESS online.

The costs for the ESS Summer School are as follows:
ESS Summer School (Shakuhachi)
Full: £165
Concession and ESS members: £145
Koto / Shamisen Course
Full: £80
Concession: £60
Shakuhachi Making Workshop
The Shakuhachi Making Workshops will incur additional costs, over and above the cost of the ESS Summer School. The extra costs cover materials and equipment.

As well as booking a place on the ESS Summer School with SOAS, if you wish to attend the Shakuhachi Making Workshop, you will need to book a workshop place with the ESS.

For further information, please visit ESS website here