SHAKUHACHI


WHAT IS THE SHAKUHACHI?

 
The Shakuhachi is a Japanese bamboo flute.  It is a pentatonic instrument (based on the 5-note scale) of very basic construction, with no keys or complicated mouthpiece.  Essentially, it is a simple piece of bamboo, still showing vestiges of the roots which allow it to remain energetically connected to the earth.  Only the barest minimum is taken from the bore for tuning purposes, allowing the player to achieve the atmospheric sound for which it is renowned.

 

The Shakuhachi originally came to Japan from China.  It was adopted by the Fuke sect of Zen Buddhist monks and used by them as a form of meditation (‘suizen’ – blowing zen, as opposed to ‘zazen’ - sitting zen). 

 

Today, although the original music of the monks remains an important part of the Shakuhachi repertoire, the instrument is also used in folk music, ensemble playing and is still written for today by contemporary composers in the West and Japan.

 

It is a beautiful instrument and its sound has captivated me since I first heard it over 20 years ago.

 

 

 

 

 

STEPHANIE HILLER – SHAKUHACHI PLAYER

I began playing the Shakuhachi in 1985, after discovering this unusual instrument whilst studying music at Dartington College of Arts.  Here, I was fortunate to begin lessons with Yoshikazu Iwamoto, a visiting teacher from Japan.  Since that time, I have studied with several other teachers and expanded my repertoire to include music of various traditional styles, Japanese folk music (Minyo), improvisation, and compositions of my own.

 

I enjoy exploring the range of sounds that the Shakuhachi has to offer, although my first love will always be the traditional repertoire of the Zen monks.

 

I give Shakuhachi performances in concerts and events around the South West (see ‘Events’ for details).  I also use this instrument in my work as a Sound Therapist (see ‘Sound Therapy’ and also ‘Info on Calendar Events’ for more details.

 

I AM AVAILABLE FOR:

·        Weddings

·        Garden Parties

·        Dinner Parties

·        Celebrations

·        Ceremonies

·        Funerals

·        Concerts

 

Please do contact me if you would like to know more.

 

For further information and/or bookings

please phone:
01749 689114
Or e-mail:
enquiries@StephanieHiller.co.uk

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