At my first lesson with Michael Chikuzen Gould, I was so nervous I could barely get a sound out of my shakuhachi! However, I immediately found Michael to be a very kind, patient and relaxed person and I too relaxed into the lesson rather quickly. I have been enjoying studying with Michael ever since. Sometimes I ask him to play sankyoku pieces with me and at other times he guides me through the subtleties of honkyoku pieces. I always appreciate his flexibility, care for his students and relaxed attitude.
– Neil Steven Cohen / Naljor Creations
I recently had my first online shakuhachi lesson with Michael Chikuzen Gould. I learned a great deal even on the first lesson and have playing exercises to work on in between lessons. The shakuhachi lesson was fun and enjoyable! Even though Michael was providing a lot of information and guidance, the interchange was relaxed and easy. I am looking forward to more lessons with Michael and am excited to finally begin learning how to play my wonderful shakuhachi.
– D. Kay / Oklahoma
Private Online Shakuhachi Lessons
with Grand Master
Michael Chikuzen Gould
Michael Chikuzen Gould is now offering private online shakuhachi lessons, using computer video conferencing, for domestic and international students!
Shakuhachi lessons are being offered for beginners to advanced players, in the traditions of Do-kyoku, Meian, Kinko and modern compositions for koto and shakuhachi.
Have you been wanting a shakuhachi teacher to guide you in your practice? U.S. and international students of shakuhachi, you can now have private shakuhachi lessons with a master player and teacher in the comfort of your own home or office.
This is an excellent way to learn shakuhachi and refine your practice with a teacher. Michael Chikuzen Gould will email you files, and send you CDs containing the shakuhachi pieces that you will be studying.
Click here to watch Michael Chikuzen Gould
in concert on YouTube
Here is what you will need to get started with your online shakuhachi lessons with Michael:
1) Skype – Download Skype free of charge and set up your screen name and account. It is very simple. You will be able to talk and have a live video conference with anyone, free of charge, anywhere in the world.
2) Webcam – If you do not already have one, you will need to purchase a webcam. There are various qualities, but you can purchase a decent one for about $50 US. You may want to consider purchasing a webcam with a built-in microphone. Set up the webcam with your computer and this will allow you to have a quality two-way video shakuhachi lesson with Michael.
3) Microphone – You will need a microphone to sit on your desk if your webcam or computer does not already have one built in. Or you can use a headset with a built-in microphone, so your hands are free to play your shakuhachi during your video lesson.
4) Paypal account – If you do not already have one, you may open a free Paypal account. In this way, you can easily send a payment to Michael for one or more shakuhachi lessons so you can get started right away. You may also send a check or money order to pay for your lessons.
5) Contact Michael Chikuzen Gould – You may purchase your shakuhachi lessons by contacting Michael Gould either by phone or email to arrange lesson times and details.
– Shakuhachi Grand Master –
Michael Chikuzen Gould
Michael Chikuzen Gould began learning the shakuhachi tradition of Do-kyoku (songs transmitted from Watazumi-do) in 1982 in Kyoto, Japan under the guidance of world renowned masters Mr. Yoshinobu Taniguchi and Mr. Yokoyama Katsuya. In 1991 he earned the title of Dai Shihan (Grand Master), one of only a half dozen non-native Japanese to do so.
Shakuhachi, the Zen bamboo flute of Japan, has a history of more than 1,200 years in Japan where it arrived with the influx of Buddhism in the 7th century. Steeped in the way of Zen culture, the shakuhachi is not merely a “musical” instrument in the western sense. The roots of shakuhachi lie in chanting and meditation, as it was used as a tool for spiritual training by mendicant monks of the Fuke Zen Sect.
Michael Chikuzen Gould, now based in Cleveland, as the only accredited teacher in the Midwest, is continuing the transmission of this Zen music by offering private lessons, workshops and intensive weekend retreats.After returning to the U.S., Chikuzen taught Zen Buddhism and Shakuhachi at the University of Michigan, Oberlin College, and Wittenberg University. One of the most prolific performers outside of Japan, Chikuzen has presented over 500 solo concerts and has also played with traditional Japanese music ensembles, Taiko drumming groups, Chinese harp, and pipe organ, among others. He appeared in the world premiere of the opera ‘Madame Butterfly’ using Japanese instruments, and with the prestigious Dance Company of Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan. He has performed at numerous universities and art museums throughout the U.S., as well as locally at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance Hall, and the dedication of the Peter B. Lewis School of Management building, designed by Frank Gehry.
Michael Chikuzen Gould
Website: www.chikuzenstudios.com