Best Shakuhachi Book
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Learning how to play Shakuhachi can be a bit challenging if you don’t have a basic understanding of its playing techniques. A lot of aspiring Shakuhachi players could not successfully learn the musical instrument because of several hurdles that seem insurmountable.
An excellent way to overcome difficulties that come with the learning of the musical instrument is by getting a good guidebook. Shakuhachi book comes with features that are aimed at developing your playing skills.
The fact is that the books are not only meant for beginner or student players, advanced and intermediate players can also learn something new from them. Apart from that, there are Shakuhachi books designed primarily for the advanced player. Anyone willing to buy such books must have had some rudimentary knowledge about the musical instrument.
What are the Best Shakuhachi Books to Buy?
2) Blowing Zen: Expanded Edition, One Breath Mind, Shakuhachi Flute Meditation
- A two-in-one book that comprises the original blowing Zen and the Blowing Zen II
- Step-by-step guide
1) Your Shakuhachi Journey: How to play the shakuhachi Japanese bamboo flute
- Written in English
- High-resolution photographs and exercises
- Twenty-eight folk songs
3) The Single Tone: A Person Journey into Shakuhachi Music
- Originally written in Japanese
- Easy-to-follow approach
- Winner of the Rennyo Award
Buying a Shakuhachi music book can be a challenging endeavor because you have a wide range of options on the market. You might find it difficult to get the ideal book that you need if you don’t have the idea of the right to buy.
To avoid such confusion, we have come up with thirteen great books on Shakuhachi. These books were carefully chosen based on several important factors. If you are looking to buy an excellent shakuhachi book, you are advised to go through the description of the books and pick the one that you desire.
Before we look at some of the essential factors that you must consider before buying a Shakuhachi book, we are going to consider the importance of this guidebook. Here are some advantages of these guidebooks:
· They are easy to follow
· They make learning easier
· Shakuhachi books are affordable
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Shakuhachi Book
As mentioned earlier, there are numerous guidebooks on the market, and you might be confused about the right book to pick if you don’t know the essential factors to consider. It is important that you look into some critical features before making your buying decision.
These elements will determine the type of book to buy in order to have an excellent value for your money. Here are some key considerations when buying a Shakuhachi book:
Price
This is one of the most important factors to consider before buying a Shakuhachi guidebook. Note that the books do not have the same price, and a high-quality book might not necessarily be costly. It is worth noting that most Shakuhachi books come at a pocket-friendly price, so you may not need to worry too much about the price of the book.
Author’s reputation
The reputation of the author matters a lot, and it is advisable to go for books written by a renowned author with several years of experience in teaching and playing of the musical instrument. The experience of the author will have a direct impact on the book quality, as well as its contents.
Reviews from past users
The comments from past users of the book will tell you whether it is worth buying or not. Users will give a positive comment when satisfied with the book. Negative reviews suggest that the book does not meet the customer’s expectations.
Contents
Before you pay for a shakuhachi book, you should glance through its content to see if it covers important topics. The contents are what make up a book, so the book is not worth buying if it contains irrelevant content.
13 Best Shakuhachi Book Reviews
1) Your Shakuhachi Journey: How to play the shakuhachi Japanese bamboo flute
If you are looking for an easy-to-follow music book on Shakuhachi, then you should consider this excellent book by Jon Kypros. He is well experienced when it comes to teaching students the playing techniques of the musical instrument.
The book is written in English, and it was published by CreateSpace Independent Publisher on February 26, 2015. Furthermore, the dimension of the Shakuhachi book measures 8.5 x 0.2 x 11 inches, and it contains 83 pages.
With this book, you will learn the fundamentals of playing the Shakuhachi. Apart from that, you will be exposed to the key aspects of playing the musical instrument.
It features high-resolution photographs, exercises, twenty-eight folk songs in shakuhachi notations, among others. You can also have access to the recording of each folk song online at Jon’s website. The book comes with everything you need to start playing the flute.
2) Blowing Zen: Expanded Edition, One Breath Mind, Shakuhachi Flute Meditation
Do you need a guide book that will help you become a professional flute player? If that is the case, then you should not underestimate this unique book. Just like the book reviewed above, this great book by Carl Abbot was published by CreateSpace Independent Publisher.
It comprises 158 pages, and the dimension of the book is 8.5 x o.4 x 11 inches. This is a two-in-one book that comprises the original blowing Zen and the Blowing Zen II. The Original blowing Zen provides a step-by-step guide from sound production to the playing of Buddhist Meditation tunes.
Furthermore, the expanded section comprises the Blowing Zen II. This section contains sheet music for additional twenty-six Hon Kyoku Compositions, more san kyoku, pitch graphs, and more Japanese music.
The Blowing Zen Companion Compact Disc contains chamber music, Japanese Folk tunes, as well as Buddhist composition. You will get the free audio and video recording of the book content at BlowingZen.com.
3) The Single Tone: A Person Journey into Shakuhachi Music
This is an excellent book by Christopher Yohmei Blasdel. The book is equipped with everything you need to start playing Shakuhachi. It was originally written in Japanese. The book was published by Printed Matter Press on January 4, 2004.
The dimension of the book is 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches, and it contains about 167 pages. The book employs an easy-to-follow approach, and it is perfect for beginner players as well as intermediate and advanced players willing to broaden their knowledge.
The author, Christopher Yohmei Blasdel, is an American, who has stayed in Japan since 1972. He has put his experience together as a player and teacher of traditional shakuhachi Bamboo flute. The author also demonstrated the universal appeal of the musical instrument by his performance around the globe, especially in places like the banquet hall of the Republic of Georgia, the jungles of Guatemala, and the Indian reservation of Mexico.
4) Shakuhachi: Fundamental Technique Guidance
Are you a beginner player looking for an excellent book to learn the Shakuhachi? If yes, then the Fundamental Technique Guidance by Masayuki Koga is your best bet. The book contains some useful advice that could be beneficial to both intermediate and advanced players. If you are looking for a fast way to learn this musical instrument, you should get this unique book.
The book’s dimension measures 8.5 x 0.2 x 11 inches, and it contains about 68 pages. The fundamental Technique Guidance by Masayuki Koga was published by CreateSpace independent publishing platform on July 24, 2016.
The book explains the playing techniques of the Shakuhachi simply and straightforwardly. Note that the book does not come with Compact Disc. If you need an excellent introductory book to Shakuhachi, then you should not hesitate to go for this Shakuhachi guide book.
5) Extract of the Master Techniques for Shakuhachi: Japanese Bamboo Flute
Are you looking for an easy-to-follow book on Shakuhachi? If that is true, then you should give the Extract of Master Techniques a try. The book was published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform on August 11, 2016.
Furthermore, the book’s dimension measures 8.5 x 0.2 x 11 inches, and it contains about 70 pages. If you desire to learn the Shakuhachi without any hassle, then you should consider this unique book by Mr. Masayuki Koga.
The music book was a compilation of the author’s 50 years’ experience in playing, teaching, and performing with the musical instrument. The book starts with the basic breathing techniques, body posture, and then to parts of the body. The body parts are divided into two, those that are visible and those that cannot be seen or touched.
The part of the body that are not visible are called inner muscles. Examples are throat, back-muscle, diaphragm, and the likes. If you aim at improving your playing skills, then you should get the Extract of the Master Techniques for Shakuhachi.
6) Shakuhachi-II Advanced: Advanced Techniques & History (volume 2)
This is an excellent book for players who aspire to learn the Shakuhachi. It features everything they need to become a better player. The book includes the history of Shakuhachi and advanced techniques of playing the musical instrument. The book is authored by Mr. Masayuki Koga, a professional shakuhachi player, and a teacher.
It is an advanced book that is specially designed for players with good knowledge of the musical instrument. Also, intermediate and beginner students will find the book helpful as it contains some vital lessons.
The Advanced Technique & History by Mr. Masayuki Koga was written in English and published by CreateSpace Independent publishing platform. Furthermore, its dimension measures 8.5 x 0.3 x 11 inches, and it contains about 106 pages.
If you need an excellent guidebook that will help you achieve your dream of becoming a better shakuhachi player, then you should not overlook this fantastic book by Mr. Masayuki Koga.
7) The Shakuhachi: Roots and Routes
This is an excellent book by Henry Johnson, and he is a professor at the University of Otago in New Zealand. He is a renowned author with several years of experience in teaching and playing musical instruments. The book comes in an easy-to-follow outline that will help beginner achieve their dream of becoming an excellent Shakuhachi player.
The book was published by Brill Academics publication on September 17, 2014. Furthermore, the dimension of the book measures 8.8 x 0.5 x 10.5 inches, and it is written in English.
This book is quite different from other books as it unravels the routes and roots of the musical instrument. Apart from that, it explains the types of instruments available, performance practice, social transmission, as well as the construction process. One of the effective ways to hone your skill as a Shakuhachi player is by going for this unique book by Henry Johnson.
8) Shakuhachi: Japanese Bamboo Flute
If you are looking for a great guide that will teach you how to play Shakuhachi, then this unique book is an exceptional option for you. It comes with a Compact Disc for enhanced learning.
The book is perfect for intermediate as well as beginner players that desire to learn the art of Shakuhachi. It was published by the Japanese Music Institute of America on January 1, 1978. The book is written in English, and it comprises 152 pages.
With this excellent book by Mr. Koga, you are sure to become a better player in no distant time. It features lessons and practice that will remain relevant in years to come.
The author employs a step-by-step approach; he starts with a simple exercise for beginners and then moves to advanced lessons. When you get this Shakuhachi guidebook, you will learn tremendously from Mr. Koga’s wealth of experience.
9) JMI Shakuhachi Performing Repertoire Book (Volume 1)
JMI Shakuhachi Performing Repertoire was published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform on July 27, 2016. The book contains about 34 pages, and its dimension measures 8.5 x 0.1 x 11 inches. It is a versatile performing guidebook that is perfect for concerts and other types of performances.
Apart from that, the book is easy to understand. It is designed for all categories of players. Whether you are a student player, intermediate or advanced player, you are sure to learn something new from the JMI Shakuhachi Performing Repertoire.
The book is written in Kinko-styled Shakohachi notation. It comprises nine pieces for up to 40 minutes of stage performance. There are also bonus pieces prepared for members of JMI.
10) JMI Performing Repertoire Book Volume II JMI Shakuhachi
Are you aiming at becoming a professional Shakuhachi player? If that is true, then you should not take the JMI Performing Repertoire Book Volume II for granted. The book was published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform on August 18, 2016. It was written in English, and its dimension measures 8.5 x 0.1 x 11 inches. Volume II is designed to build on the knowledge acquired in the first book.
Furthermore, the book is perfect for all categories of players. If you intend to improve your playing skills, then you should get the Volume II of the JMI Performing Repertoire Book. The book comes with everything you need to start playing on your own.
11) Shakuhachi by John Kaizan Neptune
The Shakuhachi book by Kaizan Neptune was designed to give players the information they need to become an excellent player. The author adopts a sequential approach, starting from elementary to fairly advanced lessons.
The book is carefully structured to offer the maximum advantage to readers. It uses both western and Shakuhachi music notations, which makes comparison easy for anyone familiar with the notations.
The book was published by John Neptune on January 1, 1994, and its dimension measures 10.1 x 7.1 x 0.2 inches. It is written English. The information in the book is easy to understand, and it becomes clearer as you practice the exercises.
If you devote your time to study and practice the exercises in this book, you are sure to become an excellent player in no time.
12) The Shakuhachi Path for Beginners
Are you a beginner player willing to learn Shakuhachi without any hassle? If that is your desire, then you can achieve your goal with The Shakuhachi Path for Beginners. The book is designed for beginner players who do not have any knowledge about the musical instrument.
The Shakuhachi Path for Beginners is a guide for westerners that desires to explore the tradition and learn the musical instrument. The book was published on January 1, 2011, by Lulu publishing.
The book was authored by Greg Bartlet. Furthermore, the book is comprehensive, and it is easy to follow. If you need a fantastic music book that will walk you through the path of Shakuhachi, then you have to consider The Shakuhachi Path for Beginners.
13) Shakuhachi: The Coolest Instrument in the World
This unique book was published independently on January 11, 2019. It contains about 120 pages. The dimension of the book is 7.4 x 0.3 x 9.7 inches, and it is written in English. The book is designed for all categories of players.
It can be used to jot down school work, keep notes, and also as a personal journal. Apart from that, you can present it as a gift to family and friends that love to play the musical instrument.
If you are a Shakuhachi player, or you are just starting to learn the musical instrument, this instrumental notebook will serve as a helpful companion. It is designed to make life easy for all Shakuhachi players.
Choosing the Best Shakuhachi Books
Apart from making life easier for learners, Shakuhachi guidebooks help to develop their playing skills faster than they ever imagined. However, to enjoy the benefits of this book, it is essential that you take time and choose the right one.
2) Blowing Zen: Expanded Edition, One Breath Mind, Shakuhachi Flute Meditation
- A two-in-one book that comprises the original blowing Zen and the Blowing Zen II
- Step-by-step guide
1) Your Shakuhachi Journey: How to play the shakuhachi Japanese bamboo flute
- Written in English
- High-resolution photographs and exercises
- Twenty-eight folk songs
3) The Single Tone: A Person Journey into Shakuhachi Music
- Originally written in Japanese
- Easy-to-follow approach
- Winner of the Rennyo Award
We have reviewed thirteen excellent Shakuhachi books, and also give you some important factors to consider when going for this musical instrument. Most importantly, you must select a book that is suitable for skill level, consider the contents of the book.
Furthermore, you can as well go through the descriptions of our best Shakuhachi books and pick the one that seems perfect for you based on the critical factors that we have discussed above.