[ Shakuhachi | Whistle ]

Lessons Learned at Lark Camp 2006

Personal notes by Jaya R. Carl taken during classes at the Lark in the Morning World Music & Dance Celebration 2006, July 28 through August 4, 2006, Mendocino, California. Opinions expressed here are my own and do not neccesarily reflect the views of the instructors, Lark Camp or our sponsors. All errors and omissions are my sole responsibility. The words are mine and not neccesarily the instructor's unless quoted.

Shakuhachi Class ― Phil Gelb

www.PhilipGelb.com
Phil Gelb plays shakuhachi

In the mornings I studied shakuhachi, a five hole Japanese bamboo flute. Mr. Gelb brought a few student flutes for us to use during camp. The PVC flutes he had the first 2 years were awful, these molded platic flutes were playable.

The following are thoughts, ideas and lessons that came to me either in class or talking to Phil at other times.

Warm up with long long notes. As long as you can make them, pause before inhaling.
Balance the flute on the cleft of the chin, the right thumb and middle finger.
Forget about the fruits of your actions, it is not about making a sound. It is about being in the moment or right action.
Wu Chi stance is appropriate. Sazae also works well for shakuhachi practice as it provides a stable relaxed base.
All the notes from my first year still apply.
Very very light hold on the instrument.

Bodhran Class ― Steve Forman

Whistle Class ― Brian Howard

[ Shakuhachi | Bodhran Whistle ]

To Sharon & Jaya's Lark Camp packing list 2006

To Jaya's Lessons Learned at Lark Camp 2004

To Jaya's Lessons Learned at Lark Camp 2003

To Sharon and Jaya's Session Home Page

Maintained by: ireland@elbowmagic.com, we welcome comments.
Last modified: $Date: 2006/09/03 00:00:00 $